ERA Trumpets

Introduced in 1974, the Extended Range Altissimo (ERA) trumpets were designed to facilitate high register playing with a long, narrow profile bell that abruptly flares out to 5".

1974-1979

F.A. Reynolds (Fullerton, Calif.)

Model TU-08

Clarin ERA B♭ trumpet with tuning bell

Bore: .460"
Bell: 5"
Length: 21½"
Bell
: brass bell
Finish: bright silver lacquer finish
Intonation aids: first-valve trigger; third-valve slide stop

A revolutionary new trumpet that delivers the cleanest, clearest high notes ever. A bell design that lets you hit the extremely high ranges, effortlessly, and the middle and low ranges never sounded better. The movable bell eliminates the conventional tuning slide and the critical disturbances in the air column that occur between the leadpipe and the valve cluster. Adjustable 3rd valve slide. 1st slide thumb hook. Complete with deluxe case and accessories.

1974 Reynolds catalog

The Clarin ERA was identical to the Olds Custom CHR model, with a tuning bell design that eliminates the main tuning slide, resulting in a long tapered mouthpipe that extends from the mouthpiece to the third-valve entry port. See Alan Rouse's review of the CHR for more details.

The Clarin ERA was only made for a few years, from late 1974 to 1976. According to The Schilke Loyalist, Olds was sued by Yamaha in the 1970s in defense of a tuning bell patent (U.S. Patent 3,257,135) that had been secured by Renold Schilke and given to Yamaha - it's not known if the Clarin ERA and Custom CHR models ceased production as a result of this lawsuit.

Model TU-15

Professional ERA B♭ trumpet

Bore: .460"
Bell: 5"
Length: 21½"
Intonation aids: first-valve slide "saddle"; third-valve slide stop
Finish: bright silver lacquer finish

The Professional ERA trumpet shares the bell profile of the Clarin ERA and Olds Custom CHR models, but has a standard main tuning slide and a non-tuneable bell.

The Professional ERA appears from 1974 onward, replacing the standard Professional model.

A trumpet which features intonation improvements throughout the range of the instrument and particularly in the extreme upper range. The perfect trumpet for the section leader or performer who must play in the higher registers. A trumpet with magnificent carrying power which soars over the ensemble. Complete with instrument luggage and accessories.

1974 Reynolds catalog

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