Posted by Tom on March 22, 1999 at 16:53:34:
In Reply to: good BBb? posted by James on March 21, 1999 at 19:48:52:
I have owned the VMI 2103, a Besson Sovereign 993, and the Meinl-Weston 25. The VMI was a very good horn at a good price. The Besson 993 is a new model, 4 front-action piston valves. This particular horn was, by far, the best sounding BBb I have ever played, but the one I had was very poorly manufactured. I had finish problems (discoloration, flux leaks, and poorly sealed joints). It also has an adjustable thumb ring which, in my case, would not stay put - it was pretty worthless and the constant movement scratched up the surface. Seems to me that Besson released this one for production before it was ready. Boosey-Hawkes was extremely difficult to deal with, too. If it hadn't had so many manufacturing defects I would still be playing it - what a great sound! The Meinl-Weston 25 is what I am now playing - great horn, well worth the price, and very well made and supported by the manufacturer.