Posted by K on June 12, 2003 at 01:43:45:
In Reply to: Re: Besson serial/model #'s posted by Rick Denney on June 12, 2003 at 00:22:27:
I am not especially strong in serial ##, yet a few comments.
I have seen no company material on the models with recordings bells. I think these were only offered on the US market. Aside of the bells being turned forward and being detachable they, at least to me, are Bessons like the more known and documented bell-ups.
According to Denis Wick in 1973 Besson/B&H planned for a total revision of their top tuba line to be marketed under the Sovereign brand. This never happened.
From 1978 to around 1982/83 they put 19" bells on their 3+1 compensating tubas, but not on the 3 piston compers. The narrow leadpipe was kept on all models. The odd name was Besson Imperial (Imperial used to be the B&H topline of models).
In 1982/83 the Sovereigns came out: 19" bells, large receivers, 3+1 comp.
In the index of my brass gallery there are diverse catalogue scans to be found concerning Besson and Boosey & Hawkes low brasses.
Klaus Bjerre
Retired teacher
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