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Equipment

 

David PLAYS A Besson Prestige BE2052 EUPHONIUM

The Besson Prestige is arguably the best Euphonium on the market at the moment. David's grandfather played Besson, his father played Besson and David continues the family traditon performing exclusively on Besson euphoniums.

 

 

The Prestige range was developed in the late 1990's when Besson was part of the Boosey & Hawkes Music Group and based in Edgware London. The Besson brand is now part of the Buffet Wind Group and all Besson Prestige (& Sovereign) euphoniums are made by expert craftsman with precision engineering in the German town of Markneukirchen.

The instrument sports a main tuning slide trigger for improved intonation, a unique lead pipe design, and redesigned valve group. In addition to the pristine craftsmanship, cosmetic appearance and functionality, the Besson Prestige offers the performer an unrivalled sound quality making it the choice of many, including David Childs. 

Besson Prestige Euphonium Technical Specifications:

  • Key of Bb
  • Bore size through valves: .580" (14.73mm)
  • 4 Bottom Sprung Monel Valves
  • Compensating
  • Bell Diameter 12"/311mm
  • Main Tuning Slide Trigger
  • Available in lacquer or silver plate (David plays a Prestige in silver finish)

In addition to euphonium, David occasionally plays trombone and baritone! On these occasions he uses an Antoine Courtois AC420 Legend trombone with an Alliance DC4 mouthpiece, and a Besson BE955 Sovereign baritone with an Alliance DC5s mouthpiece.

 


DAVID USES An ALLIANCE DC3 mouthpiece

For many years David was happy using a Denis Wick 4AL mouthpiece, so when Alliance approached him to design his own signature series the only condition was that the result had to be an improvement on the classic Wick design. Considerations in design included ease of 'response', 'brilliance' in sound, 'precision' in extreme registers and dynamics, 'warmth' of tone, and naturally 'comfort' - after all, it's not the most natural thing in the world to push a piece of metal against the lips for extended periods of time!

 

DC Silver

 

Finally the development of the DC range created a mouthpiece many consider to be the most versatile on the market today. With weight added in the right places of the outer shape Alliance were able to create a design which combines ease of response with absolute precision in extreme registers and dynamics. The standard throat & backbore retain the ability to provide tonal variation whether it be 'brilliant' or 'dark', and the aesthetics of the design make this mouthpiece a hit with many of the best players in the world, including David Childs.

With a variety of sizes and finishes for both large and small shank instruments the Alliance DC range caters for all. Check them out at this website's store, or direct from Alliance.