Originally Posted by
daniel76309
I have a question for you, and maybe others who have experience with similar instruments could join in also...
I have a 1971 Besson, and haven't played anything else except for beginner horns decades ago. It still plays great, and I get lots of compliments about the tone, etc. I will never sell it, but am sort of intrigued by the prospect of the newer instruments. Since you went from a 1968 Besson to a new Prestige, I was just wondering if you found a "night and day" difference/improvement going to the Prestige, i.e. other than being "new" do you feel that it is intrinsically "better" by design?
Not "night and day," but the "Besson sound" is still there. I find it more responsive in the high range. More important, however, to my decision was the larger shank size, larger bore overall, and the larger bell. These were the decision factors for me, and I am glad I made the change. Had I the ability to purchase the newer horn and keep the 1968 horn I would still be playing both. I like the 68 very well for the large ensemble setting in military bands and the large wind ensemble. I like the Prestige for the solo and small ensemble setting, though I have not had much oportunity for the latter. As with much similar advice on this forum, the decision should ultimately come down to what works and sounds best to you.
Thanks.
Best Regards,
Don Brown
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Besson BE2052S Prestige, SM3X
Adams E1 0.60 SS Bell, SM3X
Hirsbrunner HBS 479 black nickel plated, SM3X
Bach Stradivarius 42B0 F Attachment 'bone, SM4AL
Yamaa YBL613 F/Gb Bass 'bone, DW HT1AL
Besson 10-10 F Attachment 'bone (1968), SM4AL
Conn 50H Director F Attachment Tenor 'bone (1970), SM4BS
Blue pBone just for fun!
Indian bugle
Shofar