JetJaguar

Can anyone tell me about how the Olds Special plays? I know it is not nearly as desireable, or desired, as the Recording, Mendez, Super, etc, but it probably differs in features and dimmensions, rather than quality. I say this because it is basically what Dr. R Dale Olson, former director of research for Olds, is said to have said in the 2nd to last paragraph of this article:

http://www.trumpetguild.org/2002conference/fri/402.html

So, if the standards and build quality are the same accross the Olds horns, what kind of experience can I expect from an Olds Special? Yes, I know every player's experience is unique due to his style and chops and teeth and gums and tonsils, but since there is so much talk about how horns feel and play on these boards, I'm sure a lot if you have some things to share about this horn.

Thank you in advance!

Peter

Dale Proctor

Just my opinion, but the Specials are basically just souped-up Ambassadors. If you like the Ambassador, you'll like the Special. The Supers, Recordings, etc. are the pro-quality Olds horns. I'd rather have one of them. Of course, all Olds instruments were quality, well built horns and have (or had) great valves.

Fudleysmith

Just as Dale said.

I had one that was prettier than it played. I compared the Special to a Studio side-by-side and everyone who heard the test (blind, for me and them) prefered the sound of the Studio.

FreshBrewed

Ditto! I own more than 30 Olds trumpets and actually used an Ambassador for some time for my day to day work. I think it was built in 1949. The only horns I prefer to that particular Ambassador are all of my Recordings and my Eclipse. The other models I have just don't give me that feeling of "wow". But........to each his own when it comes to choosing a horn.

Siegtrmpt

I don't know about the Special so I didn't vote. I like the Ambassadors and buy them for students on a budget all the time. It's pretty amazing that these 30+ year old instruments have held up well over time. Most "student" instruments of that age have long since been disposed of.