Besson 993 Front Action Sovereign For Sale (Price Reduced)
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2026 1:53 pm
For those wanting a relatively modern brass band BBb, but without the blood draining from your right arm, or the giant reach around the horn for the 4th valve, this is the solution. These were introduced about the time of the release of the 983 Ebs, so dates to the late 80's to early 90's.
The instrument has been used, so does show some wear, with scratches and nicks; but any dents were removed prior to my purchase of the tuba. These is some wear in particular on the 1st valve compensating slide, which serves as a thumb rest. Though the silver coverage seems to be at least very close to 100%. I don't know if any areas have had supplemental plating.
The sound, as would be expected, is that of a Besson Sovereign. The intonation is not ideal, but from what I have read, seems likely better than many of the 994 Sovereigns. I have never been great at lipping pitches more than 10 cents or so. With that constraint, for me, movement of the 1st slide is required. The first slide is the second slide in from the outer bow, so it is convenient.
I imagine that all but a few individuals will only be comfortable playing it with a stand (for me, a fairly low stand). The weight is 26 pounds (and it feels like it is built like a tank).
Comes with the original hard case, which is in good functional condition (has a faint remnant of a school name on the case).
The tuba is located in Columbus OH. The price is $6,400.
Mike L 3985 at m a c (dot) com
The instrument has been used, so does show some wear, with scratches and nicks; but any dents were removed prior to my purchase of the tuba. These is some wear in particular on the 1st valve compensating slide, which serves as a thumb rest. Though the silver coverage seems to be at least very close to 100%. I don't know if any areas have had supplemental plating.
The sound, as would be expected, is that of a Besson Sovereign. The intonation is not ideal, but from what I have read, seems likely better than many of the 994 Sovereigns. I have never been great at lipping pitches more than 10 cents or so. With that constraint, for me, movement of the 1st slide is required. The first slide is the second slide in from the outer bow, so it is convenient.
I imagine that all but a few individuals will only be comfortable playing it with a stand (for me, a fairly low stand). The weight is 26 pounds (and it feels like it is built like a tank).
Comes with the original hard case, which is in good functional condition (has a faint remnant of a school name on the case).
The tuba is located in Columbus OH. The price is $6,400.
Mike L 3985 at m a c (dot) com
