The earliest Emperor horns were introduced in the early 1960s and may have been based on the Roth model.
1961-1964
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.
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.