Re: Besson 983


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Posted by Chuck(G) on October 23, 2002 at 10:49:34:

In Reply to: Besson 983 posted by SkyviewTuba on October 22, 2002 at 23:38:16:

The Besson 983 is a fine instrument, but don't expect it to provide the volume of sound and depth of a 4/4 CC or BBb--it's just not large enough. If you're looking for a good all-around Eb "utility" tuba, perhaps the Willson 3400 might be a better choice. While still not having the lungs of a 5/4 BBb or CC, it can hold its own in most situations.

One big difference between the Besson and Willson is construction. The Besson has shaved some weight off the basic Boosey design by eliminating some protection and it seems that they use a thinner gauge brass for the bottom bow. The Willson is a heavy "you can drive tent pegs with it" type of horn that's rather tall for an Eb. There's nothing wrong with either approach, but they're different animals. The Besson has a bore of 0.689 and the Willson a bore of 0.750/0.790/0.830. The Besson has the nice straighforward low-register fingerings that a compensating system affords, while the Willson is the more conventional 5-valve noncompensating design. On my two instruments, both were nicely constructed.

My opinion only, after having owned both a 983 and a 3400.


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