Medalist Trumpets

Introduced in 1961 by Reynolds/RMC, the Medalist trumpet replaced the Roth model as the low-end student instrument in the catalog. 1961-1963 models were produced by E.K. Blessing for Reynolds in Elkhart, Indiana. After the merger with Olds in 1964, Medalist models had a great deal in common with the Olds Ambassador models.

1961-1964

Model	Size	Description	Example
TU-58	Bore: .470″ Bell: TBD	Medalist B♭ Trumpet | Bell: brass bell | Body: brass with nickel-silver braces | Valves: top-loaded, inner-spring valves | Finish: TBD
		Same as above except with nickel-silver tuning slides (same as Model TU-58 below)

1964-1979

Model	Size	Description	Example
TU-58	Bore: .460″ Bell: 4¾”	Medalist B♭ Trumpet | Bell: brass bell | Body: brass with nickel-silver tuning slides | Valves: top-loaded, inner-spring valves | Finish: polished brass with baked epoxy coating
TU-58T	Bore: TBD Bell: TBD	Medalist B♭ Trumpet | Same as above with first-valve slide “trigger”

Notes and Quotes

1966 Reynolds catalog:

Created for students, but with most of the features usually found only on higher-priced instruments: Contempora-type valve system; five-piece mouthpiece-to-bell bracing; solid nickel-silver tubing on the outside of all movable tuning slides; three-piece solid nickel-silver water key with machined bridge. Professional mouthpiece, music lyre and modern case included.

1970 Reynolds catalog:

The Medalist offers the student musician features usually found only in higher-priced horns. Features like: top loaded innerspring valves, ‘live’ bell, and a professional mouthpiece. Each of these important considerations was a factor in determining the acoustical design of the Medalist. Easy-blowing characteristics do not hamper the output. A minimum of breath produces a large, full sound.

1977 Reynolds catalog:

The Medalist is carefully crafted to permit the student to progress to the best of his natural ability. Easy blowing characteristics do not hamper output. A minimum of breath, through the tapered mouthpipe, produces a large, full sound. The smooth valve action responds to the lightest, fastest touch.