WTB: Pre-1974 Besson New Standard euphonium (3+1) with lacquer finish and nickel highlights.
If you become aware of any for sale, please let me know.
Thank you,
Dave
WTB: Pre-1974 Besson New Standard Euphonium with Lacquer finish and Nickel highlights
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When making a listing for large or expensive items, please include your budget and location. That will help you match with a seller that might have the item you are looking for
When making a listing for large or expensive items, please include your budget and location. That will help you match with a seller that might have the item you are looking for
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arpthark
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Re: WTB: Pre-1974 Besson New Standard with Lacquer finish and Nickel highlights
BBb, Eb, or euph? Location?
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- the elephant (Fri Jan 16, 2026 9:58 am) • Shinn (Fri Jan 16, 2026 11:06 am)
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tofu
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Re: WTB: Pre-1974 Besson New Standard with Lacquer finish and Nickel highlights
1970 Besson New Standard BBb Compensator 3 valves
I bought it in 1981 from an elderly guy who bought it new. He sadly developed Parkinson’s and couldn’t play anymore. So it has always been adult driven.
Even though it was in good shape
I had it completely rebuilt by Allied in Elkhorn WI in 1981. Allied was run by one of the Getzens - can’t remember his name - a good guy. We got along well as he was a car guy - Hot Rods and I was too.
They completely disassembled it. The ball buster was removed. The valves were re-done and it was painstakingly & accurately reassembled - far better than new. It was also silver plated. The silver plating was very well done. It’s still in great shape. Originally was lacquer with the nickel silver slides. At the time I was working out of Madison WI, but flew all over and typically every couple weeks on the way back from O’Hare Airport I’d stop by on my way back to Madison to check on the progress. They seemed to appreciate a young guy who was so interested in their craft. They were all old guys and looking back I’m wondering if they had originally worked at Holton which was based in Elkhorn. I’m not sure what the connection between Allied & Getzen was. I also had no idea how much work or expense went into restoring mouthpieces back then as every time I showed up I’d drop off another mouthpiece I’d come across (7) in all.
I’m sure they must have rolled their eyes at this 22 year old when I’d ask if they could do one more? 
They didn’t charge me more and after 2 months they called me in to see the finished horn. They had a big unveiling party and gathered around. They had even restored the case which I had not asked them to do. I’ll never forget when they opened the case - it was spectacular - better than new. I was blown away on well it played. I don’t know if they always did such fabulous work or if they went the extra mile because they appreciated my intense interest in their craft, but it might just be the best playing New Standard ever. And the price they charged me 1/3 to 1/2 what others wanted. Heck - today having 7 mouthpieces done is about what I paid. 
No stuffiness - in any register
False tones as good as a sousaphone
Sings in the high range and a powerful low range.
Beautiful sound - which always gets commented on.
A full easy low range
Fast, smooth and silent valves
The intonation is as good as it gets for a tuba. Pretty much spot on.
The silver plate has not required a lot of effort to maintain - seems to resist tarnishing better than other silver plated horns I have/had.
Regularly serviced by Lee Stofer
I have not regularly played it in years as the carpal tunnel in my right hand just can’t handle upright valves anymore - so it’s all front action these days. Ever time I think about selling it - I play it and think I love playing it too much to sell it. So I haul it to a rehearsal - it gets lots of compliments - I then think I can’t sell it and wake up the next day with my right hand screaming at me.
Horn located in greater Chicagoland.
I bought it in 1981 from an elderly guy who bought it new. He sadly developed Parkinson’s and couldn’t play anymore. So it has always been adult driven.
Even though it was in good shape
I had it completely rebuilt by Allied in Elkhorn WI in 1981. Allied was run by one of the Getzens - can’t remember his name - a good guy. We got along well as he was a car guy - Hot Rods and I was too.
They completely disassembled it. The ball buster was removed. The valves were re-done and it was painstakingly & accurately reassembled - far better than new. It was also silver plated. The silver plating was very well done. It’s still in great shape. Originally was lacquer with the nickel silver slides. At the time I was working out of Madison WI, but flew all over and typically every couple weeks on the way back from O’Hare Airport I’d stop by on my way back to Madison to check on the progress. They seemed to appreciate a young guy who was so interested in their craft. They were all old guys and looking back I’m wondering if they had originally worked at Holton which was based in Elkhorn. I’m not sure what the connection between Allied & Getzen was. I also had no idea how much work or expense went into restoring mouthpieces back then as every time I showed up I’d drop off another mouthpiece I’d come across (7) in all.
I’m sure they must have rolled their eyes at this 22 year old when I’d ask if they could do one more? 
They didn’t charge me more and after 2 months they called me in to see the finished horn. They had a big unveiling party and gathered around. They had even restored the case which I had not asked them to do. I’ll never forget when they opened the case - it was spectacular - better than new. I was blown away on well it played. I don’t know if they always did such fabulous work or if they went the extra mile because they appreciated my intense interest in their craft, but it might just be the best playing New Standard ever. And the price they charged me 1/3 to 1/2 what others wanted. Heck - today having 7 mouthpieces done is about what I paid. 
No stuffiness - in any register
False tones as good as a sousaphone
Sings in the high range and a powerful low range.
Beautiful sound - which always gets commented on.
A full easy low range
Fast, smooth and silent valves
The intonation is as good as it gets for a tuba. Pretty much spot on.
The silver plate has not required a lot of effort to maintain - seems to resist tarnishing better than other silver plated horns I have/had.
Regularly serviced by Lee Stofer
I have not regularly played it in years as the carpal tunnel in my right hand just can’t handle upright valves anymore - so it’s all front action these days. Ever time I think about selling it - I play it and think I love playing it too much to sell it. So I haul it to a rehearsal - it gets lots of compliments - I then think I can’t sell it and wake up the next day with my right hand screaming at me.
Horn located in greater Chicagoland.
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- These users thanked the author tofu for the post (total 3):
- the elephant (Fri Jan 16, 2026 9:59 am) • PRO (Fri Jan 16, 2026 10:11 am) • Shinn (Fri Jan 16, 2026 3:01 pm)
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Re: WTB: Pre-1974 Besson New Standard with Lacquer finish and Nickel highlights
Euphonium (3+1) - title and description have been updated.
Located in eastern Virginia and willing to coordinate and pay for shipping.
Last edited by Shinn on Fri Jan 16, 2026 5:23 am, edited 1 time in total.