Posted by Mike Johnson on February 19, 2003 at 07:25:03:
In Reply to: Besson F tuba posted by Dave on February 19, 2003 at 02:32:23:
I visited the B&H factoty at the time these instruments were being made. There were two sets made. The first by the then Head of R&D Paul Laurence and weren't as good as the second set made by Stuart Beck, these were far better, one was compensating the other was a 5 valve setup, and IMO was the best of the lot. Both were made around a new bell and not a cut down EEb bell as pre 1960's.The one on ebay is from the Paul Laurence batch, they were good. but if you can find those made by Stuart....... I have no idea were they went, but they were all (including this one) sold off VERY cheaply, as they were prototypes and were not to be followed up on at the new factory in Germany.
Mike