Reynolds / Contempora Baritones

1936-1949

Model	Size	Description	Example
TBD	Bore: .560″ Bell: 10″	Reynolds Baritone | Bell: fixed upright bell | Body: brass | Valves: three (3) top-action piston valves | Finish: clear lacquer, also silverplate
		Reynolds Baritone | Same as above, with four (4) top-action piston valves
120	Bore: TBD Bell: TBD	Reynolds Baritone | Bell: removeable forward-facing bell | Body: brass with nickel-silver valve caps and trim | Valves: three (3) side-action piston valves | Finish: TBD

1949-1964

The Reynolds baritones were rebranded as Contempora models c.1950; the instruments were the same, simply rebranded under new Roth ownership.  

1964-1970

In the 1960s, the Contempora baritones were produced at the Abilene plant and were similar if not identical to the Olds Studio baritone models. Manufacturing moved to Fullerton in 1971 after Norlin sold the Abilene plant to Conn.

Model	Size	Description	Example
BR-01	Bore: .560″ Bell: 11¼”	Contempora Diatonic Baritone with “Tune-As-You-Play” mechanism | Bell: removable front-facing bell | Valves: three side-action piston valves | Finish: highly polished brass with epoxy coating	No photo available
BR-02	Bore: .560″ Bell: 11¼”	Contempora Diatonic Baritone with “Tune-As-You-Play” mechanism | same as model BR-01 with fourth valve
BR-03	Bore: .560″ Bell: 11¼”	Contempora Diatonic Baritone with “Tune-As-You-Play” mechanism | Bell: removable upright bell | Valves: three side-action piston valves | Finish: highly polished brass with epoxy coating	No photo available
BR-04	Bore: .560″ Bell: 11¼”	Contempora Diatonic Baritone with “Tune-As-You-Play” mechanism | same as model BR-03 with fourth valve	No photo available
BR-05	Bore: .560″ Bell: 11¼”	Contempora Baritone | Bell: removeable bell front | Valves: three side-action piston valves | Finish: highly polished brass with epoxy coating
BR-06	Bore: .560″ Bell: 11¼”	Contempora Baritone | same as model BR-05 with fourth valve	No photo available
BR-07	Bore: .560″ Bell: 11¼”	Contempora Baritone | Bell: removable upright bell | Valves: three side-action piston valves | Finish: highly polished brass with epoxy coating
BR-08	Bore: .560″ Bell: 11¼”	Contempora Baritone | same as model BR-07 with fourth valve	No photo available

1971-1979

Only a limited number of the baritone models above were produced after Reynolds moved all production to the Olds plant in 1971. Diatonic Models BR-01 and BR-02 below were only produced through c.1973 and do not appear in 1974 or 1977 Reynolds catalogs.

Notes and Quotes

1953, 1958, 1959: “The beauty and individuality of the counter-melodic baritone parts demands a superlative instrument … the Reynolds Contempora Baritone. Full rich tone; and, most important, an ease of playing that allows the performer tremendous freedom with difficult passages. The Contempora Baritone can speak above the entire band, yet execute pianissimo passages that blend perfectly in ensemble playing.”

1953, 1958, 1959: “Reynolds DIATONIC ‘Tune-As-You-Play’ Baritone Model 120-H. The baritone of perfect intonation. Compensating mechanism on tuning slide achieves complete control of all registers. Adopted by leading university and college bands. Complete in shaped case.”

1966 Reynolds catalog: “[Diatonic Models BR-01/02 are] the finest of all Reynolds Baritones, with a truly magnificent range and tone. Exclusive adjustable double-action compensating mechanism on main tuning slide enables performer to raise or lower pitch of any note within the entire range of the instrument. Removeable bell front.”

1966 Reynolds catalog: “Outstanding concert baritones, remarkable for producing tremendous power and tonal color with relatively little effort. Removable bell front.”

1977 Reynolds catalog: “Mellow tone quality, quiet valve action and flawless response make this baritone an instrument for the advanced student musician. Features hand-lapped valves and rapid response. [BR-061] features four valves for increased range and flexibility. Free blowing with a mellow tone quality, high response and excellent intonation. Hand-lapped valves for smooth action.”