Olds Recording SN# 163295 Cicra 1955

Olds Recording SN# 163295 Cicra 1955
I love these horns! I own one myself.... Copper Lead pipe, Copper Bell. Valves have good POP compression and all slides and valves are fast and
smooth. This one plays like melted butter! Balanced action with the offset valves. Very Cool Olds Recording. Dark tone but can honk if you put the jets to it. The horn is all original including the 3rd slide trigger mechanism. No dents, dings, or trauma. The tone is beautiful dark and rich with spot on intonation. The Bell engraving is sharp and clear and a beautiful example of hand craftsmanship of a by-gone era by Leonard Garcia. Med. Large Bore Free blowing. Thsis is probably from the 1st year they were introduced. My old teacher Harold "Pappy" Mitchell was responsible for the design. Harold "Pappy" Mitchell, lead trumpet at MGM Studios, tested trumpets for Olds. One trumpet Pappy tested extensively at MGM for Olds was the Recording model, Picture provided by Pappy's son Ollie Mitchell. Ollie informs me that Pappy dated the ad as 1939.
The Olds Recording Trumpet and Cornet were the most radical departure from traditional trumpet design there ever was. It first appeared in the mid 1930's as a sub-line of the Olds professional line of trumpets, the Super. It was called the Super Recording. It's concept was to be an instrument designed for "recording with prominent motion picture studio orchestras"; who were required to spend many hours in the studio, and needed an instrument that was more comfortable to hold and play for long periods of time. Olds consulted the studio trumpeter Harold "Pappy" Mitchell to discover what features of the trumpet needed to be made more comfortable. First, they balanced the valve section between the bell and the mouthpiece to make it seem lighter; and to be easier to hold and operate. In addition, it allows the player more freedom of movement in the right hand to facilitate operation of the valves. The most notable and unique feature of the Olds Recording is the recessed middle valve, ergonomically placed to compensate for the long middle finger. Around 1949 the word Super was dropped, and it was called simply the Olds Recording. One prominent feature was removed; the exclusive engraved Olds tone control band attached to the bell. Thereafter, all of the bells were hand engraved by Leonard Garcia. Another new feature was also added to the Recording; the third valve slide trigger; to ease control of intonation. Besides the design features that make the Recording a pleasure and comfort to play, there is the physical appearance of the instrument. Every detail was considered to make it as beautiful as it is functional. The high copper content (called "Re-O-loy" by Olds) in the bell and lead pipe sections give the horn a warm, rich and powerful tone; the yellow brass used for the valve section and tuning slide crooks make the instrument very sturdy, and the nickel plating on all the fittings and braces give this instrument a unique tri-tone color effect by offsetting the copper red, yellow brass, and polished silver. Every line and angle was carefully weighed for aesthetic value as well as function, and neither one were ever compromised. Text courtesy of Alan Rouse's Olds Central website.
Olds Recording Model Trumpets
When Olds introduced the Recording Model trumpet and
cornet in the late 1930s, they had been making trumpets for
about ten years and trombones for at least ten years before
that. They had introduced the Super Olds trumpet (from
which the Recording was derived) a few years prior to this and
it had become quite popular. The bell tail was
longer, which placed the valve section more forward. This was
somewhat like the Selmer Balanced model that Louis
Armstrong had started using exclusively in 1933. In addition,
the second valve was offset to the left, putting it more easily
under the second finger. Olds had made trumpets with the
offset second valve previously, but now it was part of a
specific model design. The Recording trumpet was actually
designed for use in the recording studio and specifically for
Harold Mitchell, who at the time, was the most sought after
for this work. Harold Mitchell's son, Ollie, owned that
first Olds Recording trumpet. Ollie Mitchell, trumpeter,
bandleader and a legendary studio musician, died May 11 2013
at his Puako, HI. home. He was 86. Ollie had his
own very successful career as a studio trumpet player.
I studied will Pappy Mitchell and considered Ollie a good friend.
RIP Ollie.

[@semonin2009]

Beautiful sound. Harry James couldn’t make it sound any better.

[@HornTrader]

Thank You for the kind words my friend

[@722DL]

I agree, buttery is perfect word, this trumpet is full, and buttery

[@jfisher2370]

Just bought a 1957 ~ previous owner purchased it new (& toured the Fullerton works as a kid!) He played the horn in 1962 Tournament of Roses CA parade & went on to play semi-professionally in NYC 1970s before health conditions forced him to give up playing early 80s. He provided newspaper clips of his history. He's almost 80 & sadly sold it cause no one in his fam. plays. But happy I bought it because I love FE Olds horns & have a collection. The 57 Recording ties with my 63 Mendez for the easiest & sweetest player I own ~ even over my 41 Super & 49 Standard.

