FS: 1975 Vintage Besson New Standard Euphonium with custom Melton tuning trigger $2400

[NapoleonWilson]

Up for sale is a 1975 vintage Besson New Standard Euphonium, Serial #578666.

Posting this for a local professional who switched to an Adams a couple of years ago. Despite being a 48 year old euph, it’s been professionally maintained at all times and is in outstanding condition for an instrument of this vintage. Has what I would call a classic British euphonium sound; compared to his Adams, I would say this Besson has less core, but more blossom/brilliance to the sound. Has had three owners, and the current owner has had possession of the instrument since 1996. During a tour of Germany in 1997, technicians at Melton/Meinl-Weston in Geretsried added a trigger to the main tuning slide, which corrects the sharpness issues quite nicely. This later became standard equipment on many euphoniums. Definitely helped alleviate any pitch discrepancies with minimal effort.

Piston valve action is great. Compression is still pretty good through the valves, particularly considering the vintage of the instrument. Horn has been sitting unplayed for the past couple of years, so it could use a refresh/valve alignment. Lacquer is probably pretty close to 50% original, and 50% spot lacquered over raw brass. Included in the sale is a ProTec gig bag which is worn, but still usable.

Instrument is located in Belleville. Illinois, about 20 minutes east of downtown St Louis, and is available for testing.
Shipping is available via various carriers, the price of which will be to be determined.

Respectable offers will be considered; final sale value will be determined after both parties agree to a price.

Audio/video example can be found here:



Photos available upon request. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

[NapoleonWilson]

Bump for price drop.