The Olds Mendez Model
Rafael Mendez had a strong relationship with the Olds Brand, endorsing their products within many ads and magazines since the 1940s.
A trumpet virtuoso, he performed for Pancho Villa before moving to the US, leading the brass section of the M-G-M studio orchestra, and becoming a prolific recording artist for jazz, salsa, and orchestral trumpet. You may have heard him play on many vintage movie films, and he popularized "La Virgen de la Macarena" commonly known as "the bullfighter's song" in the US.
After years of development alongside Rafael Mendez, Olds built a trumpet modeled after his French Besson, with unique features such as lightweight sculpted braces, rounded slide ferrules, and other French design elements not found on any other model. When Olds introduced the new Mendez model in 1952, they only made 1,000 of them. This can be confirmed with serial number lists within the Olds Register, as no other instruments besides Olds Mendez trumpets were produced between serial numbers 86004 and 86999.
About This Trumpet:
This trumpet #86420 was made within the limited batch, handmade in 1952. Similar to all other trumpets in this first batch, it has "Mendez by F.E. Olds and Son Los Angeles Calif." engraved on the bell, and a screw lyre attachment on the front bell brace. These are very collectable and hard to find, especially with the original accessories.
After 1952, the front brace was resigned without the lyre, and the valve pistons were made differently. After the Mendez Cornet was introduced , the bell was engraved either "Trumpet' or "Cornet" to distinguish between the two visually identical models. After the Olds factory moved to Fullerton in 1955, Mendez trumpets resumed at #127000, made differently and then fully redesigned for the Ultrasonic and Custom series.
We received this trumpet from the original owner's family, with a stuck main tuning slide after years of storage, but preserved in great overall condition. The majority of its original lacquer is still intact, minus the bottom valve caps, and surface wear at contact points. The leadpipe was inspected and still seals with no leaks, its compression testing near a 0, and the valve compression is very good at around a 1.
To prepare for sale, our shop fully disassembled, carefully cleaned, and finished by hand. To maintain original condition, the original valve corks and felts are still present and in great shape. Also included is the original Mendez 2 mouthpiece, lyre attachment, and case. The case has a vintage sticker from the original owner's alma mater, and the interior is in great shape.
It plays very well, with a smooth and responsive feel, and a clear tone that can sizzle when pushed. The 1st and 3rd slide spring-loaded triggers work great, and the valves and overall action is on par with modern trumpets. A lightweight pro horn of this nature competed against Calicchio and Benge trumpets back in the day, and would feel at home in playing lead in a jazz studio or mariachi band, or mellow out for challenging orchestral pieces like Mendez's famous Scherzo in D minor or Moto Perpetuo.
Specifications:
-
Key: Bb
-
Bell Material: One piece, yellow brass
-
Bore Size: 0.460" Medium Large
- Valves: Nickel Plated (all serial numbers matching)
-
Weight: Light w/ unique bracing
-
Finish: Original Lacquer
- Gold Plated Finger Buttons
- First and Third Slide Triggers
- Brass Valve Guides
-
Mouthpiece: Mendez 2 (Original)
-
Case: Leather-Bound Hardshell (Original)
Warranty
Your investment is protected with the Houghton Horns Used Instrument Warranty. Enjoy one year of coverage for defects in material and workmanship. Keep your instrument in perfect condition.
What Makes Houghton Horns Special
Houghton Horns is special because of its deep commitment to quality, expertise, and personalized service. As a family-owned business with a passion for brass instruments, Houghton Horns offers a carefully curated selection of premium instruments and accessories. Their team of skilled technicians provides top-tier repair and customization services, ensuring each instrument performs at its best. Houghton Horns is also known for its educational resources and support, helping musicians of all levels find the perfect instrument and develop their skills. With a reputation for excellence and a genuine love for music, Houghton Horns stands out as a trusted partner for brass players worldwide.
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The Olds Mendez Model
Rafael Mendez had a strong relationship with the Olds Brand, endorsing their products within many ads and magazines since the 1940s.
A trumpet virtuoso, he performed for Pancho Villa before moving to the US, leading the brass section of the M-G-M studio orchestra, and becoming a prolific recording artist for jazz, salsa, and orchestral trumpet. You may have heard him play on many vintage movie films, and he popularized "La Virgen de la Macarena" commonly known as "the bullfighter's song" in the US.
After years of development alongside Rafael Mendez, Olds built a trumpet modeled after his French Besson, with unique features such as lightweight sculpted braces, rounded slide ferrules, and other French design elements not found on any other model. When Olds introduced the new Mendez model in 1952, they only made 1,000 of them. This can be confirmed with serial number lists within the Olds Register, as no other instruments besides Olds Mendez trumpets were produced between serial numbers 86004 and 86999.
About This Trumpet:
This trumpet #86420 was made within the limited batch, handmade in 1952. Similar to all other trumpets in this first batch, it has "Mendez by F.E. Olds and Son Los Angeles Calif." engraved on the bell, and a screw lyre attachment on the front bell brace. These are very collectable and hard to find, especially with the original accessories.
After 1952, the front brace was resigned without the lyre, and the valve pistons were made differently. After the Mendez Cornet was introduced , the bell was engraved either "Trumpet' or "Cornet" to distinguish between the two visually identical models. After the Olds factory moved to Fullerton in 1955, Mendez trumpets resumed at #127000, made differently and then fully redesigned for the Ultrasonic and Custom series.
We received this trumpet from the original owner's family, with a stuck main tuning slide after years of storage, but preserved in great overall condition. The majority of its original lacquer is still intact, minus the bottom valve caps, and surface wear at contact points. The leadpipe was inspected and still seals with no leaks, its compression testing near a 0, and the valve compression is very good at around a 1.
To prepare for sale, our shop fully disassembled, carefully cleaned, and finished by hand. To maintain original condition, the original valve corks and felts are still present and in great shape. Also included is the original Mendez 2 mouthpiece, lyre attachment, and case. The case has a vintage sticker from the original owner's alma mater, and the interior is in great shape.
It plays very well, with a smooth and responsive feel, and a clear tone that can sizzle when pushed. The 1st and 3rd slide spring-loaded triggers work great, and the valves and overall action is on par with modern trumpets. A lightweight pro horn of this nature competed against Calicchio and Benge trumpets back in the day, and would feel at home in playing lead in a jazz studio or mariachi band, or mellow out for challenging orchestral pieces like Mendez's famous Scherzo in D minor or Moto Perpetuo.
Specifications:
-
Key: Bb
-
Bell Material: One piece, yellow brass
-
Bore Size: 0.460" Medium Large
- Valves: Nickel Plated (all serial numbers matching)
-
Weight: Light w/ unique bracing
-
Finish: Original Lacquer
- Gold Plated Finger Buttons
- First and Third Slide Triggers
- Brass Valve Guides
-
Mouthpiece: Mendez 2 (Original)
-
Case: Leather-Bound Hardshell (Original)
Warranty
Your investment is protected with the Houghton Horns Used Instrument Warranty. Enjoy one year of coverage for defects in material and workmanship. Keep your instrument in perfect condition.
What Makes Houghton Horns Special
Houghton Horns is special because of its deep commitment to quality, expertise, and personalized service. As a family-owned business with a passion for brass instruments, Houghton Horns offers a carefully curated selection of premium instruments and accessories. Their team of skilled technicians provides top-tier repair and customization services, ensuring each instrument performs at its best. Houghton Horns is also known for its educational resources and support, helping musicians of all levels find the perfect instrument and develop their skills. With a reputation for excellence and a genuine love for music, Houghton Horns stands out as a trusted partner for brass players worldwide.