Pre-Owned F. Besson Paris "Système Prototype" Flugelhorn - Clear Lacquer
We have an absolute treasure on the bench today. That massive, poetic bell engraving tells a legendary story. That mouthful of text translates to a direct piece of brass history from the historic Paris workshop at 96 Rue d'Angoulême, complete with its prestigious exhibition awards and international accolades. Long before modern mass manufacturing, F. Besson was the pinnacle of French acoustic artistry, and instruments carrying this historic Parisian lineage are deeply coveted by collectors and connoisseurs worldwide.
This particular flugelhorn is finished in clear lacquer and is in truly great condition, presenting itself as a remarkably well-preserved survivor of a bygone golden era.
The F. Besson Legacy & The "Système Prototype" Founded in Paris by Gustave Auguste Besson in the 1830s, the house of F. Besson changed the brass world forever. The "Système Prototype" stamp refers to Besson's pioneering precision mandrel system developed in the mid-19th century, which ensured exact internal acoustic replication and set the standard for high-end professional horn building. Known for their remarkably lightweight feel, sweet and smoky core tone, and immense flexibility, vintage French Besson instruments were favored by legendary jazz artists and orchestral virtuosos alike.
Key Features
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Historic Bell Engraving: Features the intricate, factory-original engraving detailing the Paris workshop address (96 Rue d'Angoulême) and their numerous international awards (Grands Prix, Membres du Jury).
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True French Acoustic Core: Designed with a specialized taper that yields the dark, velvety, and enveloping tone quality unique to authentic Parisian-era instruments.
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Lightweight Construction: Built with traditional European craftsmanship prioritizing minimal physical weight to maximize vibration feedback and player connection.
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Clear Lacquer Finish: Preserved under a clean lacquer coat that protects the brass while maintaining the intricate hand-engraved details.
Condition & Shop Inspection
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Cosmetics: Exceptional Vintage Condition. Considering its heritage, this flugelhorn is in really good condition. The lacquer is well-preserved, and the horn shows very minimal wear, allowing the stunning hand-engraving to remain crisp and prominent.
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Mechanics: Bench-Tested & Ready. Our in-house master technicians have fully inspected and regulated the instrument to ensure optimal mechanical performance and smooth valve response.
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Accessories: Original hard case.
Specifications
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Brand: F. Besson
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Model: Système Prototype Flugelhorn
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Origin: Paris, France (96 Rue d'Angoulême workshop)
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Finish: Clear Lacquer
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Condition: Pre-Owned / Excellent Vintage Condition
The Fleming Music Commitment When you purchase a vintage professional instrument from Fleming Musical Instruments & Repair, you gain a dedicated support team. Every instrument is meticulously inspected and regulated by our on-site master technicians before it leaves our hands, backed by our 14-day return window and full 1-year warranty. Reach out to our team directly at https://flemingrepair.com/pages/contact to discuss pricing, financing, trade-ins, or the instrument's playing characteristics. Local to Houston? We encourage you to visit the shop and put air through the horn yourself. Keep up with our latest arrivals and local events on our social channels at https://linktr.ee/Fleming_Music.
