Emperor Cornets

Introduced c.1950, the Emperor cornet was Reynolds’ intermediate horn and a step up from the Roth model. The Emperor was targeted at advanced student musicians and community band players.

c.1950-1964

The Emperor model line included the “Tone Tempered” model (with nickel-silver bell flare) that had been previously part of the Roth model line. It is assumed that the Roth line was split to create a “good-better-best” catalog offering of Roth, Emperor and Professional/Contempora models, respectively. A brass-bell model was also available, with nickel silver trim being the main visible difference from the Roth model.

Model	Size	Description	Example
10	Bore: .458″ Bell: 4¾”	Emperor Cornet | Bell: brass bell with nickel-silver bell flare | Body: brass with nickel silver tuning slides | Valves: hand-lapped, nickel-silver valves | Finish: clear lacquer finish; optional silverplate with bright bell or gold bell finish
10-B	Bore: .458″ Bell: 4¾”	Emperor Cornet | Bell: brass bell | Body: brass with nickel silver tuning slides | Valves: hand-lapped, nickel-silver valves | Finish: clear lacquer finish; optional silverplate with bright bell or gold bell finish
		In conjunction with the premiere of Warner Bros.’ motion picture, Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man” (1962), RMC/Reynolds sponsored “The Music Man Contest” for individual musicians between ages 8-18, with national, regional and local award winners. “Official Music Man” models of the brass-bell Emperor trumpet, cornet and trombone were produced in conjunction with the contest.

1964-1970

Model	Size	Description	Example
CR-52	Bore: .458″ Bell: 4¾”	Emperor Cornet | Bell: brass bell with nickel-silver bell flare | Body: brass with nickel silver leadpipe, tuning slides and valve casings | Valves: TBD | Finish: polished brass with epoxy finish

1971-1979

Model	Size	Description	Example
CR-50	Bore: .468″ Bell: 4¾”	Emperor Cornet | Body: brass | Valves: TBD | Finish: nickel plate

Notes and Quotes

1953 Roth-Reynolds catalog: “Reynolds Emperor Models in medium bore produce that clear, crisp tone musicians and audiences thrill to hear. Beautifully designed with a fine tapered bore that makes playing as effortless as possible. Dependable and fast action produced by solid nickel silver valves that are individually hand-lapped for perfect adjustment. Trimmed in nickel silver for beauty and to prevent wear at every possible point of contact with hand or case. Available in deluxe model with nickel silver “Silver-Flare” bell or with solid brass bell.”

1958, 1959 Roth-Reynolds catalog: “The instrument to give dependable performance for many years. Hand-lapped valves of nickel silver, medium bore for easy blowing and brilliant, clear tone. Trimmed in nickel silver at all points of contact with hand or case for maximum wear. Solid brass bell complete with Gladstone case, C-110.”

1966 Reynolds catalog: “The professional grade student instrument, alike in features to our Emperor TU-52 Trumpet. The best cornet made for rapid development of student tone and technique. Professional mouthpiece, music lyre and modern case included.”

1970 Reynolds catalog: “The Emperor is the finest student cornet on the market. Characteristic qualities are like that of a more expensive, professional model. Outstanding intonation; exceptional carrying power; and lightning-fast response make the Emperor the choice of all serious students. The Nickel-Silver outer slide, tubes, mouthpipe and bell flare combined with highly polished brass give an attractive two-tone appearance.”

1977 Reynolds catalog: “The Emperor has been designed for the advanced student. Easy to play in all registers. Outstanding intonation, exceptional carrying power and rapid response make the CR-50 the choice of serious students and performers.”