Besson BE2029 Prestige Cornet
A new generation of the legendary Besson Prestige
The Besson Prestige BE2029 Bb Cornet takes one of the most respected professional cornet designs in brass band music and refines it for today's player. Developed through several years of research and development with leading cornet specialists including Roger Webster, Tom Smith and Lode Violet, the revised Prestige 2029 delivers a powerful, focused sound with exceptional projection and control.
Now built by skilled artisans in Germany, the BE2029 retains the unmistakable warmth and character associated with Besson while introducing a subtly modified taper, reversed first and third slides and a larger bell. The result is a professional cornet that feels familiar to experienced Besson players while offering a fresh level of response, balance and projection.
Why we recommend the Besson Prestige BE2029
- Powerful, focused sound with excellent projection.
- Refined Besson Prestige design developed alongside leading cornet players.
- Slightly modified taper for an updated playing response.
- Larger 133 mm yellow brass bell for enhanced projection and tonal presence.
- Reversed first and third valve slides for improved ergonomics and control.
- Gold brass leadpipe for a refined, responsive feel.
- Top-sprung Monel valves for fast, precise articulation.
- Main tuning slide and third-valve slide triggers for accurate intonation control.
- Gold-plated trim details for a distinctive professional finish.
- Supplied with a Deluxe outfit.
The BE2029 is designed to provide effortless control across the registers, with clear articulation and the warmth and character expected from a Besson Prestige. Its combination of balance, response and projection makes it particularly well suited to demanding brass band and solo playing.
Who is this cornet best suited to?
The Besson Prestige BE2029 is an excellent choice for:
- Professional and semi-professional cornet players.
- Principal and solo cornet players.
- Advanced brass band players looking for increased projection and focus.
- Players upgrading to a professional-level instrument.
- Experienced Besson players looking for the latest development of the Prestige design.
- Soloists and musicians who need clarity, articulation and tonal control across the full range.
The BE2029 is particularly compelling for players who want the traditional Besson sound but are looking for a modern professional cornet with excellent projection and a highly responsive feel.
Our experience
At The Wind Section, we understand that choosing a professional brass instrument is a personal decision. Experienced players often have very specific preferences when it comes to resistance, response, projection, intonation and tonal colour.
The Prestige BE2029 is an exciting option because Besson has developed the instrument with input from leading cornet players, while retaining the fundamental characteristics that have made the Prestige name so well respected. For players looking for a professional cornet that combines heritage with modern refinement, it deserves serious consideration.
Expert recommendation from Gemma Proudfoot, Sales Manager
"When you're choosing a professional cornet, the right instrument needs to give you confidence in every register. What stands out about the BE2029 is the balance between its powerful, focused sound and the level of control it gives the player. It's a particularly exciting choice for experienced brass band players who want projection without losing the character and warmth that make the Besson sound so distinctive.”
Gemma Proudfoot, Sales Manager, The Wind Section
Gemma Proudfoot has been helping customers choose brass and woodwind instruments at The Wind Section since 2006. With a music degree and many years of experience advising players of all ages and abilities, she works closely with musicians, teachers and families to help them find instruments suited to their playing and ambitions.
Why buy from The Wind Section?
Buying a professional cornet is an important investment, and specialist advice can make a real difference. Our team can help you understand the differences between professional Besson models, discuss mouthpiece options and advise on the instrument that best suits your playing.
Whether you're upgrading for a new brass band position, preparing for solo work or looking for a professional cornet that can take your playing further, we're here to help before and after your purchase.
Technical Specifications
- Model: Besson Prestige BE2029
- Key: Bb
- Bore: 11.84 mm
- Bell: Yellow brass
- Bell diameter: 133 mm
- Leadpipe: Gold brass
- Valves: Top-sprung Monel valves
- Main tuning slide: Trigger
- Third slide: Trigger
- Design: Modified taper with reversed first and third slides
- Trim: Gold-plated accented trim
- Finish: Clear lacquer, silver-plated or gold lacquer depending on specification
- Outfit: Deluxe case and outfit.
Our verdict
The Besson Prestige BE2029 is a significant evolution of a professional cornet design with an exceptionally strong pedigree. Its revised design, larger bell, focused projection and excellent response make it a compelling choice for serious players who want a modern professional instrument without losing the warmth and character associated with the Besson Prestige name.
Models:
- BE2029-1G-0: Clear lacquer finish
- BE2029-2G-0: Silver-plated finish
- BE2029-8G-0: Gold lacquer finish