F.E. Olds & Son

The origins of F.E. Olds & Son began in 1908, when Frank Ellsworth Olds started repairing band instruments and experimenting with trombone designs in a small workshop behind his home in Los Angeles, California. By 1912, his refined craftsmanship led to the full-scale production of original trombones. The venture expanded steadily over the next decade, necessitating a relocation to a larger manufacturing facility in 1920. That same year, Olds was joined by his son, Reginald Birdsall Olds, who brought a wave of modernization and commercial focus to the firm, resulting in the publication of the company's first official catalog in 1925 and the swift introduction of innovative brass designs.

Following the unexpected death of Frank Ellsworth in 1928, Reginald assumed full control and continued to aggressively develop new instrument families. This creative drive culminated around 1932 with the highly successful release of the Super Olds line, which expanded their stellar reputation from trombones to premium trumpets and cornets. In the wake of the Second World War, the family-owned business was purchased by Chicago Musical Instruments (CMI). Aiming to transform Olds into a manufacturer of a full brass ensemble line, CMI’s president, Maurice Berlin, coaxed the legendary designer Foster Reynolds out of retirement to overhaul and modernize the California plant for large-scale production.

In the late 1940s, the collaborative team of Reynolds, Olds, and Berlin strategically targeted the emerging school music market by creating the iconic Ambassador model line. While this student-grade line became an immense commercial success and vastly increased production volumes, the intense focus on mass manufacturing gradually led to a noticeable decline in build quality. In an effort to consolidate resources, Olds formally merged with Reynolds Instruments in 1964. However, by the late 1970s, the brand's identity had become so deeply intertwined with lower-quality student models that the corporate owners were unable to secure a buyer for the struggling company.

Confronted with an unsustainable market position, the owners made the decision to close the historic factory and auction off its remaining inventory in 1979. This closure did not mark the complete demise of the enterprise, however, as the storied F.E. Olds brand name survived the liquidation. Through subsequent licensing and intellectual property acquisitions, the historic trademark continues to be utilized on the international instrument market today.