[@brucekendall52]

Great bright sound.

[@HornTrader]

Dubba C Those were the days

[@ttcjj]

I got one as a gift from a trombonist in my band, it had valve problems and a few other things, I took it completly apart, had the valves nickeled again and put it back together. It is one of my favourite horns and it is a perfect counterhorn to my Selmer L990 Lightweight!

[@HornTrader]

+ttcjj They are the BOMB! Stay Tuned To HTYT Steve

[@rubyjohnson3308]

Wow awesome

[@iguanabelga8028]

Incredible horn sound astonishing

[@nrcg2317]

You are an outstanding player!! My goodness...I know it's a great trumpet, but good grief, what great skills!! You are amazing!!

[@HornTrader]

Wow i haven't played a Double C in 4 years. Thanks for your kind words. Stay tuned to the HornTrader!

[@bcmilatino0116]

Wooooow! What an awesome sound. Great horn

[@HornTrader]

Thanks for your kind words. I wish I never sold that horn. Best, Steve

[@michaelfoxbrass]

Beautiful horn - mine isn’t nearly as pretty, but I love it! Thanks for the fine demo and historical details in the video notes, too. I’ll check out your “le-freak” (SP?) Steve.

[@HornTrader]

These horns are special Thanks for watching?

[@palletcolorato]

Beautiful.

[@HornTrader]

Thank you. I got lucky on the Dubba C, but Olds Recordings are beautiful horns. Best, Steve

[@robertthomas6022]

sounding G above super C on a 50's era Olds ! A on a Bb trumpet ! Great Sound !

[@trumpetguy5797]

great work as always and great products!

[@paulgrimm6850]

I love that mechanical 3valve tuner. My left hand is gimpy from a stroke

[@fforehand]

I have two of these Olds Recordings. Bought one of them brand new in 1962. The other is a vintage '58. I can't get any of those sounds out of mine! But at least these horns make me sound a lot better than I do on any other horn I've tried. Keep up the demos.

[@HornTrader]

One of my favorite all time horns. Many have gone through my shop. ALL GEMS! Stay Tuned To the HornTrader!

[@gilleynearpost]

Thanks for this Horn Steve, what a fantastic instrument and the serial number puts it at being made Sept to Dec 1955. I was born in Nov 1955 so this union was meant to be. Wonderful warm tone at lower level but trust me it can peel the paint off the wall when you open it up! I haven't stopped playing it .

[@HornTrader]

Hi Susan It is a special horn for sure. I'm glad it went to someone who appreciates it! Stay tuned To The HornTrader! Steve

[@trumpetguy5797]

gorgeous sound

[@HornTrader]

+Nieko Disso I think so to! The LefreQue also adds some color to the tone as well

[@monkeydooswingband831]

+HornTrader what's you website shop?

[@HornTrader]

+Monkey Doo Swing Band www.horntrader.com

[@monkeydooswingband831]

what a sound!

[@MrMFHORN]

+Monkey Doo Swing Band The HornTrader sounds great on any horn he plays.

[@monkeydooswingband831]

+MrMFHORN I know, I know... but I felt in love with this trumpet!

[@monkeydooswingband831]

+HornTrader Buy it your self! haha ;-)

[@CapitanTavish]

For me, olds rec is the best trumpet ever created on earth since the Big Bang, you don't even know how much I would like to just have a real serious horn, but I can't unfortunately, and I'll never be 😔, anyway I'm just happy to ear this sound here. 😊 thank you

[@HornTrader]

I totally agree !

[@djmush1]

Awesome !

[@troypuckett5502]

Dude, you are an awesome player.

[@HornTrader]

You are to Kind Stay tuned to the HornTrader!

[@episnod]

Great demo, great playing, you are amazing!

[@HornTrader]

Thank you for the Kind words............. Sty tuned To the HornTrader

[@HornTrader]

Thanks for the kind words .............. I get lucky sometimes :) Stay Tuned To The HornTrader!

[@episnod]

Always! I'm in the market for some new equipment! @@HornTrader

[@thoesnyder]

Did this really sell already? I'm not really surprised if it did. I love these horns.

[@jettone11]

That horn plays itself! Well you sound great Steve!

