Anyone know off which 3-valve bessons are compensationg models?
176 mentioned above.
Others?
Thanks.
Anyone know off which 3-valve bessons are compensationg models?
176 mentioned above.
Others?
Thanks.
Besson also produced a 3-valve compensator marked as a model 766. There is one on eBay right now, located in Switzerland I believe:
Euphonium in Bb, BESSON, 700 SERIES BE766-2-0, Student-Serie, versilbert | eBay
Willson also made 3-valve compensators, but apparently these are much harder to come by.
I owned a Besson 3-valve compensating adjustable-bell horn for several years and can attest to all of the pros and cons that others have posted. Intonation was also very good, noticeably better than Besson 4-valve compensating horns that I've played.
In addition to the Besson Model 766 referenced/linked above, there are currently three Besson ‘New Standard’ 3-valve compensating euphoniums listed on eBay - two have lacquer finishes, one has a silver finish, and all are in varying conditions.
If the horn is pre-1974, it came with a euro mouthpiece receiver. And if after 1974, it came with a large mouthpiece receiver (typical of today’s horns). Here is a serial number / cross-reference.
http://www.dwerden.com/Special/bandh_handlists_web.pdf
There are of course Boosey/Hawkes 3-valve compensating euphoniums as well.
Last edited by Shinn; 08-17-2022 at 10:05 AM.
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
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Peninsula Concert Band: https://www.peninsulaconcertband.org/
thanks very much!
I always get such good answers to questions I ask here.
If I could arrange to do it, I’d love to play the Adams Sonic next to the Shires Bravo, and choose the one that fit me best. Many good things about both. No place anywhere near me is carrying either.
As I’d said starting out, I’d love to find a compensating horn that would work for me but it seems more unlikely - every time I try a different one my right hand and left shoulder react badly.
My present horn, uncompensating and very special but not quite perfect, is so far the closest I’ve gotten. I’m using the Comfy strap and Lap Pad now too, and both are very helpful.
Hello Ann, the Shires Bravo is definitely one more intriguing contender.
While it might be difficult to locate a dealer which stocks both Sonic and Bravo, it is very likely that the appearance of these two euphos might intersect at some upcoming brass conference/show.
A call to Austin Custom Brass for the Adams Sonic, and to Shires for Bravo, should reveal the geographic and timing intersection of the two lovelies:
Austin Custom Brass
Phone: 816-410-0826
S. E. Shires
General email: info@seshires.com
Phone: 508-634-6805
Low brass specialist: Alexis Smith
Keep us posted!
Guido
M5050L - DC2&3, SM2&4U, BT16, Carbonaria Heavy & New
Wessex EP104 Festivo - available
Carolbrass CCR7772 Bb cornet - Available