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Cerveny 681 meets Besson new standard…
Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2025 8:30 pm
by TheYorkSoundMachine

I hope the pics worked…
So I have a 1969 “New Stardard” 3 valve compensator, and it’s in very nice condition. A lot of polishing, and cleaning corrosion to have a tight horn. $500
And I have my CBB-681, tight and mostly dent free. A trade of a York 714 for it with no backward looks,
Yet, Here comes Dr. Frankenstein, with an honest question for all who work with a gas torch: what difference would a bell swap from the 681 to the 17” Besson bell make with the Cerveny?
Other than the extra weight, would there be a difference in its overall performance, I was thinking of a compensating sousaphone with the “leftovers”, or otherwise keep them both Alone unmolested and be happy with the 2?
“Just a thought to inspire others to add their 2 cents”
Regards,
Vic Fronkensteen….aka Adam Austin….
Re: Cerveny 681 meets Besson new standard…
Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2025 8:46 pm
by arpthark
Re: Cerveny 681 meets Besson new standard…
Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2025 10:28 pm
by TheYorkSoundMachine
Re: Cerveny 681 meets Besson new standard…
Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2025 1:16 am
by York-aholic
I don’t have an answer about the bell swap.
But
I do have a question.
Can you describe your York 714 please (ie number of valves, front or top action, recording or upright bell (diameter?) please? A picture would be quite helpful?
I haven’t heard of a 714, hence my curiosity.
Re: Cerveny 681 meets Besson new standard…
Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2025 7:18 am
by the elephant
Looks like a fun project. Post more photos as you get into it.
Re: Cerveny 681 meets Besson new standard…
Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2025 8:30 am
by bloke
I've repaired a bunch of those Czech tubas which were badly abused and then shelved in schools, but then - after repairs - put back in circulation. I've also sold a couple of them - after bringing them back in a similar way...tubas that were actually given to me.
I rate them as nearly as good as 186 tubas.
I also have a Besson like yours except it has the 24 inch detachable bell, but I also picked up a chopped-off early Yamaha 321 (17-in) bell for a really low price, cut it additionally to the correct length, put a Besson collar on it, and now I have both bells. In a box I have the four-valve valve section to go on the three valve compensating (to jazz it up a little bit). It makes a glorious sound, and I'm not the least bit interested in selling it.
I guess what I'm saying - speaking from experience - is that you've got a couple of nice tubas there.
Besson...
I was using it one time outdoors when hired as a ringer by a community band that had some sort of summer outdoor festival engagement. A tuba player who plays in the full-time orchestra (who I know) and his wife walked by (as they had decided to go check out the festival). He waited for some march to end to speak to me. I sort of assumed that he was going to make some sort of smart alec remark, but all he said was, "wow that sounds great, man"... so hold on to the Besson.
