Besson Enharmonic Euphoniums

[Highams]

I have posted before about my fascination with the ‘Enharmonic’ system that Besson introduced at the turn of the last century, in competition with Boosey’s Compensating System and Highams (and Hawkes too) 5 valve alternatives

Having two models myself, the 3v

http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k309/ ... nharm1.jpg

And the 4 valve version;

http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k309/ ... =enh2a.jpg

I was thrilled to receive an email from a guy called Romain from France, who has a wonderful collection of instruments;

http://pagesperso-orange.fr/musibrass/p ... onpag.html

telling me of his 4 valve model dating from 1893 with even more tubing than mine;

http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k309/ ... omain5.jpg

On my two models, the leadpipe goes directly into the 3rd. valve, which determines which set of slides are used (see the explanation below). Thus the system only operates on 3 valves, leaving the 4th. to it’s own (sometimes sharp of course) devices.

On closer inspection, his model has the leadpipe going directly into the 4th. valve which again, directs the airflow one way or another if depressed, so every valve is in the system.

What a wonderful thing to produce & market to brass bands of that era!

Chas

Enharmonic System, Brief Description;

Besson came up with the idea of adapting the system used on the full double French Horns, that of offering two sets of slides for different parts of the range, and my very rare Besson ‘Enharmonic’ Euphonium is the latest addition to the collection.

The 3 tuning slides for the middle and upper register notes are at the back of the instrument, and a longer set (for lower notes) is then placed on the front.

Now here’s the complicated part, the mouth-pipe leads directly into the 3rd.valve instead of the 1st. If the 3rd. valve is not used, the wind-way goes through into the 1st. & 2nd. valves in the normal way, and back through the 3rd. to the bell, having used the short set of slides.
If the 3rd. is operated, the wind-way goes through the 1st. & 2nd. valves by a different route, including a tuning slide, and is directed through separate longer loops of tubing (having used the front set).

The whole range of valve instruments (except the Soprano Cornet) was available in enharmonic form, however, the obvious weight problems when you get to the tubas must have been enormous, which is probably why only 3 valve models were made of the monster double B flat tubas. The range was eventually discontinued.

[Highams]

From the owner of the instrument;

I received some news from A. Myers (organologyst from University of Edinburg) :

this euphonium is the "Victory" model which came before the "enharmonic" system. It was numbered no later than 31 May 1893 when the firm was based in both London and Paris. The Enharmonic system was patented 21 May 1904 by the then separated British branch.

There is not very much difference: the Enharmonic is just a little simpler than the Victory. The "victory" is very rare, only few examples survive.

Thanks for your help, Romain.

[Highams]

Finally got around to cleaning the Besson 3v Enharmonic Euphonium today, revealing a number of major repair patches. Someone took a lot of time to keep this one 'on the road'.

Inside the maze of tubing where the plating is not worn, it has a lovely bright finish, this must have been a pretty instrument when new.

http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k309/ ... clean2.jpg

http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k309/ ... clean1.jpg

http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k309/ ... clean3.jpg

I did use it in a recital when I first got it (after cleaning inside the instrument first);

http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k309/ ... nharm1.jpg

http://www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp?PID=977916&t=6290

CB