AudioFu
Warwick Alien Deluxe Hybrid 4 LH… ↓ 33.4% $671Allen & Heath SQ5 ↓ 28.8% $2,912Warwick Alien Deluxe 5 NT LH ↓ 27.8% $727Allen & Heath SQ5 Case Bundle I ↓ 26.7% $3,170Casio AP-S200 BN ↓ 23.9% $963Allen & Heath SQ5, Case, DX168/X… ↓ 21.7% $5,187Dangerous Music 2 Bus+ ↓ 21.0% $4,033Orange PPC212-COB ↓ 20.6% $586Orange Micro Dark ↓ 20.2% $195Seymour Duncan SHR-1B Hot Rails… ↓ 19.3% $122Seymour Duncan SHR1N BLK ↓ 19.3% $122Seymour Duncan SL59-1N BLK ↓ 19.3% $122Seymour Duncan SL59-1B Bridge… ↓ 19.3% $122Seymour Duncan SL59-1B Creme ↓ 19.3% $122Seymour Duncan SL59-1N Creme ↓ 19.3% $122Seymour Duncan SL59-1B Parchment ↓ 19.3% $122

Brand profile · United Kingdom, est. 1860s

Besson

Besson is a venerable British manufacturer of professional brass instruments, steeped in a history of innovation and craftsmanship dating back to the 19th century. Originally part of the Besson-Haquet family of instrument makers, the brand is renowned for its robust construction, dark tonal qualities, and the legacy of iconic designs that have graced concert halls and orchestras worldwide. Today, Besson maintains a reputation for producing instruments favored by leading players.

Sovereign Series TubasFalstaff CornetsRich, Dark ToneRobust ConstructionValve Casing Design
1860sfounded
United Kingdomcountry
22products in stock
$1,881–$16kprice range

Besson in the charts

Every chart where Besson has five or more models — ranked by the AudioFu Index inside each.

Best Besson compensating euphoniums
9 models$5,098 – $11,988Best Besson alto-/baritone horns
5 models$1,881 – $8,336

All 22 Besson products

Sorted by AudioFu Index — the strongest models of every category first.

Besson BE994-2 Sovereign Bb-Tuba

Bb Tubas

$14,566€12,998Check ↗

Besson BE967-2 S Bb-Euphonium

Compensating Euphoniums

$9,635€8,598Check ↗

Besson BE186-1-0 Prodige Bb-Tuba

Bb Tubas

$3,988€3,559Check ↗

Besson BE967 Bb-Euphonium

Compensating Euphoniums

$9,827€8,769Check ↗

Besson BE982-2 Sovereign Eb-Tuba

Eb Tubas

$12,324€10,998Check ↗

Besson BE994-1 Sovereign Bb-Tuba

Bb Tubas

$15,574€13,898Check ↗

Besson BE955-2 Bb- Baritone Horn

Alto-/Baritone Horns

$6,454€5,759Check ↗

Besson BE955-2 Bb- Baritone Horn

Alto-/Baritone Horns

$6,454€5,759Check ↗

Besson BE928G-2 Sovereign Bb-Cornet

Bb Cornets

$3,920€3,498Check ↗

Besson BE928-1 Sovereign Bb-Cornet

Bb Cornets

$3,920€3,498Check ↗

Besson BE2052-1 Bb-Euphonium

Compensating Euphoniums

$11,988€10,698Check ↗

Besson BE2052-2 Bb-Euphonium

Compensating Euphoniums

$11,642€10,389Check ↗

Besson BE924-2 Sovereign Eb-Cornet

Eb Cornets

$4,144€3,698Check ↗

Besson 20522-8G-0 Bb-Euphonium

Compensating Euphoniums

$11,755€10,490Check ↗

Besson BE969T-2 Bb-Euphonium

Compensating Euphoniums

$11,204€9,998Check ↗

Besson BE767-2 Bb-Euphonium

Compensating Euphoniums

$5,098€4,549Check ↗

Besson BE767-1 Bb-Euphonium

Compensating Euphoniums

$5,098€4,549Check ↗

Besson BE157-2-0 Prodige Baritone H.

Alto-/Baritone Horns

$1,881€1,679Check ↗

Besson BE157-1-0 Prodige Baritone H.

Alto-/Baritone Horns

$1,881€1,679Check ↗

Besson BE2050-2 Prestige Alto Horn S

Alto-/Baritone Horns

$6,497€5,798Check ↗

Besson BE2029-2 Prestige Bb-Cornet

Bb Cornets

$5,120€4,569Check ↗

Besson BE2056 Baritone Horn S

Alto-/Baritone Horns

$8,336€7,439Check ↗

Besson, honestly

What Besson does well
  • Exceptional build quality and durability
  • Dark, resonant, and powerful tone
  • Excellent projection and intonation
  • Historically significant and respected brand
What to watch for
  • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment
  • Can feel heavier than some competitors’ instruments
  • Historically traditional designs may not appeal to all
  • Maintenance can be specialized and costly

Questions about Besson

Where are Besson instruments made?

Besson instruments are primarily manufactured in Brierley, West Yorkshire, England, with some components sourced from Europe to maintain quality and tradition.

Are Besson instruments easy to maintain?

Besson instruments, due to their robust construction and valve design, generally require regular maintenance, and specialized repair work may be needed, which can be more costly than some other brands.

What is the significance of the ‘Falstaff’ designation on Besson cornets?

The ‘Falstaff’ designation represents a specific, historically significant line of Besson cornets, known for their distinctive voicing and projection – a hallmark of Besson's golden era of cornet production.

 Check price ↗