Instrument: Besson Tuba

For many years, Besson EEb tubas have been well-known and respected for their warm, deep sound, exceptional stability and an intonation that is probably the best to be found in such a big instrument.

The 3+1 ‘British set-up’ gives these tubas remarkable virtuosity - a great help in raising perception of the tuba as a solo instrument.

For many years now, the ‘S-shape’ lead-pipe has become more or less standard on all Besson EEb tubas and some players may have forgotten that, until the early 1990s, Besson produced two different lead-pipe set-ups on its tubas: the well-known S-shape preferred by military bands and most brass bands, and a straight lead-pipe, which was the favourite of a lot of symphony and orchestral players.

The late John Fletcher was probably THE player who gave the straight lead-pipe set-up its reputation, which may have inspired some tuba players to seek a similar set-up. About two years ago, Besson once again received a one-off, custom order for a straight lead-pipe and some tuning slide changes on its BE981. This was done and more requests followed, so the Paris-based Company decided to add it as the BE981S to its EEb range.

Said the Buffet Group Head of Brass Department, Werner Duwe: “The demand came from symphony tubists, who were looking for the particular playing characteristic that comes with this slightly shorter, straight lead-pipe. One has to remember that symphony players performing orchestral repertoire do play more often in the extreme low range of their instrument than brass bands or military players do. The straight lead-pipe gives this range a slightly more open feeling and, at the same time, allows the player to more easily modify the tone colour. This characteristic is interesting for orchestral players, who need the versatility of sound production according to whether they support the double strings, accompany the trombone section or the woodwind, etc.”

He added: “Even if most brass bands stay loyal to the S-shape because of the enormous power and precision this set-up gives, the BE981S offers an excellent opportunity to have a choice of the two different lead-pipes. This is why Besson remains the preference for EEb tubas, whether in brass band, wind or symphony orchestras.” 

Learn more about the Besson tubas here.

For more reviews, news, interviews and features, subscribe to BBW Digital