Some very interesting claimsl here:
Kanstul did make all Bessons trumpets from the early 1980s to 1998, but at present, make only two of the five Buffet Crampon pro-level trumpets: the French Besson Classic and French Besson "Stamm" models. (Note that French Besson is a separate trademark from Besson.)We spoke recently with their USA agent, were informed that their pro-quality trumpets are being made in California.
[Sources: Kanstul and The Kanstul-Besson Loyalist website]
They're not: they're produce in India. (Called Buffet Crampon USA to confirm.)Their student brasses are now being produced in China.
Nope. Besson pro level horns (Sovereign and Prestige) are made exclusively in Germany. (Confirmed with Buffet Crampon.)And the rest of the Besson instruments, including all lower brass, is now being made in India.
Here's the reply I received to a question on the source of their info:
John Rogers works for Schreiber Keilworth, and has since 2006, so he may not exactly be the most reliable source of info on Besson's current manufacturing operations.I got a new Besson pro-level euphonium 6 weeks ago. Stamped "made in India". The name "york" is owned by Steven Wasser, has nothing to do with Besson. Should I have John Rogers write you? He set up the India workshop for Besson. Regards, JSM
- wichitaband
So ... the horn itself might be a good horn, and it might be a reputable used instrument dealer, but just too many dubious claims being tossed around to ring credibly in my ears, so ... CAVEAT EMPTOR!