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Vintage Besson Sousaphone

Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2013 10:56 pm
by duderubble
I haven't logged in in a long time, but I was antique shoping today and saw a Sousaphone for what seemed like a decent price, valves were free and it looked to be in decent usable sousaphone shape (plenty of little dents in the main bow but nothing critical. Seemed small for a sousa. The price on it was $140. Is that worth getting just to flip?

In fact I'm so nice I would divulge the location if someone wanted to just go pick it up for themselves in the Missouri Ozarks. It has a Conn Euph/Trombone mouthpiece in it you could send me as a finders fee, lol.

Re: Vintage Besson Sousaphone

Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 1:14 am
by David Richoux
If it looked small it was probably an Eb, so not quite as desirable as a BBb. At $140 you might get a few hundred more by flipping, but it all depends on condition and quality of the horn.

If it actually is a BBb it would be worth going back for it!

Re: Vintage Besson Sousaphone

Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 1:25 am
by WilliamVance
I used to own a 1930s era Besson BBb Sousa, which was a good player. It ook ordering the right neck and bits for and a first piston with honing job. $140 is a steal if all the parts are present.

Re: Vintage Besson Sousaphone

Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 10:10 am
by pjv
and if you're into a heavy sousaphone.

Re: Vintage Besson Sousaphone

Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 10:59 pm
by duderubble
Thanks for the replies. I'll have to take a closer look next time.

Re: Vintage Besson Sousaphone

Posted: Thu Dec 19, 2013 12:57 am
by imperialbari
Bring your mouthpiece and a bottle of valve oil for a realistic try-out.

Klaus