Posted by James on May 06, 2002 at 14:16:48:
I recently received a Besson euphonium made in the late 60's that looks as if it hasn't been used in YEARS. Besides having a couple of missing parts, the valves are frozen solid in place! I was wondering if there were any tricks other than just trying the penetrating oil or taking it to the shop. I would really like to know what I have before taking it in to be looked at so I know if I want to put any money into it or use it for parts. The body is real straight, very few dents, missing valve, missing slide and a damaged fourth valve that I think can be fixed easy enough. I think it would be a good horn, but need to get the valves out to see their condition. Also, does anyone have a parts horn of this vintage they might could get a first valve off of?