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Thread: Besson Distributor in Florida?

  1. #1

    Besson Distributor in Florida?

    At the NABBA Championships in 2009, where I eventually bought my Virtuoso, I play-tested and talked (somewhat) with the Besson reps there at the time. I did not get a business card because, frankly, at the time, they were too interested in selling something to me that I didn't want. isgust;

    One of the things that was mentioned involved a good idea - actually making the trip to a facility that Besson evidently has in Florida in which ALL the incoming Bessons arrive.

    For the person who is interested in playtesting a BUNCH of horns at one go, this would be perfect. Of course it involves making the trip to Florida, hotel costs, etc., but it would be the best way to nail down a great horn even though, apparently, the newer Bessons are much more consistent in their build and play quality than they were a few years ago.

    In December, my wife and I will be making a trip to Florida on another matter. But I think it might be good to check into seeing if Besson still offers the opportunity mentioned to me at NABBA 2009.

    I played Bessons for years and liked the 2052 I played at NABBA, but I wasn't able to give it a careful go-round like I had my Virtuoso. I would like to check into this and maybe select a newer Prestige to keep my Virtuoso company.

    I did a quick Google and was unable to find anything concrete about Besson in Florida.

    Anybody got a line on this? Any reps out there with contact information?

    Much obliged....

    U.S. Army, Retired (built mid-1950s)
    Adams E2 Euph (built 2017)
    Boosey & Co. Imperial Euph (built 1941)
    Edwards B454 Bass Trombone (built 2012)
    Boosey & Hawkes Imperial Eb tuba (built 1958)
    Kanstul 33-T lBBb tuba (built 2010)

  2. Besson Distributor in Florida?

    Contact:

    Tim Ornato
    Brass Product Specialist
    Buffet Crampon USA, Inc.
    14125 Beach Blvd.
    Jacksonville, Fla. 32250-1543
    tim.ornato@buffetcrampon.us
    904-821-0234
    Adams E3 0.60 Sterling bell - Prototype top sprung valves
    Concord Band
    Winchendon Winds
    Townsend Military Band

  3. #3

    Besson Distributor in Florida?

    Thanks.

    I took a stab (again) at the Besson web site and stumbled onto their "Subsidiaries" section, listing their facility in Jacksonville. I had overlooked it the first time.

    It's good to have a name with the number, though. I'll give Tim a call.



    U.S. Army, Retired (built mid-1950s)
    Adams E2 Euph (built 2017)
    Boosey & Co. Imperial Euph (built 1941)
    Edwards B454 Bass Trombone (built 2012)
    Boosey & Hawkes Imperial Eb tuba (built 1958)
    Kanstul 33-T lBBb tuba (built 2010)

  4. #4

    Besson Distributor in Florida?

    Tim was very prompt with his reply:

    "Thank you for your interest in the Besson 2052 Euphonium. It certainly possible to come in by appointment, but I need some lead time to see what product is here or coming in, and if there are any appointments already booked. Generally, we receive our shipments the 3-4th week of the month. At that point it is possible to pick through available stock before it goes out for orders."

    U.S. Army, Retired (built mid-1950s)
    Adams E2 Euph (built 2017)
    Boosey & Co. Imperial Euph (built 1941)
    Edwards B454 Bass Trombone (built 2012)
    Boosey & Hawkes Imperial Eb tuba (built 1958)
    Kanstul 33-T lBBb tuba (built 2010)

  5. Besson Distributor in Florida?

    One thing to look for in a new 2052..."some" of the new Bessons (2051 and 2052) have a new wrap on the 3rd valve slide that places it closer to the outer branch much the same as a Yamaha 642. This makes the horn easier for those with small hands (originally done for the Asian market). The two new 2010 Prestiges (2051 and 2052) I saw at the USABTEC were of both types. The 2052 had the new 3rd valve wrap while the 2051 had the older style wrap that requires a wider grip. The new wrap also makes reaching the paddle for the tuning slide trigger a bit easier. Mathew Van Emerrik was so enamored with the new 2052 (even though he has serial #16 of the original German production) that he purchased it right off the floor and took it back to Australia with him.

    Also, the new horns seem to be a bit easier than mine with the dreaded high B-nat.
    Adams E3 0.60 Sterling bell - Prototype top sprung valves
    Concord Band
    Winchendon Winds
    Townsend Military Band

  6. #6

    Besson Distributor in Florida?

    If the truth be known, I've been biding my time with the new Besson line, waiting to see if the Steve Mead-driven hype was less hype and more fact. Based on the readings I've done here and elsewhere, it's great to know that Besson has undertaken their efforts of late.

    I'm already looking forward to the experience, even though it's a long way off.

    U.S. Army, Retired (built mid-1950s)
    Adams E2 Euph (built 2017)
    Boosey & Co. Imperial Euph (built 1941)
    Edwards B454 Bass Trombone (built 2012)
    Boosey & Hawkes Imperial Eb tuba (built 1958)
    Kanstul 33-T lBBb tuba (built 2010)

  7. Besson Distributor in Florida?

    Originally posted by: Eupher6

    If the truth be known, I've been biding my time with the new Besson line, waiting to see if the Steve Mead-driven hype was less hype and more fact.
    FWIW...I tried EVERY single euphonium at the USABTEC on two separate days including the Willson 2900, 2950, and 2960, Meinl-Weston 751 Phoenix, Miraphone 5050 (several), Yamaha 642 and 842, Besson 967/968 and 2051/2052, Sterling (four different configurations), B&S, and several different Chinese clone compensating horns including M&M, Eastman, and Dillon.

    The two I liked the best of ALL of these horns were the Sterling Virtuoso (same configuration as mine - 300mm heavy red brass bell) and Besson 2051 (11" bell). I had others listen to me as I did this and still came down to the fact that the two horns I liked the most were exactly the horns that I own....go figure.

    Honorable mention for me (horns that I enjoyed playing) included the Miraphone 5050 (awesome high range and nicely built), the Willson 2900 (for all of the reasons that most like it...nice response, etc.), and the Eastman compensating horn.

    Net, net...I think Besson makes a fantastic horn. I have had mine for over 3 years now and love the way it plays. I like the more focused sound of the smaller bell horn. When I play the Sterling, I feel that I get a great compromise between the large dark diffuse sound of a Besson 2052 or York 4052 and the singing sound of my 2051.
    Adams E3 0.60 Sterling bell - Prototype top sprung valves
    Concord Band
    Winchendon Winds
    Townsend Military Band

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