Emperor Horns

The earliest Emperor horns were introduced in the early 1960s and may have been based on the Roth model.

1961-1964

Model	Size	Description	Example
FE-56	Bore: TBD Bell: TBD	Emperor Single Horn in F | Valves: three rotary valves | Materials: brass, nickel silver valve tubing and keys| Finish: TBD
FE-57	Bore: TBD Bell: TBD	Emperor Single Horn in B♭ | Valves: three rotary valves | Materials: brass, nickel silver valve tubing and keys| Finish: TBD	No photo available

1964-1979

The Emperor Models produced at the Olds plant in Fullerton after 1964 were rebranded Olds Ambassador horns. According to Bernie Marston, the Ambassadors were also sold as Reynolds Emperor horns in order to keep the dealer network of both Olds and Reynolds intact.

Model	Size	Description	Example
FE-56	Bore: .468″ Bell: 12″	Emperor Single Horn in F | Valves: three rotary valves; E♭ slide available separately | Materials: brass | Finish: baked epoxy finish | Note: same as Olds Ambassador, Model A-45
FE-57	Bore: .468″ Bell: 12″	Emperor Single Horn in B♭ | Valves: three rotary valves | Materials: brass | Finish: baked epoxy finish | Note: same as Olds Ambassador, Model A-48

Notes and Quotes

1966 Reynolds catalog:

Designed and priced for student use, with great flexibility in range and faithful tonal reproduction. Feature trouble-free rotary valves with built-in oil reservoirs; plated valve levers and durable corrosion-resistant brass finish. E♭ slide for F horn available at slight extra cost.

1977 Reynolds catalog:

The student French horn [FE-56] with the characteristic qualities and features of more expensive professional models. Remarkable flexibility in range and consistent tonal reproduction make this French horn the choice of serious students. The Emperor features rotary valves with built-in oil reservoirs, plated valve levers and durable corrosion-resistant brass finish. Optional E♭ slide available at slight extra cost.

1977 Reynolds catalog:

A student model French horn that permits the student to achieve greater accuracy in the upper range without observable change in tone color. Rapid progress is made as a result of the special acoustical and structural design. The FE-57 features quiet, floating rotary valves with built-in oil reservoirs, plated valve levers and a durable, corrosion-resistant brass finish.