I’m selling a Reynolds Contempora Bass Trombone. This one has a story…
Elmer Janes was the substitute bass trombonist with the Chicago Symphony from 1941-45. At that time, he was filling in for Edward Kleinhammer during WWII. After Chicago, Elmer was the bass trombonist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for 35 years (Ret. 1980). During his time in Chicago, Elmer got to know Renold Schilke (THE Schilke). Schilke, funny enough, bought twelve Reynolds Contempora bass trombones in order to study the design and come out with his Schilke branded bass trombone. That never came to fruition, but Renold did help develop the Yamaha Bass Trombone line.
Renold’s son has told me a few things about this instrument.
“My dad was friends with Renold Schilke back from the days when they both were in the Chicago Symphony. When my dad wanted the horn to do something that it wouldn’t, he would go to Chicago and get it modified to do what he wanted it to. If it got damaged, we were off to Chicago to get it fixed.”
From the pictures, you can gather a few observations: 1. This horn does not have any engravings whatsoever. 2. The second valve has been customized into D tuning, instead of Eb. 3. The slide is custom built with Yamaha parts.
My personal guess: This is one of the twelve bass trombones that Schilke owned. Also ,this bass trombone was fitted with a custom built slide by Schilke himself with Yamaha parts. The slide is only marked with “003.”
The horn plays well and gets a dark, efficient sound. The last Reynolds I’ve played wasn’t the best instrument and didn’t slot well. With the custom slide, this horn plays nicely! The valve configuration is F, Gb and D, so you can essentially play a dependent horn with modern tuning. The inner slide tubes and crook have wear (Mild Red rot, but its cosmetic), but the compression is great. With Trombatine, the slide moves fine. I deliberately decided not to change out any parts or modify the triggers. Figured I’d keep the history intact.
This horn has been cleaned and serviced. Comes with a Conn hard case. Perfect horn for a collector or someone needing a solid, American made bass trombone on a budget.
Asking $2100, shipping included!
I’m selling a Reynolds Contempora Bass Trombone. This one has a story…
Elmer Janes was the substitute bass trombonist with the Chicago Symphony from 1941-45. At that time, he was filling in for Edward Kleinhammer during WWII. After Chicago, Elmer was the bass trombonist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for 35 years (Ret. 1980). During his time in Chicago, Elmer got to know Renold Schilke (THE Schilke). Schilke, funny enough, bought twelve Reynolds Contempora bass trombones in order to study the design and come out with his Schilke branded bass trombone. That never came to fruition, but Renold did help develop the Yamaha Bass Trombone line.
Renold’s son has told me a few things about this instrument.
“My dad was friends with Renold Schilke back from the days when they both were in the Chicago Symphony. When my dad wanted the horn to do something that it wouldn’t, he would go to Chicago and get it modified to do what he wanted it to. If it got damaged, we were off to Chicago to get it fixed.”
From the pictures, you can gather a few observations: 1. This horn does not have any engravings whatsoever. 2. The second valve has been customized into D tuning, instead of Eb. 3. The slide is custom built with Yamaha parts.
My personal guess: This is one of the twelve bass trombones that Schilke owned. Also ,this bass trombone was fitted with a custom built slide by Schilke himself with Yamaha parts. The slide is only marked with “003.”
The horn plays well and gets a dark, efficient sound. The last Reynolds I’ve played wasn’t the best instrument and didn’t slot well. With the custom slide, this horn plays nicely! The valve configuration is F, Gb and D, so you can essentially play a dependent horn with modern tuning. The inner slide tubes and crook have wear (Mild Red rot, but its cosmetic), but the compression is great. With Trombatine, the slide moves fine. I deliberately decided not to change out any parts or modify the triggers. Figured I’d keep the history intact.
This horn has been cleaned and serviced. Comes with a Conn hard case. Perfect horn for a collector or someone needing a solid, American made bass trombone on a budget.
Asking $2100, shipping included!
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