[@HornTrader]

Right You Are ! The Olds Recording is my favorite Horn of the Olds Models. Here's a link to the Olds Recordings on my website www.horntrader.com/search?controller=search&orderby=position&orderway=desc&search_query=olds+recording&submit_search=Search

[@buckaroobonsi555]

Talk about the girl everyone want to take to the Prom!!! She is pretty and sounded good as well!

[@HornTrader]

+buckaroobonsi555 I know , I hated letting this one go. Best Steve

[@johnsurs22]

When I come across your videos, I'm always astonished at how similar our tastes are. I have an early Recording, and I love Bobby Hackett's version of "It's a Good Life." Say, what's the deal with these LeFreQues? Do they really work? What exactly do they do?

[@bobpowell720]

Thanks for this video, I have an Olds recording SN# 169409 in perfect condition. I bought it around 1955 with my paper route money. What would this horn be worth ballpark?? Thanks!

[@HornTrader]

This one sold for $1850 in excellent shape.

[@donhahn6752]

nd by the way your videos are GREAT !

[@aragon1253]

How would you compare the Recording with the nickel silver leadpipe versus the copper?

[@donhahn6752]

My comment got cut off. I'm wondering as a jazz player how you'd compare the recorder with the super recorder. A friend of mine who's a lead player got the super recorder. while I recently purchased the recorder, sn 122128, 1955/56. And by the way, your videos are really great !

[@HornTrader]

Hi Don, Thanks for the kind words............. The Olds Super Recording is a larger bore, but it's really difficult to find one that plays well because of their age. Both are really fine horns though and built to last. Best, Steve

[@donhahn6752]

Thanks for getting back to me. I have some Utube videos you might like - a 1074 performance with Maynard "At the Top" playing a flugel solo on MacArthur Park, and some 2016 "Don Hahn Trio @ Antique Garage" vids. I'm turning 72 this JUne and I'm still playing around with horns, have a lacquer ltwt Bach 43 circa late 1970's, a Conn 80A Victor cornet (1946), a 1960's couesnon flugel. and a Bret Peters Puje ! and now a great Olds Recorder (1955) red brass including leadpipe and always various 5C mpcs - bach, greg black, giardinelli and Vladimir Friedman copies from Dillons i Wood bridge N.J. Thanks again for your help, hope to visit your shop one day ! 1974 Maybard video.

[@CapitanTavish]

Can I ask you which mouthpiece you using there? I'm sure it contribute to your awesome sound 😊

[@HornTrader]

M It is the HornTrader custom signature mouthpiece the HT3CS-28 you can find it on my website in the mouthpiece section

[@THIAGO-gc9ff]

Top de mais amo trompete

[@HornTrader]

Um dos meus mais favoritos também! tenho um à venda no site da HornTrader www.horntrader.com/bb-trumpets/842-olds-recording-sn-308967-.html Eu envio para o Brasil frequentemente. melhor, Steve

[@SWAviatorII]

I have a an LA Recording...love it! What is that device on the receiver?

[@HornTrader]

it is the LefreQue Sound bridge for wind instruments www.horntrader.com/28-lefreque-sound-bridge-for-wind-instruments Stay Tuned To The HornTrader!

[@niko_trumpet]

discupa amigo quisiera saber si aun se fabrica este modelo?

[@iguanabelga8028]

Niko Cardona hola la empresa orginal de cuebro en los ‘70 lp revivieron en los ‘80 no creo este models pero pregunta le

[@iguanabelga8028]

Niko Cardona feolds.com

[@gilbertodomingos8405]

Vc conhece a nossa linha de trompetes da weril regium concert. ??

[@57dogsbody]

Man you make that SING. What is the thing attached to the receiver?

[@HornTrader]

+57dogsbody That's called a LefreaQue www.horntrader.com/28-lefreque-sound-bridge-for-wind-instruments The lefreQue is a sound bridge that will make all wind instruments sound better. It consists of a bridge that is built up by two metal elements that will repair the sound breaches that occur in by different parts of a wind instrument. You can put the lefreQue on an instrument using a especially developed elastic band, you do not need to change anything on the instrument itself.

[@jonathanj.4800]

Lefreque!

[@buckaroobonsi555]

I am guessing "Big Daddy Diller" I hope I did not mess that up.... Has some killer trumpets in the quiver! They might be incredibly beautiful or sonicly incredible but I am sure you have some nice ones! No one really makes standard models that have nice engraving on them. It does not matter who you are talking about Bach, Kanstul, Adams, Harrelson etc.....None of them make a production model that comes from the factory in large numbers with a high level of engraving like Conn, Olds, Buescher and other companies routinely did! Sure you can custom order various models with engraving. I can send anything to Sherry at Artistic Engraving but it is not the same as it was 30,40,50, 60 years ago etc....

