TubaForum.net

For sale is a custom-modified 3-valve compensating baritone horn.

It's essentially a 1970 Besson with an 1889(!) Conn bell. The Conn bell is larger in diameter than the original Besson bell (9.25" vs 8.5") and has a slightly wider taper; this gives the instrument more of a "modern" baritone sound. In addition to the bell swap, the first, third, and main tuning slides have been shortened for more tuning flexibility, and the valves have been precision aligned.  (The pictured valve gutter is not included in the sale.)

It's not a looker; there is extensive lacquer wear and some dings, scratches, and signs of previous repair. However, there are no large dents and no leaks, the valves seal decently and work well, and the slides all pull. It comes with a gig bag with backpack straps (not pictured).

Playing-wise, it's one of the better baritones I've used. The only significant intonation issue is a flat fifth partial, which is very manageable/lippable. To me, it's easier to play in tune than the modern Besson Sovereign/Prestige baritones that I've spent time on. It has a nice sound from top to bottom and can put out a lot of volume if necessary.

You can see pictures of the instrument here.

Asking $550 including shipping in the US. Please email for more information: funkhoss@gmail.com.

I dig it!

FWIW, the flat fifth partial exists on the stock Besson baritones and probably isn't a result of this bell swap.

I love my Besson baritone and I use it all the time, and have actually had success with mine as a gigging instrument, surprisingly. They are versatile.

This one is cool. The hard case is nice, too. Good luck with the sale!

Thanks!

Yes, I'm well aware. I think the fifth partial is actually slightly less flat with the Conn bell than it was with the factory Besson bell.

I still have the original Besson bell. It's in good shape, and I'd let it go for cheap if someone wants it. It would probably make for a really "punchy" sounding contrabass trombone or cimbasso...

Trombone chat (where the pictures are) does not give access without membership. How about dropbox?

Mary Ann wrote: Wed Dec 31, 2025 9:45 am Trombone chat (where the pictures are) does not give access without membership. How about dropbox?

I'm sorry! I didn't think about that. I've created a Google Drive folder with the pictures, and changed the link in the initial post to that folder.

This is cool and fits my aesthetic. If I did not recently purchase a Wessex compensating baritone for cheap.. I would be all over this.

Bump! Price has been reduced from $850 to $550 shipped.

You won't find a better playing baritone at that price!

pics and price are good

Oh man.. If I didn't get a good deal on a Wessex compensating baritone, I would be all over this. Frankenhorns fit my style so much better than shiny Chinese instruments.