Reynolds / Contempora Baritones

Because the "F.A. Reynolds" engraving on baritones (and other background and low brass instruments) is the same between domestic models and models created for the U.S. Army (see below), it is difficult to say whether an example was made for one or the other unless you can clearly see the "U.S." engraving near the bell rim (or not). I've included models below where the "U.S." is not visible and models where it is in the WW2 section, knowing that they may actually be the same.

The Contempora line launched in 1949 with new trumpet and bass trombone models, followed by cornet and tenor trombone. A year later, most original "F.A. Reynolds" instruments had been rebranded on paper as "Contempora" instruments, including the Baritones, though they were frequently referred to as "Reynolds baritones" throughout the 1950s. It is undetermined if the "Contempora" name was engraved prior to 1952 (Roth-Reynolds), so many of these instruments may look the same as the F.A. Reynolds models.

The core Reynolds baritone line consisted of upright bell and bell front models, each with either three or four standard piston valves. As early as c.1950, Reynolds was experimenting with additional tuning mechanisms that provided finer pitch control than normally available through setting each valve's tuning slides. Model 120T added a tuning trigger to compensate individual notes played with the first valve—a similar mechanism had been added to Contempora trumpets and cornets. Model 120H attached a mechanism to the main tuning slide, the function of which was adapted to the trumpets and cornets on the "Diatonic" models, later "Renascence".

After 1952, the baritones should be engraved with "Contempora" and "Made by Roth-Reynolds". Model 120T does not appear to have lasted long, though a similarly described trigger appears on low brass tubas and recording basses in the 1950s.

Sometime after Richards Music purchased Reynolds in 1961, the product catalog was reorganized. Old model numbers were replaced with a new scheme that incorporated an abbreviation for the type of instrument, e.g. "FE" for French Horn, and a hierarchal numbering system that reflected the grade of instrument, e.g. "01" for top-level artist instruments, "56" for student horns. To the best of knowledge, the instrument specifications did not change, just the model numbers. The new numbering system was used for the rest of the company's history.

After CMI purchased the assets to Reynolds, background and low brass instruments were produced at the Reynolds factory in Abilene, Texas. There were slight adjustments to the model specifications compared to the Cleveland instruments.

In 1970, Reynolds merged production lines with Olds in Fullerton and sold the Abilene plant to Conn. In most cases, a horn would come off the California production line and become either a Reynolds- or Olds-branded instrument based on detailing and finish.