Roth Trumpets
Roth trumpets were originally manufactured by Ohio Band Instrument Co. (subsidiary of F.A. Reynolds Co.) for Scherl & Roth and sold as part of the latter's Roth Band Instruments business. Max Scherl was co-owner of Ohio Band (with Foster Reynolds and Harper Reynolds) according to reports in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Foster Reynolds sold his shares of Reynolds and Ohio Band to Max Scherl in 1946. Roth instruments were labeled "Ohio Band" until c.1950 when they were marked "Made by F.A. Reynolds", and then later, "Made by Roth-Reynolds", circa 1952. The Roth instruments were replaced by the Medalist line in the catalog sometime after Richards Music purchased Reynolds in 1961.
1936-1946
Ohio Band Instrument Co. (Cleveland, Ohio)
The earliest recorded Roth trumpet is SN 31959 (~1943-44), though earlier serial numbers are documented for the cornet.
Roth trumpet
Materials: all brass construction
Finish: polished brass with clear lacquer finish
Note the vertical brace on the main tuning slide and the original Reynolds-style bottom valve caps.
Historical Note
The Roth trumpet was featured in early 1940's print ads with Charlie Shavers and Rudy Novak.
1946-1952
Ohio Band Instrument Co. (Cleveland, Ohio)
F.A. Reynolds, division of Scherl & Roth (Cleveland, Ohio)
After Scherl & Roth took over operations in 1946, it appears that the engraving pattern changed to a vertical style, matching the same monogram style change for Reynolds instruments. Around 1949, there were minor design changes made to Reynolds and Roth trumpets: while the overall design and bell engravings remained the same, the updated models can be distinguished by their lower profile valve buttons and flat-bottom valve caps.
It is in this same time period that the "Tone Tempered" trumpets, cornets and trombones are introduced with their nickel-silver bell flares. This feature appears to have been initially part of a new Roth model (the 400 series), then became the defining feature of the Emperor model line, likely launched to compete with the similar Olds Studio "Brilliant Bell" model (created under the hand of Foster Reynolds, now working in California for FE Olds).
Roth instruments in the latter part of this time period are engraved with "Made by F.A. Reynolds" instead of "Ohio Band Instrument Co.", marking the end of the latter business.
Model 300
Roth trumpet
Bell: brass
Materials: brass with nickel-silver valve caps, pistons and trim
Finish: polished brass with clear lacquer finish
Model 400
Roth trumpet with "Tone Tempered Bell"
Bell: brass with nickel-silver bell flare
Materials: brass with nickel-silver valve slide tubing and bell braces
Finish: polished brass with clear lacquer finish
Note the forward slanting brace on the main tuning slide.
Into the Roth Cornet and Trumpet have gone superlative skill and craftsmanship—for your enjoyment and satisfaction.
The round velvety tone of the true Cornet, and the full strident tone of the true Trumpet—are both here in generous measure. Eye appeal has not been neglected either. The valve caps are of the sunken type—fingerbuttons are streamlined. First, second and third valve slides; top and bottom valve caps; finger hooks and braces are all made of nickel silver.
The 400 Roth line embodies all the features above described plus nickel silver "Tone Tempered Bells." Just tap the bell and hear the difference—play the Horn and feel the difference. It's a Big Value at a popular price—as you'll find out to your lasting satisfaction.
1952-1961
Roth-Reynolds (Cleveland, Ohio)
Roth trumpets made c.1952 and later are marked "Made by Roth-Reynolds" instead of "F.A. Reynolds". In addition, the main bell engraving changed to a lengthwise script that simply says “Roth”. Roth instruments became the new entry-level models in the combined Roth-Reynolds catalog and were made primarily of brass components with minimal nickel-silver trim.
Roth Trumpets and Cornets - the greatest value in band instruments today! Designed to guarantee maximum quality at a minimum investment. Carefully made and modern in design, this model is ideal for student musicians. Hand-lapped, nickel silver pistons for years of service. Ease of blowing means young musicians will learn quickly, play proficiently and enoy their instrument. Durable brass with clear lacquer finish and complete with new design trunk style case and special fittings.
Model 300
Roth B♭ trumpet
Bore: .458"
Bell: 4-5/8",
Length: 21½"
Materials: brass with nickel-silver valve caps, pistons and trim
Finish: polished brass with clear lacquer finish
Designed to guarantee maximum quality at a minimum investment. Represents finest American craftsmanship (not an imported horn). Carefully made and modern in design, this model is ideal for student musicians. Hand-lapped, nickel silver pistons for years of service. Ease of blowing means young musicians will learn quickly, play proficiently and enoy their instrument. Durable brass with clear lacquer finish and complete with a newly designed Gladstone case and special fittings.
1961-1964
RMC-Reynolds (Cleveland, Ohio)
Sometime after Richards Music purchased Reynolds in 1961, the product catalog was renumbered. The old numbers were replaced with a new scheme that reflected the type of instrument. To the best of knowledge, the instrument specifications did not change, just the model numbers.
Model TU-56
Roth B♭ trumpet
Bore: .458"
Bell: 4-5/8",
Length: 21½"
Materials: brass with nickel-silver valve caps, pistons and trim
Finish: polished brass with clear lacquer finish
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.
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