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Just curious about the quality of the new Besson 981 Ebs.

Does anyone know what time period for manufacture, is best for these instruments? How do the new ones compare to the older generations?

Thanks!

Hi,
I play one and think they're very good.
Some guys over here still like the older (1980's) Sovs but it's not unanimous.

Mine belongs to a brass band but if I were buying I'd look to the Bessons over York. Again, personal preference I suppose.

The new ones have a slightly bigger bore than the old although I don't think the web-specs reflect this.
When I got mine I checked and the internal bore of the male 2nd valve slide is 18mm. 4th valve is 19mm if I recall. Mine feels fairly open in the 4th valve register for a comp.

Build quality is excellent - same as any Meinl Weston...
Hope this helps.
MP

I tried one last March at NABBA along with all the other Eb tubas in the vendor rooms. It was a good horn and seemed quite well made. But the Yamaha, Miraphone, and B&S clones of the 981 played better, in my opinion.

Larger bore?! It's about time! I'm going to have to try to find one to try now.

I play on a 1989 Sov 981....very nice instrument , needs a bit of work on it , dent removal , solder job on one part , but I havnt broken it yet , plays like a dream....