Question for the trumpet/cornet guys

I was curious if anyone can tell me about the Besson, prototype A Shepard Crook cornets from London. I am not finding much material on them. Are they low level professional or more a a mid level instrument?

thanks again.

When they were being made, English Besson trumpets were among the most highly regarded trumpets in the world. Bach, Calicchio, and Benge all based their horns directly off of Besson trumepts. Besson was a French company that opened up an English factory to satisfy the demand for brass instruments in that country.

Even today these horns are very good players and some still consider them the best.

I've been a huge Besson fan most of my career and use their pro level Sovereign horns. The prototypes can be wonderful horns, but as with most horns you do have to be careful. These are typically older horns but if you are looking for a good horn and are willing to work with the horn and possibly spend a few bucks and get the neccesary work done (if any is needed) I sincerely believe that you will be happy with these.

The reason I am asking, is that 1) I know the French Bessons are better horns than their London counterparts, 2) this horn is from around 1915-1916, and if it is a mid level horn I wouldn't spend the money to restore it, but if it is a top grade horn that just happens to be 90 years old, then It might be something to work with. For the money I would end up spending on it, it made me think maybe I should simply pick up a Benge or even an Olds recording. what do guys think???

I'm not really a huge fan of any of the horns from that far ago. Though typically well made, the blow is usually pretty tight, while I prefer more open designs that came later. I have a Buescher from 1928 that is extremely tight, and it is likely derived from the Besson you are looking at.

My personal choice for old horns are the old pro-level Conn trumpets, like the vintage 22B. Some of these horns go for great prices on Ebay.