Posted by Bill V. on December 31, 2003 at 14:21:33:
In Reply to: Conn - vs. Besson- sousaphone posted by Ulrich Meierhofer on December 31, 2003 at 11:15:34:
Any Conn sousaphone is going to be better than a besson and the body is larger in size...I have a 1930 besson sousaphone and have played some 14K's. I haven't found a 14 or 20K in the right price range yet...someday.
If you can get your hands on a Conn you will probably have a better playing experience. I have a couple kings and I play one of them more than I ever play the besson. I have the besson because it was 70 years old. They also seem to have cut more corners on the newer bessons. There are less gaurds on the 1960 one I have that I haven't even bothered to take out the case more than once.
Botton Line...Conn will be better, or find a King.