Description
Olds Opera Cornet S/n 583768. Comes with non original Case, no Mouthpiece.
There are some dents on the tube that connects to the tuning slide. They should be easy to get out.
The Olds Opera was one of the company’s premium models, often considered the “big brother” to the Olds Recording. It was specifically designed with a large bore and extensive nickel-silver construction to produce a powerful, complex sound. Based on the serial number 583768, your Olds Opera Cornet was manufactured in late 1966 at the Fullerton, California factory.
Manufacturing & Identification
- Production Date: Olds serial numbers passed 550,000 in June 1966 and reached 600,000 by June 1967. This places this instrument’s production toward the end of 1966.
- Factory Location: Instruments in this serial range were manufactured at the Fullerton, CA plant, which Olds moved to from LA in 1955.
- Model Background: The Opera model was introduced around 1960/1961 and had a relatively short production run of roughly eight years, with few entries appearing in the company register after 1968.
Key Specifications
- Large Bore: The Opera features a .468-inch large bore, significantly larger than many other cornets of the era.
- Material: It is characterized by extensive use of nickel silver for the bell, lead-pipe, and trim, which contributes to its tonal complexity and durability against “red rot”.
- Intonation Tools: It typically features a first-slide trigger for fine-tuning intonation while playing.
- Visual Details: According to Olds-Central, the model often features distinctive 12-sided faceted valve caps and octagonal valve buttons.
Performance Characteristics
- Tone: Experts from Centex Brass and other reviewers describe the Opera as having a big, full, and complex sound. It was reportedly designed to compete with the Conn Connstellation.
- Versatility: While it is a cornet, its large bore and projection make it well-suited for jazz and symphonic settings, though it is less common in traditional British-style brass bands.
