Posted by Craig Hall on December 11, 1998 at 01:39:36:
In Reply to: Mirafone Eb vs Besson Eb posted by Larry Lilley on December 09, 1998 at 19:45:19:
I played a Mirafone Eb (rotary valve) years ago. (I really liked it!) The sound of it fell between the Mirafone 186 BBb & the 184CC I was also playing at the time. Not quite as sonorious as the 186, and a little livelier than the 184. Don't know anything about the new piston valve mirafones, and I am not sure they still make the rotary valve model. If you can find one, the rotary valve Eb would probably fill the bill for what you are looking for, sound concept wise.
As for what other Eb might do the trick... maybe the Cerveny... (have not played one, but it is the only one I can think of that has a similar design)
I tend to agree with the others, you should be able to "darken" the sound of the Besson with a different MP, maybe a PT72 or a 24AW. Different MP's can signifigantly alter your tone, but they can not change water into wine!
Good luck in your Quest!