I'll Be Back! (I hope)

[iiipopes]

Is the Besson you are renting a comp or non-comp? If it's a comp, and you don't need anything below lowest E natural, it's actually a better horn to have because you don't have to pull slides once you have them set for intonation, as the comp loops take care of all that. I first got mine because my pinky is too short, and now that I've gotten used to its )@#^ near perfect intonation and its huge tone, I wouldn't play anything else.

On the other hand, if it is a non-comp...what you said.

Oh, yeah, I was also off for about 20 years except for the odd pickup gig or recording session. I play more and more as time goes along, and would play even more, except at this point any more would be to the point of neglecting child, wife & job.

What you are looking for used, you can find, depending on the horn, anywhere between $500 and $5000. but do plan on renting at least a couple of months so that you can play a wide variety of horns, of all makes, piston and rotary, 3/4 4/4 5/4 etc. to find one you will enjoy living with. Because you will be LIVING with it, due to size and amount of investment.