Besson Enharmonic Euphonium

Highams · Post by **Highams** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 2:50 pm

Just awaiting the arrival of a new 'toy' to add to my collection, a rare Besson 3v Enharmonic Euphonium.

http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k309/ ... nharm4.jpg

http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k309/ ... nharm5.jpg

http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k309/ ... nharm1.jpg

I already have the 4v version;

http://www.euph9.freeserve.co.uk/enh3a.jpg

http://www.euph9.freeserve.co.uk/enh1a.jpg

Taken from the idea of the full double French Horn (two sets of slides, long & short), the 3v version was extremely rare. The leadpipe leads into the 3rd. valve (on both models) which determines which set of slides air is passed through.

As with the compensating system, the whole range of valved instruments (except Soprano Cornet) was available, the obvious weight problems when you get to tubas in this range must have been enormous, which is probably why only 3 valve models of those beasts were made.

I look forward to restoring it and using it in a recital soon.

Chas

Navytubaman · Post by **Navytubaman** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 3:01 pm

Thank you for the pictures and information.

Really intersting to see. Everyday we learn something new about our instrument history.

Good luck with your new "toy"

JKD

iiipopes · Post by **iiipopes** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 7:48 pm

Let us know how it plays!

It's too bad the weight and valve porting are issues, because theoretically it is a better design since the air only has to go through the block once.

Highams · Post by **Highams** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 2:33 am

I have been very lucky, and most have turned out to be very cheap.

There have been quite a few that escaped me (lol), but I try to collect ones that are different, rather than just to have them.

CB