HDB

I have been reading a few of the current threads, but have not located much on the Basson 2-20 Coronet. Would really appreciate some data on the one I have. It is #382732, silver plated and on the bell has the following: 50 MEDALS OF HONOUR, London, Paris, New York, Made in England. It came with a 7C mouth piece(manufacturer unknown). The instrument is in quite good condition with all of the valves very smooth and responsive. The slides are smooth and easily removed. I have not played an instrument for over 45 years, yet when I played a few notes on this one it was clear and the notes flowed easily ! I was getting ready to put it on ebay along with three Ambassadors, but may keep it !

Thanks in advance for any info.

MFfan

Hi, you have a nice horn, made around 67 per serial list I have. There are a number of Besson threads here and on TH. I used to have and 8-10 cornet from that era, which I believe is virtually identical. About a .460 bore, I guess. I also have a 55 8-10 trumpet. I sold the cornet to a Minn. student. It has a large bell opening a regular cup mute wouldn't fit in and I was having trouble playing it as accurately as I want. I now have Roth and Holton cornets that work better for me. Due to various changes in Besson ownership it is hard to tell when the older series and the 2-20's interchanged, or how long the 2-20's were made for the US market. You can go to Horn-u-copia to the Besson thread for more info and examples. Are the Ambassadors you have cornets or trumpets or both? I would classify it as a high intermediate.

HDB

Thanks for the info - I will follow up on Horn-u-copia and see what is available. I have two Olds Ambassador coronets and one trumpet. The numbers are: Coronet - 622261, Coronet - 260620, Trumpet - 940774. The first one comes/w #1 mouth piece, second comes with Olds #3 and the Trumpet has two(Bach #5C, Back #7C) and I have 2 spare mouth pieces, a # 1 and # 2 3/4C, both Bach. When I was playing, I had a Reynolds, but about 5 years ago I decided to start a collection of vintage coronets/trumpets. However, things have changed so am planning on selling them on ebay later this week unless someone on the forum is interested.

MFfan

Don't know if I can swing another horn now, with one due here shortly. Will keep my eye out for yours. What ID will you be using as seller? Your 1st cornet is from1967, 2nd from 58, or so and the trumpet from 74-76, though you probably knew that already, Once you get the collection bug, it is hard to stop. I was that way with sound equipment for over 40 yrs.

HDB

MFfan,
I would be interested in what you would offer for any of the Ambassadors that I have as it would save me time on ebay. However, my ebay id is "dgo-brew" and I hope to get them listed tomorrow. I am currently attempting to come up with buy-now and minimum prices. I have pictures of each and could email them to you if you are interested.

c_h412@yahoo.com