FS: Classic Besson 4-Valve Compensating in Silver - 1970-ish Vintage

[davewerden]

This is a nice example of the legendary Bessons, made around 1970, so it would have the medium shank receiver. (The long description in the listing has a big error about the date range, but the serial number is show in the photos so is really is from around 1970.) It is silver plated and is in very good shape, but the case is pretty bad. I don't see any dents that are a concern - in fact there are fewer than one would expect. I just added the new photo of the valve the seller uploaded. There is some wear and pitting, but I suspect nothing that affects playability yet (I say this because the similar-vintage Besson I had in the CG Band had valves that look like this when we traded it in, and it still played fine). The starting bid is $809 and shipping is only about $65.

SOLD FOR $1,158 + SHIPPING - GREAT!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/393256270830

[1Cor13:4]

I messaged the seller and he noted it's from 1970, but missed one spot in the description so it still says 1800s there. His source was probably confused because 50000 range is 1800s, but 500000, one more digit is 1970s.

I wish he had posted valve photos, but you would think with his good it looks the previous owner took care of the instrument

[1Cor13:4]

How would you compare a classic Besson like this to say a Mack Brass 1150?

[Shinn]

With the ‘Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser’ in Picture 1 of 12, it begs the question was that used on this horn? Was it a legendary Besson frosted silver finish that had tarnished over time and now after being cleaned with Soft Cleanser will only have a flat/matte finish?

[davewerden]

How would you compare a classic Besson like this to say a Mack Brass 1150?

The classic Bessons are unique and were exceptional at what the did. They have a very focused, rich sound with great projection, and are quite sweet to play. The 6th partial is pretty sharp, and I used alternate fingerings to tame the 3 notes there - otherwise the intonation was very good.

The modern horns from Mack, Wessex, ACB, JP, etc. have a somewhat larger sound that is not as rich. But the tone is more "neutral" in a way. Response in the low register is usually better.

Phil Franke in the U.S. Marine Band used a horn like this for his whole career and sounded great. He also managed to blend with his section mate(s) who were using Willsons, BTW.

[1Cor13:4]

Thanks for the information.

He's since posted a picture of the valves.

[MooreTrombone]

Thanks for posting this - I live nearby, so I called the seller about it. I’m going to try and drop in to check it out in a few days.

I’m a doubler and have been looking to pickup a euphonium like this, but I recognize my knowledge of euphonium gear is nowhere near that of trombone... is there anything you’d recommend checking specifically on this horn, or other pictures you would want to see? If it doesn’t work out for me, I’ll happily add more info/pictures to this thread.

[John Morgan]

Thanks for posting this - I live nearby, so I called the seller about it. I’m going to try and drop in to check it out in a few days.

I’m a doubler and have been looking to pickup a euphonium like this, but I recognize my knowledge of euphonium gear is nowhere near that of trombone... is there anything you’d recommend checking specifically on this horn, or other pictures you would want to see? If it doesn’t work out for me, I’ll happily add more info/pictures to this thread.

I bought a Boosey & Hawkes Imperial from the 1950's a few years ago. I saw it advertised on line and snapped it up because of what I saw. I wanted few, very few dents, no evidence of any bell creases, all joints and solder points in good condition, no leaks, slides all working, valves not pitted and with good compression, water keys serviceable, finish in decent shape. Those were some of the cosmetics I looked for plus some of the functionality. I wasn't too concerned with the horn needing felts or pads, water key corks, or valve guide replacement (my horn needed that, and you might check that as well to see if the valve guides are in good shape or loose - as in worn down and making a metallic noise). The valve guides are an easy fix if they need replacement. And obviously check to make sure all the valves come out, the bottom caps of the valves unscrew and aren't frozen in place, and the small compensating slides on the 1st and 3rd valve come out and in.

And play the horn. The seller apparently has a mouthpiece that you could probably use. Be aware that concert Eb, E and F (above the staff) will be sharp on this horn. Pretty common tendency with this horn. But alternate fingerings help get around that. Since you will see the horn before buying it, bring some music along that you might play as a doubler (symphony parts that typically use a euphonium for example). See how it sounds to you. Having the luxury to try the horn before buying it is a big deal, so use it to see if this is the horn to do what you need it to. These are very nice horns with a really great sound. Just might fill the bill for you.

[1Cor13:4]

One thing to note that Dave mentioned is that this is a medium shank receiver. Just something to consider if you already have mouthpieces, etc.

[highpitch]

Make sure to take some valve oil with you if you get to play it.

DG

[Shinn]

Sold for $1,158 + shipping.