Is the Besson 993 unique?

GC · Post by GC » Wed May 16, 2007 9:51 am

Is there another front-valve compensating Eb tuba other than the 993?

EDIT: Whoops! I meant the 983. For that matter, is there a front-valve compensating BBb other than the 993?

iiipopes · Post by **iiipopes** » Wed May 16, 2007 1:14 pm

The only other esoterica of that sort I know about is twofold:
1) HB also made a 3-valve rotary comp for a short time a little more than a generation ago; there's a thread on it somewhere on here, and
2) I saw on eBay a modified Besson Eb from top to front valve comp with the larger bell fitted that was supposed used, among other places, for the tuba part on the Beatles' song Martha My Dear off the White Album.

GC · Post by GC » Wed May 16, 2007 10:17 pm

Thanks, guys. I'd forgotten about the Hirsbrunner.

I wonder what compensating rotors would look like. I can't even imagine.

iiipopes · Post by **iiipopes** » Wed May 16, 2007 11:32 pm

Re: HB 3-valve comp thread link -- found it:

viewtopic.php?t=15662&highlight=hirsbru ... mpensating

The first post of the thread has a link to pictures.

GC · Post by GC » Thu May 17, 2007 12:05 am

Thanks again.

humphrey · Post by **humphrey** » Fri May 18, 2007 8:52 am

iiipopes wrote:I saw on eBay a modified Besson Eb from top to front valve comp with the larger bell fitted that was supposed used, among other places, for the tuba part on the Beatles' song Martha My Dear off the White Album.

I own that tuba now.... I'd put a low bid on but it didn't make the reserve. I phoned the guy selling it & found out the reserve price, went & checked it out, fell in love with it then bought it.

It is a Boosey & co cavalry tuba from 1919. I've seen pictures of at least two other examples but both had the original 15" bell. To all intents & purposes it is the same tuba as the later Imperial/New Standard/Sovereign instuments that followed it & as such has a 3+1 valve arrangement (as favoured by us Brits). I have been using it as my main axe for a couple of years now & it is the easiest blowing tuba of it's type I have ever played on. Hopefully I'll get it restored in the next year or so & will post pics as soon as it's done.

Cheers

Russ

quinterbourne · Post by **quinterbourne** » Fri May 18, 2007 11:21 am

I'm surprised that Willson does not make a 4 valve compensating front action BBb or Eb.

iiipopes · Post by **iiipopes** » Fri May 18, 2007 1:31 pm

It's good to see that tuba has a good home now. Thanks.