Posted by Klaus on February 19, 2003 at 10:02:40:
In Reply to: Besson F tuba posted by Dave on February 19, 2003 at 02:32:23:
The small Besson illustrated is one of the 1960'ies series surrounded by some level of mythology. This one has had some work done to be playable in Eb, but should be with its old slides here.
The auction instrument auctioned is out of a rather recent prototype series as told down this thread. One of these was sold out of a UK brass house in February 2002 for the price of £995, which is much less that the starting bid at the present auction.
The Besson 985 F is not a cut down 983 Eb, as it has a much larger bore. Its specs are
* 19" (480mm) bell, 4/4 size
* Full compensation System
* 4 Front Action piston valves,
* Diameter through valves No. 1-3 = .750" (19mm)
* Diameter through valve No. 4 = .790" (20mm)
* Stainless steel pistons
* Delrin valve guides
Klaus