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Richard,

I have been working with a parts supply store in England to try to get parts for my 1980 vintage Sovereign Euphonium. Wile my horn is in really good shape, I wanted to see if I coul get a set of replacement pistons. Due to the Besson reorganization, spare parts are in exceptionally short supply. However, give these guys a try.

https://www.windcraft.co.uk/index.html

As regards interchangeability....I found that the pistons on a new Buffet 967S would interchange with my old Sovereign. HOWEVER, despite access to a senior manager at Buffet via email, I was unable to get any information about availablility. I would love to have converted my old horn to the new plastic valve guide pistons.

Doug

I worked at Windcraft a few years ago for a short period. They have a massive stock of new valves from the 70's instruments, picked from the factory when it closed.

I think it would mean someone taking time to search thro' the lot if you could be patient with them?

CB

So you're the person who bought the Besson 4 valve. I thought it was a great bargain and if you can get the valve and a little dent work, you'll have a very solid BBb for a very reasonable price.

I have yet to get a descent response out of Buffet-Crampon regarding replacement parts for any of the old Besson products. I had a friend of mine pick up some Prestige euphonium valve guides on one his trips to the Meinl factory (where the new Besson professional models are being built) and I was surprised to see that the guides are being molded on new tooling instead of the original. Apparently, when the London factory was closed, even the small tools were scrapped.

I may have already given you this information, but for the benefit of others on the forum who may be seeking Besson parts... you might give this fellow a shout:

jp.brass@lineone.net

Mark Carter at Mr. Tuba over in Wales, UK stocks all kinds of Besson parts - apparently he has enough of a "stash" to ride out this shortage from the ownership transition. I recently bought some of the Besson rubberized felts from him. The limitation to dealing with him is that he does not accept PayPal or credit cards. Unless you have a check drawn in British pounds (eat your heart out iiip), you have to mail him cash. In my case it was a nominal amount, so I did not mind. Email him at Mrtuba2@aol.com

Parts availability, or lack thereof, definitely crossed my mind when I saw that auction...

Eric "rubberised non-guru" L.