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mormhorn
(27 points)
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We're going to be buying me a new French horn this summer, and my dad found this company that does custom French horns. Atkinson Horns. Has anybody heard of them before? They look like really nice horns from their website, by how do they compare to, say, a Conn 8D, or a Holton Farkas?
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JOhnlovemusic
(311 points)
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I know of Atkinson and he makes some very nice horns. I spent some time in his home shop before he got bigger. He knows what he is doing. I will say the more you pay the more you will get.
Are they comparable to the Conn 8d? Yes. But are you ready for a Conn 8d type?
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mormhorn
(27 points)
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Well, I've been playing for almost five years now. My brother has a Conn 8D, and he's let me try it a couple of times. It feels comfortable to play, for me, at least. My dad seems to think I need a better horn, one that I can play for many years to come. The horn I currently own is a Jean Baptiste student model(with mechanical linkage, yuck!), but I've been playing on my school's brand new Holton, which is has a nice, mellow tone, but I really liked the sound of the Conn.
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JOhnlovemusic
(311 points)
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If you like the Conn and can play it comfortably then good. I asked because I have seen many people want the Conn and then when they get it they can't handle it. It is a big horn and takes air and support.
If you like the Conn you can get a Conn. Which Conn is a long discussion. If you are able and willing to spend money you would be very happy with an Atkinson and it would be unique. Be sure to talk to one of his experts about what you want and how much you like the Conn.
I might also suggest a Hans Hoyer. There are some fantastic !!! Hans Hoyers out right now. I don't know a lot of players who have them but those that do play very well and they LOVE THEM !!! I haven't heard a bad one yet. I believe, from the feel of playing side, they are a crossover from the Holton to the Conn. And with changes going on in the music world (although I am a Conn affectiando and play professioanlly on one) the large Conn sound is being replaced for a more assertive style sound (Paxman and Yamaha).
My Suggestion on Atkinsons in order of my preference -
Model NYR502
Model A102B
If you choose to go with the A800 you might want to look at the Yamaha pro-series.
If you like the A102B , check out the new Hans Hoyers. And then decide which you like best for your money.
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JOhnlovemusic
(311 points)
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Oh, let me add . . . .
Any of these horns are good horns that can last you your horn playing life. Do not be stingey and do not rush the decision. I got my 8d in 1977 (a used 1962). This is my primary horn still today. That's more than 30 years of playing. And still 2 or 3 times a year someone wants to buy it.
Find out where you can play these horns you may be interested. Drive 3 hours if you have to and sit in the music shop all day put the horns through their paces. IF you buy the correct horn you will never need to buy another one.
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germanhorn
(3 points)
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I don't konw about Atkinson horns, but I play a Hans Hoyer 801 myself, and I think it's very good, especially in sound. I played a Hoyer 6801 recently and I found it to be very, very good. A professional horn with reasonable pricing (4500€ . Of course, no real competition in craftsmanship to a Schmid or Alexander.
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hornboy90
(11 points)
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I'm actually sort of in the same boat as "Mormhorn". I'm asking for a new or close to new horn as a graduation gift, before I go into college. I've been looking at the Conn 8D, Yamaha YHR-668II, Holton 179 and 181. They are so many to chose from, and so many factors that go into picking a new instrument, that it's almost overwhelming.
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rona910
(15 points)
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I have a Hoyer 801, and am considering a 6801 at the moment. (I've played on one, along with an 8D and an Alex 307, which is a different league but there you go). In my opinion the craftsmanship is fantastic - it just feels exceptionally well made. I've played it in full size concert halls and have still thought the sound was fantastic, but am looking for something a bit more challenging in my next horn. I don't think the quality of Hoyers is something you have to worry about when you're thinking about this. The valves in particular - they have the smoothest motion I've had on ANY horn, no exceptions, and for some reason even if they're slightly out of tune the sound still blends with a section. Hmm... decisions!
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granny
(72 points)
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That Atkinson horns made in California are very good quality instruments. But, IMHO, you won't find a better horn for the money than a used Holton Merker Matic, any brass color, detached or attached bell. The Merker is the best horn Holton ever made, great tone, lightening fast response, razor sharp attacks. I would only buy a new one since they have closed down their factory & moved operations elsewhere.
Valerie
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