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Besson Brevete Who knows these horns????



 
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A.N.A.Mendez
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PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2009 4:00 pm    Post subject: Besson Brevete Who knows these horns???? Reply with quote

I have need of info on one of these? I was so impressed when I played this, reminds me of a Committee with faster valves. Neat horn....How does one find out when it was made? Good years? Bad years? Thanks in advance....
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shofarguy
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PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2009 4:07 pm    Post subject: Re: Besson Brevete Who knows these horns???? Reply with quote

A.N.A.Mendez wrote:
I have need of info on one of these? I was so impressed when I played this, reminds me of a Committee with faster valves. Neat horn....How does one find out when it was made? Good years? Bad years? Thanks in advance....


Byron Autrey is the finest resource for information on Besson horns up through the 60s, at least.

This is the proverbial "hornets' nest" because so many different companies in so many different countries over the years have made the horns. Usually, names like "Brevete" and "Meha" don't refer to a single model, but a range of models.

If you wish to speak with Byron, send me a PM with your contact Ph.# and I will have him give you a call. He doesn't use email.

Brian
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crzytptman
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PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2009 7:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

My #1 student, a HS senior, just picked up a Kanstul Besson Brevette. It belonged to a legendary player who passed away a few years ago. He had Flip go through it and align the valves. It is a great player with a fat, focused sound.
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A.N.A.Mendez
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PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2009 8:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

How can you tell who made it and when?
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Dan O'Donnell
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PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2009 8:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

A.N.A. Mendez,

I have a Besson Brevete by Kanstul.

I purchased it in the early 1980's when Zig worked in his Fullerton manufacturing facility prior to moving to Anaheim.

It is serial #4425 revealing that Zig used a (4) digit serial number versus the English ones that used a (6) digit serial number if I am not mistaken.

Just below the serial number...in an oval...on the bottom of the 2nd valve case, it reads... F.Besson
(star)
Kanstul

I'm very surprised you found a Besson Brevete that sounded like a Committee due to the fact that EVERYONE I talked with (horn designers, manufacturers, and professional players) who all told me that the Besson Brevete has a "bright" sound to it.

The year, make and model I have is the same year, make and model Wayne played when he toured and recorded with Maynard.

I know this for a fact because I used to study with Wayne.

It is a great horn, however, it was too bright for my liking (I am not a screaming lead player and I play soft mellow pieces at my church) so I had Jason Harrelson add his 909 modification in raw brass and then had Zig re-Silver plate it.

For ME...it now has a less bright sound, slots better, has better overall playability and AMAZING / UNBELIEVABLE intonation!!!
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Dan O'Donnell

"Praise Him with the sound of the Trumpet:..."
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A.N.A.Mendez
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PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2009 8:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well, this one has made in London on bell, no serial number I can find except on the bell tube? The valve action is amazing, SO FAST! I was impressed.I did not see a serial number anywhere else?
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Don Miles
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PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2009 8:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

11

Last edited by Don Miles on Sun Aug 29, 2010 6:03 pm; edited 1 time in total
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bg
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PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2009 9:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I own three pre-war F. Besson Paris Brevete trumpets.

There is no question that these horns are the best ever made. IMO, perhaps
matched only by the NY Bach, Early Benge and Calicchio.

I've owned all of the above, but don't have them anymore. Will NEVER
part with my Bessons!

The cutoff point for WW II is said to be in the neighborhood of 92000.
Pre-War MEHA models (I own one of such) are .460, and are USA assembled
with French parts. (Rapuano)

The British Brevete is a decent horn, nothing to write home about.
The Kanstuls are well-made, but far more open and free blowing than
the original Brevetes.

All large bore MEHAs are post-war, made in England. The british Besson
also made a "French" Brevete post-war. Both of these horns share the
british valves, w/ the plastic guides, like the English Brevetes.

I hope this is not too confusing. To get to the main point:

The real deal are the French made horns w/ a serial # under 92000.
If you haven't tried one, you don't have any idea what a Brevete is.
They are unique.

Brad Goode
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A.N.A.Mendez
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PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2009 9:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

My head hurts......
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Retlaw
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PostPosted: Fri May 15, 2009 12:34 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Perhaps a photo or two would help focus the information.


Walter
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Bob Stevenson
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PostPosted: Fri May 15, 2009 3:23 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Real Besson were in operation from about 1875 until they were killed off b y B&H in 1975,...so that's a lot of different instruments. The 'brevette' is purely historical and on all their products. All Besson instruments have a serial number,...a unique one up to 1952 when Besson was aquired by Boosey and Hawkes, after which they had B&H serial numbers until the end in 1975 (although production and design remained largely separate). Besson offered instruments in every class from world beaters to what are now called 'student' items.

B&H disinterred the 'Besson' brand for their own brass about 1990 but these instruments had nothing in common with Besson other than the name.
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