I know what you’re thinking…French Horns on a trumpet site. Well, yeah. French horn has been my second instrument since college. There are several really good horns on the market right now, and I’ll list several here. Most french horn players just call them horns. If you can afford it, buy one with a detachable bell or screw bell. It makes a horn much more portable and eliminates those bruises you can get from carrying a case with a fixed bell. While you can have any instrument converted, the process costs between $600 and $800, so take that into account if you find a used horn at a good price. I promise you’ll never regret the expense of a screw bell horn.
Most schools provide horns for student use…even throughout college. They will probably be professional level horns, but they might be in poor condition. They’ll usually play fine, but unless you’re lucky, they will be well-used. Since most schools check out professional level instruments, it makes no sense to buy a lower level horn yourself. If you are going to buy a horn that will probably last the rest of your life, make sure it’s a professional model.
The first horn I’ll introduce is the Conn 11D. The 11DS is the screw bell version. This is an extremely well-balanced horn that fits into just about any situation a horn player might find themselves. It is not quite as large as the Conn 8D, and as a result it tends to suit more playing situations. The 8D is a great horn, but it’s also a very big horn, and it’s sound might not fit some situations. This horn also offers the option of a rose brass bell, but most players I know like the yellow brass bell. If you want the rose brass version, use the drop-down menu to select rose brass. Click below for more information!
Conn 11D Symphony Series Fixed Bell Double Horn Lacquer Fixed Yellow Brass Bell
Conn 11DS Symphony Series Screw Bell Double Horn Lacquer Screw Yellow Brass Bell
The next horn we’ll talk about is the Conn 8D. It has been the standard for many years, and it’s still one of the best choices today. It offers a big sound that many horn players really look for. The picture below shows it lacquered, but most players buy it in Nickel Silver. For Nickel Silver, check the drop-down menu where it says, “Select color and option here.” You’ll save almost $2000 through the links below! Click below for more details!
Conn 8D CONNstellation Series Double Horn Nickel Silver Fixed Bell
For the Screw Bell Version, Click here! Again, use the drop-down menu to choose Nickel Silver or Rose Brass.
Conn 8DS CONNstellation Series Double Horn Nickel Silver Screw Bell
Conn also offers their Vintage Model 8D. It’s a higher version of their famous 8D. Click the link below to find this horn.
Conn Vintage 8D Series Double Horn Nickel Fixed Bell
Holton is another major player in Horns. For years, the H179 has been one of the main horns around. In our area, these horns are usually used in Junior Highs, or for other younger players. It produces a slightly smaller sound than a Conn 8D, but for many people, it has the sound they want. Click below for more information.
Holton H179 Farkas Series Fixed Bell Double Horn
Yamaha also offers several really good horns. I’ve listed several of the best Yamaha Horns below for those looking for Yamaha horns.
Yamaha YHR-668NII Professional Double French Horn
Yamaha YHR-667VSL Symphony Geyer Series Double French Horn
For those looking for something different, Yamaha now offers a triple horn. What’s a triple horn? A double horn has a low f and Bb sets of tubing. A triple horn adds a high f set of tubing. It offers more security in the high register. My horn teacher in college played a triple horn, and he really liked it. Check it out here!
Yamaha YHR-891 Custom Series Triple French Horn
We will have more horns added soon. Check back often for more.