Olds Custom Crafted P24-G Bass Trombone

[RBBERN01]

Hi everyone! I recently picked up this F.E. Olds Custom Crafted P24-G Bass Trombone off eBay and was wanting to try and get more information on it. I have found a lot of information on these horns online, but have noticed that all of the pictures look different. I was wondering if this is something that is stock coming out of the factory, or if it was something custom done afterwards?

I also can’t tell you yet what it the second trigger is pitched in, it is currently bent inwards so I’m taking it to my repair guy tomorrow to get it adjusted and playable.

Lastly, if anyone has an estimated idea on how much these cost I’d love to hear it. I think I got a great deal on it, but want to know for sure. Thanks!

[rudytbone]

A number of Olds catalogs can be found here: https://olds-central.com/catalogs/

I do think that's a one off Custom - I haven't found P-24 as a standard Bass trombone model

[Burgerbob]

Looks like a stock P-24 with a D slide for the 2nd valve. Usually pitched in G or Gb

[LeoInFL]

You have an Olds P24G with the optional Eb/D tuning slide on the 2nd valve (normally pitched in G).

JohnL is a forum member and will likely add some detailed info. Here's a link to his website that includes a description of your horn's configuration:
http://itsabear.com/Olds_Docs/P24G_Facts.pdf

FYI, my bass has the bell section of a P24G. In stock configuration my bass plays in Bb/F/G/Eb. With the tuning slides swapped, it plays in modern Bb/F/Gb/D.

[hyperbolica]

P24g are sort of rare, but aren't exactly popular either. They are under rated in my view. The valves were a bit odd, but it works. The value is generally around and under $2000, depending on condition.

I had one and really liked it. Absolutely shouldn't have sold it.

[RBBERN01]

Thanks everyone. The thing that is throwing me off is the wrap on the attachments. From all the pictures I’ve seen it looks different and almost like it’s taller and more open.

Also, this one might be for sale in the near future after I play test it against my Benge. Whichever one I like less will be on the market.

[tbonesullivan]

Thanks everyone. The thing that is throwing me off is the wrap on the attachments. From all the pictures I’ve seen it looks different and almost like it’s taller and more open.

Also, this one might be for sale in the near future after I play test it against my Benge. Whichever one I like less will be on the market.

I believe that's because they were usually pitched Bb/F/G/Eb, but the second valve on your horn has the factory option longer crook. So yes, yours is taller and more open because of that. You should be able to remove the entire crook, and it probably has a tuning slide in it.

I'm pretty sure all of them say "Custom Crafted" on the bell. https://reverb.com/item/39249281-olds-c ... t-triggers

[JohnL]

Here is a pic of my Eb-D extension.

20240507_222128.jpg

The color is a bit off, which makes it look like it's brass; it's actually nickel silver.

They originally came with a crook and there was a stop rod so you could switch from Eb to D quickly. Unfortunately, a previous owner butchered the original crook to make a Gb crook (that's I don't have pics of it on my website; it's not complete).

You should be able to take the extension out of the loop and just use the crook.

One thing: It looks like your extension might be a bit longer, though that could just be a matter of a wide-ish lens and the picture being taken at an angle. It shouldn't be too hard to figure out the tuning. What notes can you play in first position with just the second valve engaged?

It also looks like there's been some work done on the valve levers. Not surprising; most people don't like the originals.

[LeoInFL]

Also, this one might be for sale in the near future after I play test it against my Benge. Whichever one I like less will be on the market.

If you decide to sell the Olds, would you consider selling me the Eb-D extension separately? I'd love to have it for my P24G.

[whitbey]

That second slide looks as long as my Bach bass 2nd that makes C.

[hyperbolica]

Also, this one might be for sale in the near future after I play test it against my Benge. Whichever one I like less will be on the market.

If you decide to sell the Olds, would you consider selling me the Eb-D extension separately? I'd love to have it for my P24G.

And I'd like a shot at the rest of the horn.

The tuning slides for the two triggers are interchangeable, right? So you should be able to put that extension on the F valve and get a C out of it? And that would give an A double valve combo?

How does it play with all that extra plumbing?

[patmcf18]

I've had my P24G (Bb-F-G/Gb-Eb/D) since 1977. I still love it. You have to keep the rotors oiled or they're noisy.

[ALT]

The tuning slides for the two triggers are interchangeable, right? So you should be able to put that extension on the F valve and get a C out of it? And that would give an A double valve combo?

How does it play with all that extra plumbing?

With extension in the second valve, I effectively had Bb/F/Eb/C
...and if you pulled the stop rod, Bb/F/D/B
...and if you pulled your F slide out you could sort of end up with Bb/E/Db/Bb - bizarre!

There used to be a list online of all possible permutations, but doesn't seem to be around anymore.

As for the extra plumbing, I used to play the horn as Bb/F/Eb/C, and the open horn felt excellent. It was nice to have a low C/B in first/second on the double valve, but also on the second valve in (if i recall...) 6th/7th as well. I haven't had it set up that way for years now, and just have the normal slides flipped so that it is Bb/F/Gb/D. The convenience of having independent 2nd valve options within the stave is much more useful, and the horn is much less cumbersome to hold. In this set up, my Gb slide is pretty much at full length and perhaps a bit short. I may have my local tech create a new slide for it, but I'm not necessarily unhappy with the tuning.
There's a lot to love about this horn!