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Besson Flugelhorn made in London— Are they any good?



 
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sthomas98
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Joined: 20 Jul 2017
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PostPosted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 6:33 am    Post subject: Besson Flugelhorn made in London— Are they any good? Reply with quote

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
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Joined: 23 Feb 2014
Posts: 1720
Location: UK

PostPosted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 6:40 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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
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Joined: 20 Jul 2017
Posts: 16

PostPosted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 6:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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
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Joined: 25 Feb 2016
Posts: 273

PostPosted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 9:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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
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Joined: 16 Aug 2011
Posts: 1320
Location: Twixt the Moor and the Sea, UK

PostPosted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 12:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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.
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Andy Del
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Joined: 30 Jun 2005
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PostPosted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 2:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

+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
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