| I have two Couesnon Trumpets. The one that merits attention is a "Monopole" C-Trumpet, s/n 32794 (not sure, but I believe it was made in late 1950s, mid-1960s ... help, anyone?).
Now, I'm not your average C-Trumpet guy ... I have six right now (some come-&-go with regularity), including a vintage Martin Committee and a Magna, a Courtois proto-type, a Getzen custom-shop horn, a LeBlanc Paris.
The Couesnon C is the "best-in-show". It has a looong Eb/D-style bell, a 1st valve trigger, an "underslung" 3rd valve throw-ring (ala Fr Besson, Blessing Super Artist). The horn has pretty good intonation, for a C (one must facilitate the 1st trigger and use alternate fingerings on some tones and partials, with any C Trumpet -- the "nature-of-the-beast"). The tone is "to die for" ... I kid you not. Amazingly sweet and pure ... perfect for chamber music, Baroque pieces, recording, church.
If you see a nice one, try to "fetch it". You won't be sorry. (Not expensive, either ... for now, anyhow).
Robert Rowe
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