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Thread: Here we go again

  1. #1

    Here we go again

    I love my Sterling, but the nostalgia I associate with my college Besson and the unique rich sound keep drawing me back. SO... found a satin finish Besson on Ebay courtesy of Dillon Music and took the plunge once again. Serial number dates the instrument to 1975, the year I started college, so I'm working from the assumption that it was meant for me... that's what I'm telling my sainted wife, anyway.
    Sterling Virtuoso Euphonium, Denis Wick 4AL

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Summerfield, Florida Sturgis, SD (summers)
    Posts
    1,867
    Congrats on the new horn!! What fun, yes??!! Pictures!! I have a similar wife!!
    John Morgan
    The U.S. Army Band (Pershing's Own) 1971-1976
    Adams E3 Custom Series Euphonium, 1956 B&H Imperial Euphonium,
    1973 F. E. Olds & Son Studio Model T-31 Baritone
    Adams TB1 Tenor Trombone, Yamaha YBL-822G Bass Trombone
    Year Round Except Summer:
    Kingdom of the Sun (KOS) Concert Band, Ocala, FL (Euphonium)
    KOS Brass Quintet (Trombone, Euphonium)
    Summer Only:
    Rapid City Municipal Band, Rapid City, SD (Euphonium)
    Rapid City New Horizons Band (Euphonium)

  3. #3
    Horn arrived courtesy of Dillon Music/eBay, just as advertised with no unpleasant surprises or unexpected dents. It's grimy, so I'll take pictures after it's had a good bath this weekend. Couldn't resist playing it. Surprisingly focused, which I didn't expect or recall... it's been a few years since I last played a Besson, so my memory of my "Besson sound" has likely faded with time. I'm looking forward to some side to side comparisons with my Sterling once it's ready for some real playing. Applause to the folks at Dillon for making it play-ready. Valves were oiled (grimy, but oiled), slides were greased and move freely, and spit valve corks are new.
    Sterling Virtuoso Euphonium, Denis Wick 4AL

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2020
    Location
    Yorktown, Virginia
    Posts
    277
    Congratulations!!! Besson New Standard euphoniums are absolutely wonderful! Focused. Robust. Responsive. Satisfying. Absolutely love these horns!!
    David Shinn
    Peninsula Concert Band
    Yorktown, Virginia



    1971 Besson 181 ‘New Standard’ Euphonium (3+1 compensating) ~ Alliance DC3M
    1971 Besson 176 ‘New Standard’ Euphonium (3 compensating) ~ Alliance DC3M
    1979 Besson 755 'New Standard' Baritone (3 compensating) ~ Alliance DC5S
    1894 Besson ‘Doublophone’ Euphonium (3 + 1 changeover) & Original Leather Case


    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidshinn....ibextid=LQQJ4d
    Peninsula Concert Band: https://www.peninsulaconcertband.org/

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Hidden Valley, AZ
    Posts
    1,034
    The New Standard has always been my axe, for over 50 years.

    The old Brits beat brass into just what many composers wanted to hear.

    Tried a LOT of others, but the thing is just that 'sweet spot'.

    I'll give you they are a bit harder to wrangle in every setting, but I'd much rather be the boss of the horn than the opposite...

    Dennis

  6. #6
    I promised pictures: from bath time to reassembly. I must heap more praise on Dillon Music. They replaced the springs, felts and corks. The metal valve guides are a bit noisy, but I don't think I'll swap them out for nylon just yet. Played the horn side by side with my Sterling until my lip gave out. Completely different character. Love them both.

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    Last edited by Pat; 11-20-2021 at 11:03 AM.
    Sterling Virtuoso Euphonium, Denis Wick 4AL

  7. #7
    Ya done good, Pat!
    Dave Werden (ASCAP)
    Euphonium Soloist, U.S. Coast Guard Band, retired
    Adams Artist (Adams E3)
    Alliance Mouthpiece (DC3)
    YouTube: dwerden
    Facebook: davewerden
    Twitter: davewerden
    Instagram: davewerdeneuphonium

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Summerfield, Florida Sturgis, SD (summers)
    Posts
    1,867
    Very nice. Multiple horns is a fun thing, too. I will be playing my B&H Imperial the day after Thanksgiving at an outdoor concert before a Christmas tree lighting and parade. Looking forward to getting it out.
    John Morgan
    The U.S. Army Band (Pershing's Own) 1971-1976
    Adams E3 Custom Series Euphonium, 1956 B&H Imperial Euphonium,
    1973 F. E. Olds & Son Studio Model T-31 Baritone
    Adams TB1 Tenor Trombone, Yamaha YBL-822G Bass Trombone
    Year Round Except Summer:
    Kingdom of the Sun (KOS) Concert Band, Ocala, FL (Euphonium)
    KOS Brass Quintet (Trombone, Euphonium)
    Summer Only:
    Rapid City Municipal Band, Rapid City, SD (Euphonium)
    Rapid City New Horizons Band (Euphonium)

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    West Palm Beach, FL
    Posts
    3,853
    What a great looking horn! Congrats!!
    Rick Floyd
    Miraphone 5050 - Warburton BJ / RF mpc
    YEP-641S (recently sold)
    Doug Elliott - 102 rim; I-cup; I-9 shank


    "Always play with a good tone, never louder than lovely, never softer than supported." - author unknown.
    Symphonic Band of the Palm Beaches
    El Cumbanchero (Raphael Hernandez, arr. Naohiro Iwai)
    Chorale and Shaker Dance
    (John Zdechlik)

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Hidden Valley, AZ
    Posts
    1,034
    Bravo, Pat!

    That is definitely a keeper.

    I'll keep an eye out for the fourth finger button for you.

    Dennis

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