1970s: ReynOlds

1970-71: In an apparent effort to trim operating costs, Norlin consolidated all Reynolds and Olds production at the Olds plant in Fullerton and sold the Abilene plant to Conn¹. In most cases, a basic horn would come off the production line and become either a Reynolds- or Olds-branded instrument based on detailing and finish [cf. the Olds Pinto and Reynolds Ranger trumpets made in the early 1970s]. Reynolds instruments made in Fullerton after this point are engraved with “Made in USA”.

The sales level of Reynolds instruments was maintained with emphasis on the established reputation for quality combined with strategic introduction of special features like high-register models, 1st valve trigger and even an ebony lacquer finish option on trumpets at one time. (Richard Dundas)

Mid 1970s: The Reynolds catalog changed considerably in the 1970s as both Olds and Reynolds continued to merge all aspects of operations. The basic product lineup consisted of Contempora, Emperor and/or Medalist models, as well as other specialty models that appeared (and disappeared) for short periods of time.

One of the latter lineups was the Onyx line of trumpets, cornets, trombones, flutes and clarinets produced at the Olds plant from ca.1974-76. A “black nickel” finish contrasted with the nickel silver used on the tuning slides and valve tops/caps. Based on model numbering and documented serial numbers, it appears that the nickel-plated Onyx line was introduced as a cheaper manufacturing replacement for the more difficult and expensive solid nickel-silver Argenta model line (last seen on a 1973 price list) The Emperor models were also nickel-plated at this time.

1978: The Olds/Reynolds business was placed up for sale, but Norlin was unable to attract any bidders.

1979: Finally unable to compete in the changing market dynamics of low-cost foreign competition and decreasing school budgets, production officially stopped at the Fullerton plant in July 1979 and all remaining equipment and parts were auctioned off in November.

At the auction, Allied Supply Corporation (now Getzen) purchased a ten year supply of all parts except for bugles – some parts remain available even today. Selmer/ Bach purchased tooling for all marching brass and large horns, e.g. baritones, tubas, etc. The Olds and Reynolds trade names were purchased and are marketed by their current owner (P.J. Laplaca Assoc., Ltd.) with manufacturing based in Elkhart (Blessing), Holland and other locations.

¹Conn moved their professional brasswind production from Elkhart, Indiana to the fomer Reynolds plant in Abilene. Conn operated the Abilene plant from 1971 until 1986 when production was moved to the former King plant in Eastlake, Ohio as part of the new United Musical Instruments (UMI) corporation (now Conn-Selmer). Conn historians are quite critical of the variable quality of the instruments produced during the Abilene operation.

²Richard Dundas, “Twentieth Century Brass Musical Instruments in the United States”.