Need help Identifying...

Davy · Post by **Davy** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 3:33 pm

I recently came into possesion of a tuba mouthpece that was made by Cousenon, Paris. It is a BBb mouthpiece, and has a "3" engraved on the Shank.

Anyone know anything about this company/ Mouthpiece? any and all help is appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
-Davy

Jeffrey Hicks · Post by **Jeffrey Hicks** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 3:48 pm

Couesnon of Paris was a large maker of instruments in Paris until they had a big fire that burned their factory to the ground in 1979. I own a Couesnon marching tuba that was made sometime around 1930. They are still in business but they are much smaller. Their Flugelhorns and trumpets from days gone by are apparently really good horns. My tuba while built like a tank leaves a little to be desired. There are a few of their tubas around in both BBb and Eb. I would be curious to see your mouthpiece.

iiipopes · Post by **iiipopes** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 1:02 pm

Jeffrey Hicks wrote:Couesnon of Paris was a large maker of instruments in Paris until they had a big fire that burned their factory to the ground in 1979. I own a Couesnon marching tuba that was made sometime around 1930. They are still in business but they are much smaller. Their Flugelhorns and trumpets from days gone by are apparently really good horns. My tuba while built like a tank leaves a little to be desired. There are a few of their tubas around in both BBb and Eb. I would be curious to see your mouthpiece.

Indeed. They rebuilt. And the mandrels used to make their famous flugelhorn were not damaged and are still being used, and the factory continues to make great instruments with a staff of about a dozen or so:

http://www.pgm-couesnon.com/

The only thing is that since all the records did burn, including all serial number lists, model lists, etc., dating an instrument without the original sales receipt or store inventory records is a guess at best.

windshieldbug · Post by **windshieldbug** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 1:41 pm

Another history

Davy · Post by **Davy** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 3:45 pm

So I showed said mouthpiece to my band director, and he said that the inside of the cup made it look more like a CC/F tuba mouthpiece instead of a BBb mouthpiece, which it is labeled as.

Conditionwise, I would put it at about a 2.5/5. the shank is bashed a little bit, and the rim is chipped somwhat, but overall, it isn't too bad.