Mine from 1973 also sounds perfectly in tune with all slides inserted (A = 442). Some typical Besson high notes (partial sixth) are easily tamed with alternate positions or lip adjustments. I replaced the conical buttons (annoying on the fingertips) with the more comfortable ones of the Sovereign and I put the thinner springs, still new and never used, which were part of the 2007 Prestige kit. Soon I intend to add a false tube for the support-support of the right hand in order to make it more easily usable in march services, a job for which, in my case, this horn is mainly intended instead of the heavy and impractical to manage for this purpose, Prestige.
Have fun playing this vintage horn which despite its age is still, in my opinion, one of the best euphoniums ever built.
Last edited by franz; 10-25-2022 at 11:46 AM.
2007 Besson Prestige 2052, 3D+ K&G mouthpiece; JP373 baritone, 4B modified K&G mouthpiece; Bach 42GO trombone, T4C K&G mouthpiece; 1973 Besson New Standard 3 compensated valves, 3D+ K&G modified mouthpiece; Wessex French C tuba, 3D+ K&G modified mouthpiece.