Besson 700 series Cornet

This is a Besson 723 cornet. The number dates it at 1989. On the cornet it says Besson London "700" Boosey & Hawkes England.

It is a super cornet with the distinctive Besson sound. It has a 3rd valve trigger and to look at is virtually identical to my Besson Sovereign apart from the lack of a 1st valve trigger.

It's condition is commensurate with its age, with some small dings on the lead pipe and the bell. It has had the bell resoldered at some time. It doesn't look like it's just come out of the showroom, but at 20 years old, you can't expect that.

Playing wise, it has a free tone although not as big as the sovereign. It may be a smaller bore. The compression is good and all valves and slides are free.

It comes with a gold plated Dennis Wick 3c mouthpiece which suits it well and a Besson case (probably the original). I initially intended it as my backup cornet, but need the funds.

This is an ideal intermediate/semi-pro instrument which would hold its own in most bands.