Flugelhorns

Reynolds Flugelhorns are divided into two periods of instruments. They were initially introduced under RMC ownership in the early 1960s and are identical in design to the flugelhorns from Martin Band Instruments (also owned by RMC). After CMI purchased Reynolds in 1964, the Reynolds flugelhorn is identical to the Olds Model L-12. In both cases, the design is a rare instance of an instrument not originally created by Reynolds.

1961-1964

RMC/Reynolds (Cleveland, Ohio)

Based on design details, it is likely that the Reynolds flugelhorn models in the early 1960's were produced by Martin (under the RMC umbrella, with Martin serial numbers) and sold as Reynolds instruments.

Model FU-11

Reynolds Contempora Fluegel Horn

Bronze alloy bell; brass body with nickel-silver outer slide tubing and mouthpiece receiver

"The very finest fluegel horn that a professional musician can own, the Contempora has a truly traditional breadth of tonal color. The finest metals, precision design and engineering and workmanship go into this model. Fixed mouthpiece receiver and cornet-style tuning slide for permanent acoustical perfection eliminates need for mouthpiece tuning bits. Bronze-alloy bell."

c.1963 RMC/Reynolds catalog

Emperor Fluegel Horn, Model FU-52 [SN 216812, RMC]

Model FU-52

Reynolds Emperor Fluegel Horn

Brass bell and body with nickel-silver mouthpiece receiver.

"A fine sounding and smooth-playing instrument for student or professional organizations. Its dark and mellow beauty of sound will add dimension to tone color wherever the style of music dictates. Tone separation made easier for students through special acoustical engineering. Fixed mouthpiece receiver and cornet-style tuning slide for permanent acoustical perfection eliminates the need for mouthpiece tuning bits."

1964-1970

Reynolds (Fullerton, Calif.; Abilene, Texas)

After CMI purchased the assets to Reynolds, trumpets, cornets, trombones and French horns were made at the Olds factory in Fullerton, Calif. There were slight adjustments to the model specifications compared to the Cleveland instruments. The Reynolds Emperor Flugelhorn was based on the Olds Flugelhorn Model L-12. Otherwise identical, the Olds model features a Re-O-Loy red-brass bell while the Reynolds model uses standard yellow brass.

Model FU-52

Emperor Flugelhorn

Bore: .437"
Bell: 5¾" brass
Materials: polished brass
Finish: polished brass with clear epoxy coating

Emperor Flugelhorn, Model FU-52 [SN 226824]. Photos used with permission from Clay Collins (eBay Member: centex-brass).

Looks, sounds and feels like the traditional artist-grade fluegel horn, but in the intermediate price range. All brass, its dark, mellow tone enhances the concert brass choir, casts the spell of 'that old brass magic' in jazz solo work. Combination mouthpiece receiver and tuning slide eliminate bore-disrupting mouthpiece tuning bits. Mouthpiece and deluxe case included.

1966 Reynolds catalog

1970-1979

Reynolds (Fullerton, Calif.)

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.

Selected by leading professionals as a favorite doubling instrument for solo, stage and combo work. The flugelhorn's distinctive sound offers tonal versatility. A rich, dark and lyric tone. Excellent intonation in all registers. Supplied in deluxe case with accessories. Brass bell, mouthpipe, valve cluster and slides with a baked epoxy finish.

1974 Reynolds catalog

Model FU-52

Reynolds Emperor Flugelhorn

Bore: .437"
Bell: 5¾" brass
Finish: polished brass with a baked epoxy finish

Emperor Flugelhorn, Model Fu-52 [SN 999647]

Selected by leading professionals as a favorite instrument for solo, stage and combo work, the FU-52 flugelhorn's distinctive sound offers full tonal versatility. A rich, dark and lyrical tone. Excellent intonation in all registers.

1977 Reynolds catalog

The purpose of this website is to preserve the history of the F. A. Reynolds Company and the distinctive qualities of its brass instruments. Contempora Corner and contemporacorner.com are not related or associated in any way to the former or current F.A. Reynolds Company.