Besson · Prodige (student)
Besson Prodige (162 / 163 / 164 / 165)
Besson's student family, spanning three- and four-valve layouts around a smaller 14.72 mm bore, easy response, and warm centered sound.
Manufactured in Germany.
Specifications
| Model | Prodige 162/163/164/165 |
|---|---|
| Line | Prodige (student) |
| Tier | Student |
| Price band | $ |
| Pitch | Bb |
| Valves | 4 — varies (3, 3+1, or 4 inline — see models) |
| Compensating | No |
| Bore | 14.72 mm |
| Bell | 280 / 304 mm · yellow brass |
| Valves material | stainless steel |
| Water keys | 3 |
| Finishes | clear lacquer, silver plate |
Models in this line
| Model | Valves | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BE162 | 3 — 3 valve · 11" bell | 2 waterkeys; the basic 3-valve entry |
| BE163 | 4 — 3+1 · 12" bell | gold brass leadpipe; the top Prodige |
| BE164 | 4 — 4 inline · 11" bell | |
| BE165 | 4 — 3+1 · 11" bell |
The verdict
Prodige is a family choice, not one specification. The BE162 is the simple three-valve entry. The BE163 combines a 3+1 layout, 304 mm bell, and gold-brass leadpipe; the BE164 puts four valves inline; and the BE165 uses 3+1 ergonomics with the smaller 280 mm bell. All share a student-sized 14.72 mm bore and an emphasis on easy, even response.
Most importantly, none uses a compensating system. The fourth valve on the 163, 164, and 165 extends the range, but it does not add the automatic correction tubing found on the International and professional Bessons. That is appropriate for a first instrument, but it should be an explicit part of the plan if the player expects to progress into serious low-register brass-band repertoire.
- Who it's for
- Beginners, school programs, and developing players who need a comfortable first instrument with a choice of traditional 3+1, inline-four, or basic three-valve ergonomics.
- Known for
- Four distinct configurations with free-blowing response, reliable stainless-steel valves, 11- or 12-inch bells, and an included student outfit.
- Watch out
- None of the four Prodige models is compensating. Even the four-valve versions need player correction in combined-valve low-register notes, and this page represents a family rather than one exact horn.
Manufacturer's specification page ↗
Supporting sources