Besson Prestige 2028 B-flat cornet (silver)

• Silver-plated finish
• Gold-plated trim
• Bore size: 0.468 in. (11.89 mm)
• Bell diameter: 4.88 in. (124 mm)
• Two sprung water keys
• Triggers on 3rd and main slides
• Monel valves
• Wood shell case

* Sovereign models have a gold brass bell. Prestige models have a yellow brass bell and gold-plated trim.

It’s primarily about fine-tuning during performance. Players can adjust pitch with the embouchure (‘lipping’), but adjustable slides provide a more precise way to correct notes that naturally tend to play sharp. Triggers make it possible to move these slides quickly and smoothly while playing.

The main tuning slide trigger allows the player to temporarily adjust the overall length of the instrument while playing, providing fine control over the pitch of any note. This can reduce the need for embouchure correction and is especially useful for open notes, changes in playing conditions and when intonation is affected by mutes. It can also be valuable when matching pitch within a mixed ensemble.

The third valve adds the longest section of valve tubing, making its length particularly significant for intonation. Its slide trigger allows this section to be adjusted independently, while the main tuning-slide trigger changes the overall length of the instrument. Together, they provide complementary means of adjusting intonation during performance.

Neither material is inherently superior; the choice reflects the different design objectives of the two instruments. Yellow brass tends to produce a more focused, immediate and projecting sound, suiting the Prestige’s more concentrated tonal character. Gold brass, with its higher copper content, is widely associated with a broader, warmer, more rounded sound, complementing the Sovereign’s rich, singing tone.

The Prestige cornet emerged around the turn of the millennium. It grew from Besson’s long tradition of professional cornets, particularly the widely-admired 921 and Imperial models from the 1970s and 80s. The design has continued to evolve through ongoing refinement and collaboration with leading players to meet the changing demands of modern players and repertoire.

Monel is a nickel-copper alloy valued for its exceptional resistance to wear and corrosion, helping the pistons maintain a precise fit over many years of regular playing. Stainless steel offers similarly durability, but Monel valves have a long-established reputation for smooth, reliable action and long service life. Besson uses Monel pistons on its Sovereign and Prestige cornets as part of their standard professional specification.