Contempora DIATONIC / Renascence Trumpets

Contempora trumpets and cornets with “Diatonic” compensating tuning mechanisms were available in the early 1950s, if not earlier. Unlike the standard Contempora models, which had a trigger mechanism connected to the first-valve slide, Diatonic models with the “Tune-As-You-Play” (TAYP) mechanism featured a trigger connected to the main tuning slide that allowed any note to be adjusted as the instrument was played. Trumpet in C models were added to the catalog in 1959.

The “Contempora Diatonic” trumpets were rebranded as “Renascence” models in 1959 and went out of production as early as 1961 when Reynolds was sold to RMC.

1949-1961
Model Size Description Example
42-L Bore: .462″
Bell: 4-5/8″
Length: 21½”		 Contempora DIATONIC B♭ Trumpet | “Tune-As-You-Play” mechanism instead of first-valve trigger | Bell: Bronz-o-lyte bell with nickel-silver tone ring | Body: brass with nickel-silver valve casings and trim | Valves: top-loaded, inner-spring Monel valve pistons | Finish: clear lacquer finish; optional silverplate with bright bell or gold bell finish SN 53606. Photos used with permission from Doug Teeter (eBay Member: old-tooter-1).
44-L Bore: .462″
Bell: 4-5/8″
Length: 21½”		 Contempora DIATONIC C Trumpet | “Tune-As-You-Play” mechanism instead of first-valve trigger | Bell: Bronz-o-lyte bell with nickel-silver tone ring | Body: brass with nickel-silver valve casings and trim | Valves: top-loaded, inner-spring Monel valve pistons | Finish: clear lacquer finish; optional silverplate with bright bell or gold bell finish | Note: in the late 1950s, the Contempora DIATONIC trumpet was rebranded as the “Renascence” model Model 42L. 1959 Roth-Reynolds catalog.
44-M Bore: .458″
Bell: 4-5/8″
Length: 21½”		 Contempora C Trumpet | Same as Model 44-L with smaller bore size No photo available
Notes and Quotes

1953, 1958, 1959 Roth-Reynolds (Renascence model):

A truly sensational trumpet with ‘tune-as-you-play’ mechanism. Its amazing tuning features, superb tonal qualities and unlimited flexibility have made the ‘Renascence’ trumpet in a comparatively short period of time the choice of the country’s most discriminating musicians.

  • The Reynolds Renascence Trumpets and Cornets equipped with Diatonic 'Tune As You Play' are instruments which can be played perfectly in tune. Their sensitivity and response give the feeling of playing through the horn rather than to the horn, and with exceptional valve action the most difficult passages become graceful and fluent. Any serious student or teacher of trumpet and cornet who has not experienced the versatility of the Reynolds Renascence instruments has a treat in store when putting them through their paces."
    -- John Haynie, North Texas St. College