The NEW Besson Euphonium

A New Generation of Greatness

I recently had the pleasure to play test 50+ euphoniums in the new line of Besson euphoniums that are being made and assembled in Markneukirchen, Germany at JAMusik.  I was totally blown away by not only the quality of these new instruments but the consistancy of the way that they play. 

The exciting part about this adventure with the wonderful people at JAMusik is that the entire euphonium is new.  Simply put, the old Besson tooling (what they make the parts out of) is now being used by Schreiber to make the York line of imitation-Besson euphoniums - but, the new Besson instrument has been rebuilt from the ground up: and it is AWESOME!

Some of the biggest innovations in the new generation of euphonium would have to be in the construction of everything from the bell to the valve-set.  Innovations are everywhere on this horn.  For a more detailed description of exactly what has changed with this instrument, please visit Steve Mead's article on the new Besson by clicking here.

While at the JAMusik factory, I was lucky enough to get a behind the scenes look at production of the new Besson euphonium.  I asked them if I could take a few pictures to share with everyone and with the exception of a few 'trade secrets' they said "Sure!"

Building Success From The Ground Up!

Bell-Making Process

What every bell is before it's a bell.  Just a big roll of metal.

This is how every bell at the JAMusik factory begins their life.  Raw brass is bent and the basic formation has begun.

After many hours of forming the various raw formed bells, you can see the general shape begin to take shape.  Here is a raw form trumpet bell - that is what they were making in the bell department that day.

The various bell forms are trimmed down and rolled.  The bell wire is inserted at this point and the craftsman folds the bell flare over the wire.  This is all done by hand - no point in the bell making process is controlled by computer, just skilled master craftsman making instruments the way they have for hundreds of years.

Another step in the bell-making process, this time with a tuba bell.

The inside of the bell is shaved away until it is super-smooth.  This process is all done by hand, and is one of the coolest parts of the bell-making process.  Any imperfection in this process will stay with the horn forever - definitely a tough job!

Here is the same process being done on a Flugelhorn bell. 

The last stage of the bell-making process.  The raw formed rims are being soldered.

Valve-making Process

I was not allowed to take any pictures of the valve-making process.  Once you play one of the new Besson euphoniums or tubas, you will understand.  Many of the design innovations are closely guarded secrets that will make Besson euphoniums the best instrument around - FOREVER.  What I can tell you is what they told me about what is different.  First, the valve stem is tapered to fight sticking of the valves.  Also, each valve is tailor made for it's valve casing.  Aside from that - just enjoy that they work perfectly!

Body and Assembly

Aside from the bell and valve-set, the various tubes and slides on the new Besson euphonium are made with pneumatic machinery.  Here is the start of a main back branch of a new Besson euphonium.  The tubing is bent and then put into the machine below.

The part is heated and then blown up to full form with water.  This process puts less stress on the  metal and makes for a perfect fit each and every time.

Just missing a few key parts at this point.

All of the various braces are being put in and the main body of the horn is being assembled.

One of the new Besson euphoniums after all of it's components have been assembled - pre plating or laquering. 

Silver Plating and Laquering

The finish procesa at JAMusik is a series of different tubs or baths that the instruments are put into.

New euphonium getting some silver plating.

A new tuba getting rinsed off after the finish process.

Polishing and Final Inspection

Each instrument is polished after it comes out of the plating process.  I was told that these are the highest paid workers aside from the master craftsman that build by hand - because this is some of the toughest work in the factory.  Next to this room was a large room with buffing wheels where larger instruments were polished.

Almost ready to go to a new home - just has to be tested and passed before you can buy it!