Here we go again

[Pat]

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.

[John Morgan]

Congrats on the new horn!! What fun, yes??!! Pictures!! I have a similar wife!!

[Pat]

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.

[Shinn]

Congratulations!!! Besson New Standard euphoniums are absolutely wonderful! Focused. Robust. Responsive. Satisfying. Absolutely love these horns!!

[highpitch]

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

[Pat]

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.

[davewerden]

Ya done good, Pat!

[John Morgan]

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.

[RickF]

What a great looking horn! Congrats!!

[highpitch]

Bravo, Pat!

That is definitely a keeper.

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

Dennis

[franz]

Congratulations on your purchase. I recently bought one myself, but with three compensated valves: robust instruments with a dark, warm and focused sound, typical of the British Bessons of the 60s/70s of the last century. To obviate the annoying noise of the metal guides of the pistons I applied a thin layer of two-component epoxy resin to the sides: a problem easily solved in short time with negligible expense.

[Pat]

Bravo, Pat!

That is definitely a keeper.

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

Dennis

Many thanks... it definitely needs that fourth finger button to cap off the look!

[Pat]

Congratulations on your purchase. I recently bought one myself, but with three compensated valves: robust instruments with a dark, warm and focused sound, typical of the British Bessons of the 60s/70s of the last century. To obviate the annoying noise of the metal guides of the pistons I applied a thin layer of two-component epoxy resin to the sides: a problem easily solved in short time with negligible expense.

I'd love to hear more details about just how you applied the resin. Toothpick application to the sides of the brass guides? How long to dry? I definitely don't want to epoxy the valves into the horn!! Any specific two-component epoxy resin I should look for?

[highpitch]

Nylon/Delrin guides are cheap, and an easy DIY.

DDG

[franz]

I'd love to hear more details about just how you applied the resin. Toothpick application to the sides of the brass guides? How long to dry? I definitely don't want to epoxy the valves into the horn!! Any specific two-component epoxy resin I should look for?

Yes, a toothpick is fine, or a pin. It dries in a couple of hours and you can trim the excess with a thin blade. It is no permanent, it can be removed easily and reapplied just as easily. You have to be careful when inserting the piston, gently, otherwise it can come off. Once in place operation is guaranteed. I have applied it for about three mounts and it still ok.