1953 F.E. Olds & Son "Studio" Bb Trumpet – LA Era, Tension-Free Rebuild

Serial Number: 100,337

Year of Manufacture: Late 1953 (Los Angeles, CA)

Bore: .460" Medium-Large

Finish: Period-Correct Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Peak Los Angeles Craftsmanship – Professionally De-Stressed & Aligned

If you are looking for an early, Los Angeles-built Olds Studio that plays with unparalleled openness, resonance, and slotting, this is the definitive player's horn.

While 1950s L.A. horns are legendary for their premium hand-fitting, 73 years of use, handling, and environmental changes inevitably introduce cumulative structural stress into the assembly. To unlock this instrument's true acoustic potential and return it to a pristine state, it was subjected to a complete bench rebuild. The horn was entirely unsoldered to release decades of accumulated tension, perfectly realigned, and meticulously resoldered back together 100% tension-free.

The difference in performance is immediate: a completely free-blowing experience with an enhanced core, immediate response, and vibrant resonance across all registers.

Premium Restoration Details & Features

• Excellent Valve Compression: The legendary Olds valves are in excellent shape. Hand-lapped with superb compression, crisp alignment, and a smooth, snappy return.

• Period-Correct Nitrocellulose Lacquer: No thick, modern poly-finishes here. The horn has been meticulously refinished in premium nitrocellulose lacquer true to 1953 specifications. This ultra-thin finish protects the horn beautifully while allowing the metal to vibrate and resonate to its absolute maximum capacity.

• The L.A. Studio Setup: Features the distinct, gorgeous yellow brass construction accented by the nickel-silver slide appointments, and the striking nickel-silver bell flare.

• Slides: All slides pull smoothly with a perfect mechanical seal.

• Condition Report: Excellent structural and cosmetic shape. Complete professional mechanical restoration. No red rot, no past patch repairs, and absolutely zero structural dents or tension. Pristine geometry throughout. Traces of past dent repair exists, consistent with a horn of this vintage, however none are structural or affect playability.

Playability & Sound

The Studio model is celebrated for its incredible versatility. Thanks to the nickel-silver bell treatment, it offers a brilliant, singing upper register that can cut through a big band, yet retains a warm, velvety smoky core when backed off for small-group jazz or studio work. With the added benefit of a stress-free rebuild and a breathing nitro finish, this horn slots effortlessly and doesn't push back when you step on the gas.

What’s Included:

• 1953 Olds Studio Bb Trumpet (SN: 100,337)

Domestic Shipping: $55 Professionally packaged to withstand transit safely.