Kanstul F. Besson International Model 800 c. 1990's Silver

The 1980's and 90's F. Besson trumpets were produced by Kanstul on order of Boosey and Hawkes (owner of the F. Besson brand at the time). The first instruments produced were replicas of the famous pre-WWII models, but they soon branched out into modern pro instruments and an intermediate series. This is the model 800 series, which was an "intermediate" or "entry level" pro horn that is more like a lightweight Bach Stradivarius than vintage Besson. This trumpet was later renamed the "Kanstul 900" and was built with a reverse leadpipe. I believe this has Kanstul's "L" bell, which was copied from a vintage Besson. It is similar in sound and playability to a Bach 37. The whole horn is quite light, and has a bright and sizzling sound. The horn has a blow similar to a good Bach, and is neither too open nor too tight.

This trumpet has some valve wear and some repairs on the bell. The valves are fast and have decent compression, but Yamaha Vintage oil is recommended to prevent sticking. The bell has a handful of small dings removed from the stem, and looks to have had some creases removed from the flare. The repair work was expertly done and shows hardly any artifacts or signs of repair. There are some scratches in the silver plating around the engraving, almost as if a lyre was clamped on it. This trumpet has recently been cleaned and polished, and is ready to be played!