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Is there a still a problem getting replacement parts for Buffet Group (MW, B&S, etc.) instruments? Seems like on and off, there have been complaints about difficulty getting in contact with people, getting orders, parts, etc...

Has that been resolved? Or is it still a problem?

The parts situation at Buffet Crampon has gotten a little bit better but still has a ways to go. The biggest problem is the fact that most all of the production facilities for Besson products have changed. Some parts are compatible but most are not. A few common things like valve guides and spring dampeners for euphoniums and tubas are now being stocked by Allied Supply.

bloke wrote:For a while, didn't Blesson make some instruments for Bessing ?

They made Blassoons.

Thanks! (mostly )

Oh I'm just as guilty...

bloke wrote:

TubaTinker wrote:The parts situation at Buffet Crampon has gotten a little bit better but still has a ways to go. The biggest problem is the fact that most all of the production facilities for Besson products have changed. Some parts are compatible but most are not. A few common things like valve guides and spring dampeners for euphoniums and tubas are now being stocked by Allied Supply.

I always get Blesson and Bessing confused.

For a while, didn't Blesson make some instruments for Bessing ?

Don't know about that. But... Kanstul made some of the Besson cornets. Some of the student Besson stuff was (and probably still is) made in India (EGADS)!

Dear bort- You can call the office at 904-821-0234 and if you are an authorized dealer you can order parts. Just for the record, it can be tricky for other than basic parts, nine brands all over 100 years old and a lot of models. Besson professional has been made in Germany since 2006. Some parts work with the English Besson, some do not. Besson student product was made in India until 2011 and then changed to China.

Any request for meinl Weston parts and services has been largely ignored for me, even going through a deal :/

Once upon a time, I owned a Besson 995. Within the first year, the hard case had completely fallen apart, despite my efforts to take appropriate care of it. I called them and emailed them multiple times to request a new one under the warranty. The closest I got was "We have the case here, I'm looking at it now, and we're waiting for (insert excuse here) before we send it out. I haven't seen the case to this day, and it's been a little over two years since I sold the horn.

bloke wrote:

Scubatuba wrote:it can be tricky for other than basic parts

There's the rub.
In the past, I could email the factory, communicate in English, attach pictures of the instruments with arrows pointing to the parts, and get the stuff that I needed within a few weeks.

I did just that for nylon valve guides once, and I still haven't heard back from them.

tuben wrote:

EMC wrote:Any request for meinl Weston parts and services has been largely ignored for me, even going through a dealer:/

My experience so far too. They were very ready to have me ship my tuba to Germany and their senior technician then do the work I need.....

it seems having something manufactured by a local repairman or salvaging parts off other tubas is much easier than trying to get new ones from them now.

Maybe write to them in German?

tuben wrote:

bort wrote:Maybe write to them in German?

Why when I'm dealing with a guy in the redneck capital of America? (Jacksonville, FL)

Oh, whoops. Already forgot about them, was thinking you were emailing someone in Germany. What do they say when you call them down there?

PS -- I'd always heard that title bestowed on your neck of the woods, not J-ville...

Fair enough, just jabbing ya a bit. I've been to Atlanta probably about 20 times... as a northerner, it's definitely "the south," but certainly "urban south." Great place, I always look forward to going back!