1960s F.E. Olds & Son O-99 Professional F/B♭ Geyer double horn

Vintage F.E. Olds O-99 Professional Double Horn

Early-1960s • Fullerton, California • F/B♭ Double

Offered for sale is a rare and beautifully preserved vintage F.E. Olds professional double French horn, built in Fullerton, California in the early 1960s (serial 631305). This instrument represents one of Olds’ finest professional-era designs and is a true sleeper horn for players who value craftsmanship, response, and character.

✨ Condition & Playability

This horn is in excellent overall condition and plays beautifully throughout the entire range.

• Valves are in fantastic condition — tight, fast, and exceptionally smooth
• All rotors move quickly and effortlessly, with no hesitation or noise
• Strong valve compression and clean response
• Slides move freely and seat properly
• No major dents or structural damage
• Overall very well cared for and professionally maintained

The horn has a centered, resonant sound with excellent slotting and quick response, making it suitable for orchestral, chamber, and solo playing. It feels efficient and balanced, with a clarity and immediacy that many players associate with Geyer-style American designs from this period.

🎼 About the Instrument

• Model: Olds O-99 Professional Double Horn
• Key: F/B♭ full double
• Wrap: Geyer / American-Geyer influenced (non-Kruspe)
• Manufacturer: F.E. Olds & Son
• Factory: Fullerton, California
• Era: Early 1960s

Olds horns from this era are known for their exceptional build quality, durable mechanical design, and consistent playing characteristics. While less common than Conn or Alexander, professional Olds doubles are highly respected by those who know them and remain undervalued relative to their performance.