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Cornet1 · 09-07-2006, 10:43 AM

'New Standard' was the first range of brass band instruments made by Besson after it was aquired by Boosey and Hawkes immediately after WWII. This range of products was essentially similar to B&H's 'Imperial' line and continued in production until killed off by B&H's amalgamation plan in 1975 when the factories went over to only making the B&H instruments. The 'Besson' name was allowed to die but in the early 1990's B&H's business difficulties caused it to dissinterr the name to slap on it's own brass range in a feeble attempt to enhance market profile, so that the B&H designed instruments such as the 'Sovereign' became Besson models. As we now know, this ruse failed.

Your serial number denotes manufacture in approximately 1957....20xxxxx 1955/29xxxxx 1960.

Some Besson instruments of this era were actually made in the B&H factory and have the then new and revolutionary 'microbor' valves with white plastic guide rings and exposed springs.

At the start of production virtually all brass bands in the UK played in 'high pitch' rather than in low, or orchestral pitch like now. During the overlap period instruments were made in both pitches and this is engraved on the bell as either 'HP' or 'LP'. Many HP instruments were converted to LP with varying degrees of success. This can be seen as small, usually loose, collars on the valve slides and a possible difference in the silver plating on main slide which was usually completely changed for a new larger item.

New Standard were good quality instruments and were played by some of the best brass bands during the early post war period.

09-07-2006, 10:43 AM	#3 (permalink)
Cornet1 Pianissimo User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Essex, England Posts: 133	'New Standard' was the first range of brass band instruments made by Besson after it was aquired by Boosey and Hawkes immediately after WWII. This range of products was essentially similar to B&H's 'Imperial' line and continued in production until killed off by B&H's amalgamation plan in 1975 when the factories went over to only making the B&H instruments. The 'Besson' name was allowed to die but in the early 1990's B&H's business difficulties caused it to dissinterr the name to slap on it's own brass range in a feeble attempt to enhance market profile, so that the B&H designed instruments such as the 'Sovereign' became Besson models. As we now know, this ruse failed. Your serial number denotes manufacture in approximately 1957....20xxxxx 1955/29xxxxx 1960. Some Besson instruments of this era were actually made in the B&H factory and have the then new and revolutionary 'microbor' valves with white plastic guide rings and exposed springs. At the start of production virtually all brass bands in the UK played in 'high pitch' rather than in low, or orchestral pitch like now. During the overlap period instruments were made in both pitches and this is engraved on the bell as either 'HP' or 'LP'. Many HP instruments were converted to LP with varying degrees of success. This can be seen as small, usually loose, collars on the valve slides and a possible difference in the silver plating on main slide which was usually completely changed for a new larger item. New Standard were good quality instruments and were played by some of the best brass bands during the early post war period. Last edited by Cornet1; 09-07-2006 at 10:55 AM.