FS: Custom 3-valve compensating franken-baritone LOWERED PRICE

[funkhoss]

UPDATE 8/27/2026: This instrument is no longer available.

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For sale is a custom-modified 3-valve compensating baritone horn.

It's essentially a 1970 Besson with an 1889(!) Conn bell. The Conn bell is larger in diameter than the original Besson bell (9.25" vs 8.5") and has a slightly wider taper; this gives the instrument more of a "modern" baritone sound. In addition to the bell swap, the first, third, and main tuning slides have been shortened for more tuning flexibility, and the valves have been precision aligned.  (The pictured valve gutter is not included in the sale.)

It's not a looker; there is extensive lacquer wear and some dings, scratches, and signs of previous repair. However, there are no large dents and no leaks, the valves seal decently and work well, and the slides all pull. It comes with a gig bag with backpack straps (not pictured).

Playing-wise, it's one of the better baritones I've used. The only significant intonation issue is a flat fifth partial, which is very manageable/lippable. To me, it's easier to play in tune than the modern Besson Sovereign/Prestige baritones that I've spent time on. It has a nice sound from top to bottom and can put out a lot of volume if necessary.

You can see pictures of the instrument here.

Asking $550 including shipping in the US. Please email for more information: funkhoss@gmail.com.

[arpthark]

I dig it!

FWIW, the flat fifth partial exists on the stock Besson baritones and probably isn't a result of this bell swap.

I love my Besson baritone and I use it all the time, and have actually had success with mine as a gigging instrument, surprisingly. They are versatile.

This one is cool. The hard case is nice, too. Good luck with the sale!

[funkhoss]

Thanks!

Yes, I'm well aware. I think the fifth partial is actually slightly less flat with the Conn bell than it was with the factory Besson bell.

I still have the original Besson bell. It's in good shape, and I'd let it go for cheap if someone wants it. It would probably make for a really "punchy" sounding contrabass trombone or cimbasso...

[Mary Ann]

Trombone chat (where the pictures are) does not give access without membership. How about dropbox?

[funkhoss]

Trombone chat (where the pictures are) does not give access without membership. How about dropbox?

I'm sorry! I didn't think about that. I've created a Google Drive folder with the pictures, and changed the link in the initial post to that folder.

[gocsick]

This is cool and fits my aesthetic. If I did not recently purchase a Wessex compensating baritone for cheap.. I would be all over this.

[funkhoss]

Bump! Price has been reduced from $850 to $550 shipped.

You won't find a better playing baritone at that price!

[bloke]

pics and price are good

[gocsick]

Oh man.. If I didn't get a good deal on a Wessex compensating baritone, I would be all over this. Frankenhorns fit my style so much better than shiny Chinese instruments.

[RK333]

Does this include a case? The first reply mentions one, but I don't see any pictures in the Google drive folder.

[funkhoss]

This instrument is no longer available.

It sat long enough without selling that I ended up using the valves and some of the inner branches for another project.

[arpthark]

This instrument is no longer available.

It sat long enough without selling that I ended up using the valves and some of the inner branches for another project.

Well, now I want to see this other project with 3 compensating valves!

[funkhoss]

Awhile ago I picked up an old Couesnon baritone with a 9.75" diameter bell. I thought the bell would make a good donor for a contrabass trombone/cimbasso project, but when I received it and played it, I was astounded. It had by far the best intonation of any baritone I've ever played, a lovely sound, and just played really well. The valve bore was a little on the small side, and the valves were a little on the worn side, but I thought I'd just deal with it. I decided to keep the Couesnon as my "baritone" and sell this Conn/Besson creation.

Then one day more recently I was inspired to join the two together. I grafted the leadpipe, valves, and tuning slide of the Besson onto the Couesnon body. The resultant creation keeps all the great qualities of the Couesnon but with fixed third valve intonation, better sealing, and a more open blow. It's great!

Here's a picture. I haven't taken the time to clean up my solder work yet...