TubaForum.net

First time poster, so please be kind.

I recently purchased a 3v comp Besson tuba that USED to be in pretty good shape. Unfortunately it is in significantly worse shape once FedEx delivered it to me. It was half FedEx and half the packaging IMO so I am not going to bash either too significantly.

The bell took most of the damage, but it was enough to break the brace between the bell and top crook. I am working with a repair shop to have it fixed BUT I have located a very clean Besson bell that might be a suitable match. The dimensions are similar and the brace locations are very similar or the same. My bell is going to have to come off either way so it probably won't change the repair cost much. According to the repair shop, repairs on satin silver horns show a lot so repairing the bell is going leave it quite the looker.

The issue is I cannot for the life of me figure out what era this bell is from due to the unique bell engraving. I have only seen it on this bell and a random euphonium in my reseach. I have attached a picture of the engraving. The serial number difference between my bell and this one is 48,071 (unknown bell is newer)

So 2 questions:

1) Am I crazy for considering replacing the bell
2) What is up with that bell logo?

What does your original bell logo look like? It's interesting that this one doesn't have the medals of honor engravings and whatnot. I'm guessing they phased that out in the 70s.

If you have another bell available and don't mind the cost, and if your shop can do a good job of installing a bell, why not go for it and have a bell with no creases?

As you mentioned, these Bessons had their serial numbers engraved on the bell, so you may want to mark the original one down if you end up swapping so you have a record if you ever sell it.

The original bell has the very standard:
50 Medals of Honour
GB
Besson
Star
London - Paris - New York
Made in England

I have two Bessons at home. My personal euph, which is a 1971 model with large shank, and one that I am working on in my shop which is a 1968 model medium shank in satin silver. I will check the engravings today out of curiosity.

Is yours a BBb 3v compensator?

If it's a 17 inch upright bell I'm thinking you could sell the reject bell to someone with a Besson 24-in recording bass. If they can't locate a genuine Besson male collar to put on that bell (while cutting it), a King collar will fit.

It is a BBb tuba with a 17 inch bell