I posted a similar message in misc., but got no replies, so I'm posting it here, since it's about a specific brand. I have a 1975 large shank 3+1 Besson Euph. This instrument has no model designation, but is probably an unmarked Besson Imperial, some of the USA imports evidently were not marked with a model name.
I'm enjoying the horn, which is new to me as of last month. The lower register is flat and the top notes I can reach, three ocatves above, are sharp. I hope that will improve when I change out my Kanstul 6 1/2 AL-L mpc for a 51D, which has a larger throat and backbore.
The horn plays well, but I might prefer a somewhat brighter tone. For this and just to improve the overall response of the horn, I was considering some custom tweaking, such as:
Moving mouthpipe off the Bell
Changing mouthpipe to European shank & smaller bore
Mvoing Bell brace downwards
Does anyone have any comments on the advisability of such? Has anyone done some mods to their Besson?
Thanks,
royjohn