Olds Super Star V20 with F attachment - Opinions?

berntd · by **berntd** » 2020-09-20 8:11 p.m.

Hello gang,

What are your opinions on this horn model?

Would it be ok for jazz / trad?

I have never owned an F attachment horn before.

Regards

Bernt

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2020-09-20 8:57 p.m.

If it's in good shape, yes. I used to play the down model A-20 Ambassador which worked fine as a small bore horn, even though Olds used to call it a Bass Trombone (actually, anything they made with an F-attachment was called a "Bass Trombone").

I think a Recording with F would be better, but they are a bit harder to find.

You will probably appreciate the fact that you can hold it like a straight tenor (thumb around bell brace). Also, even with the two tuning slides in the F-attachment you don't have enough pull to get to E. But if you need to play an E-attachment, this is definitely the wrong horn for it.

berntd · by **berntd** » 2020-09-20 11:40 p.m.

Do these also have fluted inner slide tubes?

JohnL · by **JohnL** » 2020-09-21 1:25 a.m.

They're actually pretty versatile instruments; kinda in the same class as a King 3BF.

The inners should be round.

berntd · by **berntd** » 2020-09-21 1:46 a.m.

Ohh, those words are music to my ears.

berntd · by **berntd** » 2020-10-02 5:14 a.m.

When did they make these?

I cannot find any info on them.

Is there a caralog that shows them perhaps?

Driswood · by **Driswood** » 2020-10-02 7:54 a.m.

There's a little information here

Dual bore .500-.510, 8.5 inch bell

It's near the bottom of the page.

<LINK_TEXT text="https://www.horn-u-copia.net/Reference/ ... t=Trombone">https://www.horn-u-copia.net/Reference/Productline.php?maker=Olds&instrument=Trombone</LINK_TEXT>

JohnL · by **JohnL** » 2020-10-02 3:23 p.m.

[quote="berntd"]When did they make these?

I cannot find any info on them.

Is there a caralog that shows them perhaps?[/quote]
The latest catalog or price list I have is from 1974; it does not list the SuperStar models. I've seen a 1977 price list on Olds Central that does have the SuperStars. I don't recall ever seeing a catalog with them.

To the best of my knowledge, they are close cousins to the R-20 Recording and A-20 Ambassador; .495"/.510" dual bore slide, .515" bore f-attachment, 8.5" bell. Pretty sure it's mostly yellow brass under that silver plate.

berntd · by **berntd** » 2020-10-02 7:49 p.m.

Thank you.

They are a bit of a mystery.

Would their serial numbers even fit in the Olds list?

Where is Olds Central?

JohnL · by **JohnL** » 2020-10-02 7:53 p.m.

[quote="berntd"]Thank you.

They are a bit of a mystery.

Would their serial numbers even fit in the Olds list?

Where is Olds Central?[/quote]
If memory serves, Olds serial numbers were in the A4xxxx range when the doors close in 1979; I'd expect a SuperStar to in the high six digits or in the Axxxxx range.

Olds Central

http://www.rouses.net/trumpet/olds.htm

rather trumpet-centric (which was one reason I started my site).

berntd · by **berntd** » 2020-10-21 2:43 a.m.

Hello all,

I finally have the Olds Super Star V20 in my hands.

Mega cool!

However, do It need to tune the trigger section separately to the main?

It is not obvious to me whether the inside tubing has a tuning slide or not.

Nothing moves at this stage so I cannot tell.

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2020-10-21 8:47 a.m.

The two bows in the F-attachment should both move. On the A-20 I used to have only the larger bow moved. You need both slides to get the attachment to flat E.

Jordsterr · by **Jordsterr** » 2023-07-12 4:05 p.m.

[quote="berntd"]Hello all,

I finally have the Olds Super Star V20 in my hands.

Mega cool!

However, do It need to tune the trigger section separately to the main?

It is not obvious to me whether the inside tubing has a tuning slide or not.

Nothing moves at this stage so I cannot tell.[/quote]

Hello!

I'm looking at one of these myself. How do you like it? I'm a bass trombone player looking for a medium bore jazz horn that's versatile enough to play lead or 3rd.

Thanks!

berntd · by **berntd** » 2023-07-12 5:17 p.m.

Hello,

I like it a lot because of the compactness of the tubing.

I do not use it much as I do nt have a ude for F attachment and prefer a standard tenor trombone instead.

The only negative aspect on min eis the slide lock. Due to its construction, it has become a bit worn loose and it can rattle a bit and also turn during play and become a nuisance. I am guessing that could somehow be fixed but I have not bothered. It is not the normal threaded on nut type construction so one cannot tighten it.

Best regards

Bernt

Jordsterr · by **Jordsterr** » 2023-07-13 1:05 p.m.

Thanks! I did end up winning a King 2B on ebay, but I remember having something like the V20 in high school as my first F attachment. I sold it to help fund my bass trombone for college (which I still have and play!)

I've even thought about a 3B with F attachment to use as a medium bore jazz horn. I'm not a super high player or much of an improviser, so if it's not 4th, I play 3rd.

Thanks!

Jordi

berntd · by **berntd** » 2023-07-13 4:43 p.m.

King 2B should be a nice one to use. I have one too from 1948ish.

But my favourite horn is an Olds Special 2tone.

JohnL · by **JohnL** » 2023-07-13 5:28 p.m.

[quote="berntd"]The only negative aspect on min eis the slide lock. Due to its construction, it has become a bit worn loose and it can rattle a bit and also turn during play and become a nuisance. I am guessing that could somehow be fixed but I have not bothered. It is not the normal threaded on nut type construction so one cannot tighten it.[/quote]
You might try using some really thick lubricant; I've had some success with Hetman's #15 Ball Joint lube.

berntd · by **berntd** » 2023-07-13 5:33 p.m.

Yea thank you.

It kinda needs dried up grease and grime in there :-)

A tech I know on from the internet suggested that the ring could be "adjusted" (hammered) to become ever so slightly oval and then have friction again.

But I have not done that.

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Olds Super Star V20 with F attachment - Opinions?