1936-1949
1949-1964
The Reynolds baritones were rebranded as Contempora models c.1950; the instruments were the same, simply rebranded under new Roth ownership.
Model | Size | Description | Example |
110 | Bore: .560″ Bell: 11¼” |
Contempora Baritone | Bell: upright bell | Valves: three side-action piston valves | Finish: polished brass with lacquer finish; silverplated bright bell or silverplated gold bell finishes were available at an additional cost | No photo available |
Contempora Baritone | Same as above with top-action piston valves | No photo available | ||
120 | Bore: .560″ Bell: 11¼” |
Contempora Baritone | Bell: removable front-facing bell | Valves: three side-action piston valves | Finish: polished brass with lacquer finish; silverplated bright bell or silverplated gold bell finishes were available at an additional cost | No photo available |
120-H | Bore: .560″ Bell: 11¼” |
Contempora DIATONIC Baritone with “Tune-As-You-Play” mechanism | Bell: removable bell front | Valves: three side-action piston valves | Finish: polished brass with lacquer finish; silverplated bright bell or silverplated gold bell finishes were available at an additional cost | No photo available |
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.
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.
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 | No photo available |
BR-051 | Bore: .560″ Bell: 11¼” |
Contempora Baritone | Bell: removeable bell front | Valves: three side-action piston valves | Finish: highly polished brass with epoxy coating | No photo available |
BR-061 | Bore: .560″ Bell: 11¼” |
Contempora Baritone | same as model BR-051 with fourth valve | No photo available |
BR-091 | Bore: .560″ Bell: 11¼” |
Contempora Baritone | Bell: fixed bell front | Valves: three side-action piston valves | Finish: highly polished brass with epoxy coating | No photo available |
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.”