What is this a copy of?

[Mary Ann]

https://jimlaabsmusicstore.com/store/sc ... e-3-valve/

Price is right but -- but no point if it's a dog or can't be played in tune. (Christmas present for someone.)

[BRS]

.

[MikeS]

It does look like a Besson 955, but it varies in at least a couple of specifications. The Schiller horn has a .511” bore while the Besson has a .543” bore. I’m not sure what Laabs means by dual bore. The York Preference baritone had the third valve tubing slightly larger than one and two, but the bore for one and two was .547”. On the Bessons, you could always interchange the first and third slides. The bell of the Schiller is 9.57” and the Besson’s bell is 9.25”.

You might want to search this forum, the old TubeNet, Dave Werden’s forum, and TromboneChat for people’s experience dealing with Jim Laabs. I think you will find that it has been “mixed.” You can draw your own conclusions.

[Three Valves]

What?

No vociferous overtones?

[bloke]

I had a Besson one (sold) whereby the bore was a bit smaller (.504...??) and the bell rim diameter was a scant 8 inches.
old...probably late 50's or '60's

[Mary Ann]

It does look like a Besson 955, but it varies in at least a couple of specifications. The Schiller horn has a .511” bore while the Besson has a .543” bore. I’m not sure what Laabs means by dual bore. The York Preference baritone had the third valve tubing slightly larger than one and two, but the bore for one and two was .547”. On the Bessons, you could always interchange the first and third slides. The bell of the Schiller is 9.57” and the Besson’s bell is 9.25”.

You might want to search this forum, the old TubeNet, Dave Werden’s forum, and TromboneChat for people’s experience dealing with Jim Laabs. I think you will find that it has been “mixed.” You can draw your own conclusions.

I'm quite familiar with the Laabs reputation. What I don't know is whether "no signs of being used" means "hasn't been play tested" and "only returnable if the box has not been opened." I was surprised to even see a seven day return period. And likely I'll do nothing because of that reputation, but I do know people who have bought there and been satisfied. I don't think they share my criteria though.

[jtm]

..., but I do know people who have bought there and been satisfied. I don't think they share my criteria though.

Maybe some are people who say "after a year, the valves and slides have worn in enough that they're useable."

[Mary Ann]

As opposed to this Hagen that is unfortunately going back because it is simply too big for me. It has the lightest, most spectacular valves I have ever encountered on a tuba, including my Star. They feel like horn valves -- they are that light.