Should I or shouldn't I: Besson 766S

[mclaugh]

I heard from a friend in Charlotte, NC that the private high school he teaches at has a used Besson 766S (3+1, compensating, silver) for sale. According to the band director, there are no major dents, and they had it reconditioned in 2005. The asking price is $1500.

I've seen the Besson name in the past, but don't know anything about Besson or the various models beyond what I've been able to find in the forums here.

Any insight/opinions on the 766? Is it worth taking a day off of work to drive over and check it out, and is $1500 a fair price?

TIA.

[daruby]

Should I or shouldn't I: Besson 766S

A Besson 765 is a non-compensating horn as far as I know. Are you sure this is a compensating horn? If it is a recent compensating model, it would be a 968 or 967. If an earlier (pre-late 70's) I am not sure what the model numbers are but it would most likely either be an Imperial or a New Standard.

Doug

[davewerden]

Should I or shouldn't I: Besson 766S

Ask them if the 3 main valves have tuning slides on the BACK side. If so, it's compensating. If not, it isn't.

[mclaugh]

Should I or shouldn't I: Besson 766S

Wichita Band Instruments (http://www.wichitaband.com/used2.html#lobrass) has two Besson 766s for sale that are described as compensating horns. They're asking $1600 and $1700, so $1500 looks like a reasonable price (depending, of course, on the quality and condition).

[davewerden]

Should I or shouldn't I: Besson 766S

According to the photos posted there, these really are compensating. However, they are also 3-valve models. That sort-of tickles my memory (that a 766 is a 3-valve comp.).

Some people like the 3-valve compensating models. They play nicely and solve the intonation problems of 1&3 and 123. But you would lose the register between low E concert and pedal B-flat concert.