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Besson three valve compensating Eb For Sale

Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 8:26 pm
by WakinAZ
This is a "New Standard" model and is built like a tank. Condition is good with the exception of some moderate denting in the area where the bottom bow meets the outer branch and a small amount of corrosion on the outside of the valve cluster - neither affects the playability. Mark Carter of Mr. Tuba dated this horn to the 1960s.

Asking price of $625 includes Besson 17 mouthpiece in used, but usable condition and a like-new condition Humes & Berg/Tuxedo top-loader gig bag. Also willing to consider trades for a 3/4 size BBb - whatcha got?

Since I got this horn, it has been cleaned, all felts replaced, the #2 & 3 valves were lapped to speed them up and the ball-buster on the bottom bow guard has been removed. Lacquer is mostly gone.

Reason for selling (few escape the wrath of the TNFSJ without disclosing this): after a summer of messing around with various Ebs, I've concluded that my desire for a new toy was greater than my desire to play Eb on a regular basis. My needs/wants would be served better by a back-up smaller BBb to complement my King 1240 and also for my younger son to practice on.

Horn is located in Tucson, AZ. Feel free to PM, email or post here with any questions. Pics are below:
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Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 11:28 pm
by WakinAZ
Pics added. Thanks for looking. Towel and picnic table not included.

Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 11:54 pm
by iiipopes
Damn. If I wasn't trying to get my house refinanced right now....

Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 12:01 am
by WakinAZ
Would including the towel change your mind?

Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 12:15 am
by iiipopes
Nah, I have some real UK bar towels that, when they're not being used as place mats, serve that function, having been personally imported some 20 or so years ago!

Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2007 9:09 pm
by WakinAZ
Hi Mattheus,

The only thing that will be reasonable is Greyhound at about $50 - $75. If Greyhound doesn't work for you, then plan on $100 - $200 for one of the other major carriers.

Requested pics below. The corrosion seems rather benign, is limited to the exterior of the valve casings and is probably the result of a small leak that was fixed long ago in my opinion.

The pistons themselves, as you can see, have plenty of plating left - there is no brass showing anywhere on them (dark bands in photo near bottom of pistons is a reflection). I'm pretty sure they were replated at some point, because they are nice and tight fitting - there is still audible suction when you pull the tuning slides, which is released when the valve is depressed.

The only other minor defect this horn has is the bell is slightly out of round so that it rocks back and forth a bit when placed on its bell. This should not be a problem because it must be secured against a wall or a heavy chair anyway, due to its mass.

This would be good Eb starter horn with good potential to hold its value. It would be ideal for use in a brass band. The intonation is better than other three valve Ebs I've played due to the compensating system. The only intonation quirk is it wants most notes usually fingered 1-2 fingered 3 because of the compensating system; that being said there are a few that do better (low C) with 1-2. There are no useable false tones, which is typical of these horns.

Any other ?s, I'm here.

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Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 9:49 pm
by WakinAZ
:arrow: B U M P :arrow:

Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2007 11:47 pm
by WakinAZ
Local sale pending...

**crosses fingers**

Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 11:24 pm
by WakinAZ
Local buyer is getting cold feet. Asking price lowered to $625.

Eric

Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2007 12:05 am
by MartyNeilan
WakinAZ wrote:Local buyer is getting cold feet. Asking price lowered to $625.
Eric
At that price, it may be worth getting a 4th valve (your choice or piston or rotor) spliced in further downstream to make this a do-everything small horn. (quintet, small ensemble, high excerpt, etc.)

My only concern would be using this in a non-screened audition on high excerpts simply because the bell "points the wrong way" :roll:

Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2007 12:29 am
by WakinAZ
Thanks for the moral support, gents. This is the last and only markdown. At this price I would be exactly breaking even on everything I've put into it. I'll just keep it if no one bites at this price.

Bob, I've got a nice little Olds BBb when Jr. is ready. They made him start out on trumpet in 5th grade band :evil:

Marty, as a rank amateur/fair-weather community bander, I am not required to audition, but I know what you mean about the bias against top-action horns. As tubatooter says, top actions are not for sissies...

Eric

Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 11:22 pm
by WakinAZ
Local sale back on. Yee haw...

Eric "who will repost if this goes back and forth anymore" L.