WTB: 1st Valve for Old Besson 3-Valve BBb Compensating Tuba

[ParLawGod]

I know it's a needle in a haystack, but figured I'd post something! My new school is in need of one - the valve currently in it has a hole through the bottom. Will post pictures of the horn later when I get home :)

[2nd tenor]

I know it's a needle in a haystack, but figured I'd post something! My new school is in need of one - the valve currently in it has a hole through the bottom. Will post pictures of the horn later when I get home :)

I anticipate that a photo of the damaged part will help others suggest a repair. Some three valve Besson tubas have interchangeable first and third valves, it’s worth comparing the two in case that helps with a replacement.

As Bessons were UK made and the bulk were, I think, sold here your best bet might be to reach out to brass specialists here. Indeed some members (Doc comes to mind) do buy instruments in the UK and have them shipped to the USA so perhaps one of them might chip in. Someone I know and respect advises me that McQueens in Manchester is at least amongst the best and bigger of brass repairers in the UK, they might be able to advise or even have a salvaged part in their store. Just a thought and hopefully there will be easier solutions.

[ParLawGod]

I know it's a needle in a haystack, but figured I'd post something! My new school is in need of one - the valve currently in it has a hole through the bottom. Will post pictures of the horn later when I get home :)

I anticipate that a photo of the damaged part will help others suggest a repair. Some three valve Besson tubas have interchangeable first and third valves, it’s worth comparing the two in case that helps with a replacement.

As Bessons were UK made and the bulk were, I think, sold here your best bet might be to reach out to brass specialists here. Indeed some members (Doc comes to mind) do buy instruments in the UK and have them shipped to the USA so perhaps one of them might chip in. Someone I know and respect advises me that McQueens in Manchester is at least amongst the best and bigger of brass repairers in the UK, they might be able to advise or even have a salvaged part in their store. Just a thought and hopefully there will be easier solutions.

Thanks! I'll attach some pictures.

[2nd tenor]

I think that that’s a Besson ‘New Standard’ BBb.

The bottom part of the valve (on which the spring presses) is missing and part of the rest looks doubtful too, but I’d have thought that a good brass technician could repair that for you.

Dawkes music in Slough used to carry a lot of replacement parts, maybe they have things that aren’t listed on their website.
https://www.dawkes.co.uk/brass-repair-supplies

A PM to Andycat, a ‘top guy’ here in the UK, might get you further and better suggestions.

[LeMark]

Texashorntrader.com Has one

[humBell]

Does look like the bottom port pathway (for lack of a better name) may have been dented but could still possibly hold air.

I imagine it might be possible to make another base plate and solder it in place, and may gently improve the port pathway closer to round? But i don't actually know, and a replacement part maces sense. Hurrah for standardization. Hope you got the first valve! (by the time i checked, texashorntrader's spare parts only had 2nd and 3rd in stock)

Anyway good luck! I like blaikley compensation.

[ParLawGod]

Does look like the bottom port pathway (for lack of a better name) may have been dented but could still possibly hold air.

I imagine it might be possible to make another base plate and solder it in place, and may gently improve the port pathway closer to round? But i don't actually know, and a replacement part maces sense. Hurrah for standardization. Hope you got the first valve! (by the time i checked, texashorntrader's spare parts only had 2nd and 3rd in stock)

Anyway good luck! I like blaikley compensation.

It was gone by the time I saw it :( :)