Bill_57

I know that it is a bit subjective, but how would y'all rate these 2 horns against each other? Are parts available for either, etc. I know that the valve springs etc. are available for the olds.
This will be a second horn for me - I love the sound of the Olds Ambassador Trumpet.

Thanks,
Bill

MFfan

I think I recommended the Ambassador in another thread recently. Many parts available , either at TheBandroom or cheap horns to cannabalize. Built very well and have a good sound, easy to play. I use to have a Reynolds Emporer cornet, aslo a quality instrument and have a Roth cornet that is a fine instrument, I believe. Reynolds parts are harder to find, I think. I read where the Medalist was a down grade from their earlier horns I have mentioned. If you can find a good Roth or Emporer, or others of that era I think you would be better off than having a Medalist. Probably others will opine. OLDLOU has a number of Reynolds and Olds horns.

I have never played a medalist model, so can't say how they compare in that way by personal experience.

Bill_57

Yes - as I recall you are right. I actually just won a Medalist, and may try to compare it with the Olds. I am sure the parts may be more available for the Olds. BUt on an earlier post I saw that Reynolds went to Olds and started designing there, and they were similar.

BTW - on the Olds trumpet I find that the left side (bell-side) bracket really is uncomfortable against my left forefinger. That's my only complaint.

Next thing I need to study will be mouthpieces - as we are not accomplished players. I have used 7C and my son the 5C.

This is fun! Now to get my chops built up!

I haven't visited the music stores yet in search of Arbans (sp?) or other technique guides. There must be good guides online these days...

Bill

MFfan

Have fun experimenting and gathering info. I have never played an Ambassador trumpet, but hope to find one someday. The wraps are more comfortable on my cornets vs trumpets. Thanks for your take on your discomfort. Although I have been playing since the Stone Age, I am not really accomplished. I use a 7c most of the time, sometimes a 7, 3C or Jet Tone Merian C. I use the original equipment mp on the Roth, which is great, and have used a 5c that came with the Olds and recently , a 10 1/2 C I got from somewhere that perfroms well. The type of MP you use is particularily determinative of the sound from a cornet. There are many threads here and on TH about this.

I am sure there are sources of modern formats for the Arban's. I have mine still from the late 50's.

oldlou

As my buddy Dave states, I do have an assortment of Olds and Reynolds trumpets and cornets. In the student grade,Ambassador vs Medalist I do like my Ambassadors, but, prefer the Medalists, except the Texas built RMC Medalists, which in my opinion were poorly built, but, play well. The Cleveland and Fullerton Reynolds horns are far superior in every way. Like all makes, the higher grade horns just keep getting better, the higher in grade that you go. My Fullerton made Medalist trumpet is far better than any Ambassador trumpet that I have found and has features that only the mid grade and higher Olds horns have, such as trombone type main water valves and better designed valve spring mechanisms. My Medalist trumpet is EXTREMELY free blowing and requires some control on my part to keep from overpowering the rest of the section.


Another plus is that, on average, the Reynolds horns fetch lower prices than the Olds.



OLDLOU>>