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sthomas98 Regular Member
Joined: 20 Jul 2017 Posts: 16
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Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 6:33 am Post subject: Besson Flugelhorn made in London— Are they any good? |
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Hi,
I am looking at possibly getting a Besson flugelhorn— this particular one was made in London, Britain, and is the "Class A, 50 Medals of Honor, Prototype" model. It also says "Brevete" on the valve casing (but not the bell), so maybe it was a prototype for the Brevete flugelhorn that was made in France eventually? Seems in good condition for its age, valves work well and everything. Unfortunately I cannot get to play it before I buy it, so I do not know if I will like how it plays. I've seen a lot of people who like the Besson Brevete flugelhorn that was made pre-war in France, but I've not heard anything about the prototype or any of the London models.
Anybody have any experiences with this type of Besson flugelhorn? |
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TKSop Heavyweight Member
Joined: 23 Feb 2014 Posts: 1720 Location: UK
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Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 6:40 am Post subject: |
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I've played a couple and thought them very average... then again, I've thought the same of all but one queenie I've ever come across.
I guess it depends on the price and what you want it for - I wouldn't buy an instrument that old without being able to play it first, personally. |
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sthomas98 Regular Member
Joined: 20 Jul 2017 Posts: 16
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Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 6:55 am Post subject: |
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It's being sold from the UK for the equivalent of about $175 US dollars. I'm only considering it because it seemed interesting, and I've heard pretty good things about the French Besson Brevetes. I would not be using it very much probably... Mainly just for messing around on or using in a jazz group. I just don't want to go buy it if the London Bessons tend to be junk |
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brassmusician Veteran Member
Joined: 25 Feb 2016 Posts: 273
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Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 9:49 am Post subject: |
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I think you would be better off picking up a doublers flugel from Trent Austin (Austin Custom Brass) or a second hand Yamaha student flugel, or vintage pro model from ebay. By the time to pay for postage etc you wouldn't be saving yourself much and with Besson London anything....I wouldn't be holding my breath it is a great player. Vintage Besson horns made in France, different story. |
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Rapier232 Heavyweight Member
Joined: 16 Aug 2011 Posts: 1320 Location: Twixt the Moor and the Sea, UK
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Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 12:22 pm Post subject: |
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I wouldn’t waste my money on it. Even the newer Bessons are pretty average for playing and tuning. And that seems expensive for something that old. _________________ "Nearly as good as I need to be. Not nearly as good as I want to be".
Smith-Watkins Bb
Will Spencer Bb
Eclipse Flugel
Smith Watkins K2 Cornet
JP152 C Trumpet
Besson Bugle |
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Andy Del Heavyweight Member
Joined: 30 Jun 2005 Posts: 2660 Location: sunny Sydney, Australia
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Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 2:09 pm Post subject: |
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+1 on it being a waste of money. B&H and English Besson instruments are NOT French Besson trumpets.
The difference between the Besson and B&H instruments were purely cosmetic and where they were assembled. Those fulfils are only marginally better than the Sovereign models, which are universally thought to be unplayable.
Just buy a Yamaha and enjoy playing flugel!
cheers
Andy _________________ so many horns, so few good notes... |
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