[@HornTrader]

+buckaroobonsi555 It's Dillard I have a pretty nice collection that seems to always be changing Stay Tuned To The HornTrader!

[@fforehand]

Which of your LeFreQues were you using in this demo? And why that particular one?

[@HornTrader]

I like the solid Silver LeFreque. It has the best overtones in the sound. It makes the tone rich and full and the horn vibrates like crazy. www.horntrader.com/lefreque-sound-bridge-for-wind-instruments/395-lefreque-solid-silver-41-mm.html Stay Tuned to The HornTrader! Steve

[@MrMFHORN]

Hey HornTrader, what do you think of the Holton MFHorn ST 304 .465 ?

[@HornTrader]

+MrMFHORN Sorry Braugh, That's one horn I don't think I've played ............ Maybe 30 years ago. Of course I don't remember. If I get one I'll review it for sure Best, Steve

[@TheNateskater]

I play an olds super recording how does it compare to that?

[@paulgrimm6850]

Where is Horn Trader located? The store on OK CITY is never open nor the Website

[@HornTrader]

Horntrader is in San Diego California is a music store in Oklahoma City called horntrader totally different place

[@australiancomposer]

What's the thing on the receiver? You called it the "la freak" but I can't find any info about it anywhere

[@HornTrader]

+Christopher Healey It's called LefreQue .... Sound bridge for wind instrument. The LefreQue is a sound bridge that will make all wind instruments sound better. It consists of a bridge that is built up by two metal elements that will repair the sound breaches that occur in by different parts of a wind instrument. You can put the lefreQue on an instrument using a especially developed elastic band, you do not need to change anything on the instrument itself.

[@australiancomposer]

+HornTrader And they really make a noticeable difference? I'm always somewhat wary of this type of stuff as I've found not much tends to make a good horn do better what it was designed for! But it's an interesting idea

[@australiancomposer]

Also, you sound awesome as always! Your videos are the bomb

[@danielwatkins2731]

Sold already? Purely out of curiosity, how much for?

[@ZhadigerulyRmx]

Wow, what mouthpiece do you play?

[@HornTrader]

I use the HornTrader HT3cs-28 Mouthpiece Here’s the link to buy it my website. www.horntrader.com/mouthpieces/133-horntrader-ht-3cs-28.html

[@ZhadigerulyRmx]

@@HornTrader thank you!!

[@HornTrader]

You’re welcome Stay tuned to the HornTrader!

[@normaninnes1274]

What’s LAFREAk?

[@MichaelMontague]

Has this horn sold???

[@HornTrader]

Hello My Friend This one was sold long ago but I have another that just came in that is pristine with Reeves Chem clean and Valve Alignment. If interested go to the contact page of HornTrader.Com and send me a note. Best, Steve

[@robertthomas6022]

with knowledge of who designed the instrument ! Sounding A above super C to start vid !

[@HornTrader]

I got Lucky. :)

[@chebachaka]

They made them great back then huh?

[@HornTrader]

+C. Martin Highly underestimated horn in my opinion.

[@pebblebeach8517]

Why does it “seem’ as if horns of yesteryear are superior in many was to horns of today ?

[@HornTrader]

Possibly better raw materials and more hands on artisan craftsmen But I think that was as well. Stay tuned to The HornTrader

[@chidichang1864]

How much this one

[@theoglascock2168]

Hi much is it worth?

[@HornTrader]

Anywhere from $1700 to $2000 depending on condition, Modifications, Case, Mouthpiece.......

[@theoglascock2168]

HornTrader what about if it's in amazing condition no dents and brand new case and mouthpiece?

[@lesliecolonello9320]

When I see these demos with expert players doing extraordinary things I feel sorry for all the wannabees who think they might approach the level of playing this level by buying the horn or gimmick attached to the lead pipe. It's all marketing porn for hobbyists.

[@thomasflester]

There's nothing wrong for paying high dollar for a quality instrument.and expecting it to play and sound exquisite. Of course the players skills are a factor. But the one demonstrating is honestly playing it with highly developed skills. Getting it to produce a high quality sound. If he were to play on an low quality instrument it would sound low.no matter how good his skills are. The instrument has a lot to do with how any player expert or beginner can sound. Realize too, there are certain factors that contribute to a high quality sounding instrument.

[@therealryanclock]

You need to get a wearable Mic for your voice. It's hard to hear.