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About Frankie Bull (Mr.)
Expertise
Almost anything to do with trumpets.

Experience
I have been playing trumpet for over 50 years and teaching for the last 20. I own a Bach Mercedes and a Jupiter pocket trumpet. I also have very good connections in the retail industry, particularly with Largo trumpets. I also play trombone, keyboards, alto and tenor sax.

Education/Credentials
Professional Diploma in Music. Level Nine - Multi-instrumentalist Level Eight - Piano (The above qualifications are ewith the Australian Guild of Music)

Past/Present Clients
Currently teaching as a private tutor in a number of schools within the Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia. This year I have students doing A.M.E.B. Grade four

You are here: Experts > Music/Performing Arts > Musical Instruments > Trumpet > F. Besson

Trumpet - F. Besson

Expert: Frankie Bull (Mr.) - 11/9/2009

Question

besson inscription

Hello

I have had a F. Besson cornet in 20 years and it was quite old when I bought it. For the last 10 years the 1. valve has been "sticky". When I press it down it either stays down or comes up very slowly. I have tried to wash it and oil it many many times but the effect only lasts a few hours. Can you give me a estimate of the value of the instrumet and tell me if you think I should offer a repair or I could try something myself?

The inscription:

SY, STEME PROTOTY, PE
F. BESSON
BREVETÉ
S.G.D.G.
96.RUE DANGOULEME
PARIS
(STAR)
66 HAUTES RECOMPENSES
6 GRANDES PRIX
HORS CONCOURS
MEMBRE DU JURY

On the Middle valve:
BTE SGDG
95371

Thank you for your time,

Kind regards,

Carsten (Denmark)

Answer
Hi Carsten,

The French Bessons were one of the first instruments of their kind to be made, so you have a vintage, prototype cornet on your hands. The inscriptions refer to the fact that Besson won six grand prizes with this particular instrument.

The serial nunber you give - 95371 - dates the year of manufacture to about 1911-1914, so it is very old. Valuation is almost impossible because it would be a collector's item at that age and would depend on a lot of factors. The condition of the instrument also has a lot of bearing on the value.

With regard to your sticking first valve. I suggest you try getting rid of all the oil from the instrument. Too much oil will make the valves move too slowly. Wash the cornet through two or three times with VERY HOT SOAPY WATER, until the valves move freely. Then wash it through with COLD water (no detergent) to get rid of the soap. This should remove all the oil. Oil is excellent for cleaning, but as a lubricant it can cause (sluggish) problems if over-used. Try using good old tap water instead. It's much cleaner and a lot less viscous.

See how you go, Carsten. I hope all of this is of some help.

Cheers,

Frankie
(Australia)

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