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1960 Olds "Mendez" Trumpet

Professional Model.

Model: Mendez.

Lead pipe: New Bach 43LR. Bigger, Brighter with improved intontaion.

Original leadpipe also included and in excellent condition.

Bore: Medium Large Bore (.460) Very Comfortable. Ideal for most players. Similar resistance to a lightweight Bach 72/43. 

Overall Condition: Excellent and professionally maintained. Just a few minor dings on the bell but nothing major. Compression is still very good. This trumpet has matching serial numbers on the valves and finger buttons showing its original condition and brass valve guides. While most Mendez horns are now worn and in peeling lacquer, this one is a beautiful time capsule in Gold Plate. Original lead pipe has been replaced with a Bach 43LR lead pipe which was lacquered to closely match the gold plate of the rest of the instrument. The 43 lead pipe really opened up the horn to make it more free blowing and livelier with a bigger tone. The original leadpipe is still in great shape and will be included should the new owner want to return to the standard Mendez lead pipe. I also replaced the finger buttons with wider Olds buttons, installed new springs, and rubber valve cap bumpers, and did a valve alignment to improve the playing qualities of this already excellent instrument. The original buttons will also be included in the sale.

The Olds Mendez Trumpet was designed with the collaboration of Rafael Mendez in 1952 to be the very best possible trumpet made, and served as Olds top of the line Bb Trumpet. 

It has also been played by and endorsed by many great Jazz artists from Clyde McCoy, to David Jandorf and many other trumpeters. Olds artists have included many famous Jazz and Studio players from Harry James, to Mike Vax, Joe Ferrante, Leon Merian,  and Bobby Shew. This particular horn was built around March 1960 while Zig Kanstul was building for Olds, and Foster Reynolds was the uncompromising shop manager for quality control.  

Tone: Vintage Mendez Sound. Lively and crisp with a very solid powerful sound. 

Valves: Very very fast and smooth.

Slides: Smooth and free with a good pop sound.

Manufacturing: Fullerton, California. Made in U.S.A.

Here's some more information about Olds including  and the famous Mendez horns:

  Olds Review

  Olds Central

  Olds Serial Numbers

Finish: Gold plate (95% intact) (Silver plated underneath gold).

Serial Number: 331597 (1960) This is a professionally crafted artist's horn for the professional trumpeter.

Additional Options/Features: 

*Brand new extra set of finger buttons (not shown)

*Olds Mendez Case: Protective inside, but well worn woven wheat outside.  

*First and Third Slide Trigger/3rd Slide Water Keys. Great feature!