Reynolds Contempora Tuba

[Jerry Holzer]

Greeting, fellow tubaphiles. I have a Reynolds Contempora bellfront tuba in
dire straits resting quietly in my garage. It's been there for some time
awaiting my attention. It needs some major work and probably some parts
replaced, so I'm wondering if it's worth the expense and effort. I'm an
amateur musician, and currently play an exceedingly ordinary Yamaha 4-valve
tuba that I find completely anemic. I seem to recall these bellfront
monsters were a blast to play, but I can't find any info on the Reynolds
Contempora line anywhere. Any advice out there?

Jerry Holzer
Boynton Beach, FL

[KR]

Here's 2 cents worth from a trombone/euph player. Not owning any Reynold's
horns myself, I believe that the apparently extinct Contempora was Reynold's
top o' the line. The Contempora bass bones are desirable and this seems to
extend to all of their brass in the same model line. As with most American
horns, older models (pre 1967 Conns for example) hold greater value by virtue
of their quality. You can check your tuba's serial # at
www.musictrader.com/serialnos.html to get an idea of its age.

Certain factors can come into play when deciding whether the repairs are worth
the cost: horn quality, seriousness of the player (that goes for amateurs,
too) and even sentimental value are some considerations. A competent repair
tech should be able to give you a solid idea of the cost, feasibility and, if
applicable, possibility of the repairs needed (with enough effort and money,
even the Titanic could be restored). So, now all you have to decide is
whether to fix the tuba, keep playing one you're not happy with or get another
one. Could you sell the Yamaha to offset the cost? The Reynolds, even
in its present form, might do well on eBay.. ya never know, recording
bell tubas have a certain appeal. Easy, huh? That's life in the thrashed,
high-end horn lane. Have fun!

In article <Eveh8.16208$sK.3...@e3500-atl2.usenetserver.com>, "Jerry Holzer"

Kevin Rispler
Trombonist 'Unextraordinaire'
cauw...@REMOVETHISlinuxmail.org

[Jim Morgan]

On Tue, 5 Mar 2002 20:45:54 -0500, Jerry Holzer babbled:

Hi Jerry,
You might want to contact Lee Stofer outside of Atlanta.
He specializes in low brass restoration.
One of his horns is an old Conn bell front that he restored.
If you can describe the condition the horn is in,
he could tell you if the horn is worth fixing up.

Contact him at:

(770)603-6088 phone/FAX
or
tubame...@juno.com

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