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Thread: Recommendations for Lightweight, tall and narrow brands?

  1. Anyone know off which 3-valve bessons are compensationg models?
    176 mentioned above.
    Others?

    Thanks.

  2. #12
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    McIntosh, FL
    Posts
    25
    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.

  3. #13
    Join Date
    Feb 2020
    Location
    Yorktown, Virginia
    Posts
    277
    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


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

  4. thanks very much!

  5. #15
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Farmington Hills, MI
    Posts
    472
    Quote Originally Posted by aroberts781 View Post
    That's a good point 58mark. I've tried small pillows and rolled up towels in the past but for some reason I've never found a setup that I like. Admittedly I haven't tried very hard so maybe I'll revisit it. I'm currently using a Comfy Euph Strap with my 3 valve New Standard which works fairly well.
    The Quick Horn Rinse Lap Pad is the best I’ve found. It has a grippy surface and the height is adjustable.

  6. #16
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    US East coast
    Posts
    193
    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.

  7. #17
    Join Date
    Jun 2018
    Location
    Summerville (SC)
    Posts
    483
    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

  8. #18
    Quote Originally Posted by ann reid View Post
    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.
    Just a quick note on the Sonic. It's lighter but not smaller in any way, and of course un-compensated.

    And the Yamaha 842 (compensated) is a little more friendly for smaller hands and reach, but is not lighter.

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