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Restored 1977 Besson 3 Valve Compensating BBb Tuba in nice condition.

$ 1583.99

Availability: 100 in stock
  • All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
  • Brand: Besson
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
  • Condition: This horn is in nice playing condition. Plays well with a big, rich tone and excellent response with a total range of 3 1/2+ octaves. Chemically cleaned, new corks, valves and slides aligned, all major dent-work done, solder joints repaired. Valves are very good condition, polished, smooth, low noise, not pitted. Some springs and all felts were changed and matched to reduce noise and improve valve action and correct alignment. Valve guides in good condition. Lead pipe position adjusted slightly after removing dents. Lacquer completely removed. Surface is heavily polished and burnished but not cosmetically perfect as there are tiny dings, scratches and light undulations remaining. The bell section was straightened and the dents removed. Comes without a case or mouthpiece.
  • MPN: Does Not Apply

    Description

    This a nice very well-made 3-valve professional Besson  9/8 size Tuba manufactured in 1977. The design is a later configuration that is less prone to denting around the valve section. It is a compensating full-sounding model with the smaller Euroshank tuba receiver.  The horn now plays beautifully with a nice rich Besson sound, excellent response, and smooth valve action. I substantially quieted the valves, corrected the alignment,  and changed corks, felts and some springs.   Water key corks are also replaced.  All remaining lacquer was removed during the rebuilding process, and the surface was polished and burnished to remove as many dents and scratches as possible.
    There are small dings and surface scratches remaining but all the major dents are removed and smoothed out.  I worked dents from all of the connective tubing between the valves and the reverse taper sections as well.  The bell was brought back into round and is fairly  smooth with a solid bell wire.   I replaced the missing/broken pull rings and strap rings.  There is a keel piece still missing and I am looking for a replacement.  The bottom ball was cut off to the stub.
    A 3 1/2+ octave range can be achieved by an experienced player. Notes are full & solid, and well centered.
    These horns are worth rebuilding as they are of excellent stout design and construction coupled with the superb Besson tone quality.  This horn required extensive disassembly and work to restore.  I always play and test throughout the restoration to catch as many issues as possible.   Solder joints and the braces are now in good solid condition. Some adjustment to the bracing position were required for a best fit/alignment.
    Note:
    I will take special care when shipping this horn.  All horns are carefully rechecked for issues prior to shipping. Please allow 3-5 days for proper packing and delivering to the appropriate carrier as this will come in large box.
    There are special shipping insurance requirements for this horn which may extend the shipping time a few days.