Besson 995 Professional CC Tuba – $8,500.00
Besson 995 Professional CC Tuba, ser. # 180879, silver, .748″/.787″ piston bore, .810″ rotor bore, 19″ bell.
I had been aware that a 995 existed, but this is my first experience with an exceptional instrument, made in Germany. We cleaned it, play-tested it, and found that the thumb ring-to-5th lever fit was an awkward arrangement. We shortened the linkage rod, moved the 5th lever saddle about .2″ to accomodate shortening the linkage rod, then modified the thumb ring mounting to lower it to where the 5th lever is centered for the player’s thumb. In an orchestra rehearsal last night, I got to give the Besson a good test-run. The Besson has a delightful sound, plenty of weight when needed, but can readily play lighter, brighter as needed, and always with good clarity. After initial tuning, intonation was very secure. The buttery-smooth piston action and a very ergonomic 5th valve made for a very pleasant rehearsal. This very fine CC is ready for prime time! With original Besson wheeled hard case. . . . . . . . . .$8,500.00
King 2341 BBb Tuba – $5,500.00
King 2341 BBb Tuba, ser. #566333, nickel-silver leadpipe, .687″ bore, 20″ bell , with hard case.
A nice example of the newer 2341, this tuba has had minor cosmetic issues that were addressed during our full servicing of the tuba. It is clean, dent-free, and is a delight to play. The removable valveset is a plus for servicing and repairs. Comes with original King hard case with wheels……… $5,500.00
Holton Chicago 6/4 BBb Helicon – $4,750.00
Holton Chicago 6/4 BBb Helicon, ser. #6704, .750″ bore, 22.5″ bell, silver-plated.
If you’ve ever wondered what a 6/4 Holton BBb tuba would look like if it were wrapped in helicon form, now you know! Hand-crafted in Chicago in 1909, it was black, dented, and needed some other repairs. Thankfully, the valves were still solid, and only required new valve guides, springs felts and cork washers to be fully functional again. The main tuning slide and extension required cutting and fitting to bring the helicon to modern pitch, and it is really sweet now. Add a new receiver and bits, and a repaired and replated thumb ring, and you have a recipe for some really fun playing. …….. $4,750.00