Teacher says it's time to get her a double. (She's been playing a school rental Yamaha F horn, and they don't rent doubles.) Talented kid, practices some, not as much as she should. She began playing about 15 months ago, made the town's specialty band for elementary school age kids in her first year of playing. She's ten and 2/3 yrs old, 5'2", growing fast, probably will top out at no more than 5'6" by the time she's twelve. I expect she'll use it to play in junior high and high school orchestras/bands, also in the local conservatory's youth orchestra/band and wind ensembles. Unless she gets motivated to practice more, I don't see her going to college for music. If she does, we'll get her a better one if she needs it. We'd prefer to buy used, so as to get more horn for the money. We have a good horn technician in town. Can anyone tell me what brands I should look at for her? I was considering buying her a Yamaha 567 over the internet.

Thanks for posting on my thread :-)

The Yamaha 567 is a student horn, but is not that amazing (in my opinion) after playing on other horns.
This horn seems pretty legitimate, it is an Elkhart Conn 6D:
http://cgi.ebay.com/CONN-6D-DOUBLE-FRENCH-HORN-WITH-CASE-NEW-MOUTHPIECE_W0QQitemZ220511257119QQcmdZViewItemQQptZBrass_Instruments?hash=item33577ec21f

Good luck :-)

This is an excellent horn as well:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Holton-Farkas-H177-Double-French-Horn-Incredible-sound_W0QQitemZ180433255830QQcmdZViewItemQQptZBrass_Instruments?hash=item2a02a8fd96

The time to start with a double Horn would have been 15 months ago. Regardless, we still don't know much about her horn playing skills or sound.

Student Horns - Both Yamaha and Holton make some good student horns. They are designed specifically for the young student who is learning to play. The design includes specific bore tapers to make it easier to hit the correct notes, especially as you go higher. They are not intended to get the best sound in the world (of course many students take years before they learn to play with a really good sound). You can find really the Yamaha and Holton student Horns in very good condition used for about $900.00. Later if you keep it in really good condition you can sell it, - - - for about $900.(That's like free rental).

If you want to take the next step up for a young player I might suggest Holton 179 or 180's. These are not "student horns" but they are nice for the early high school years. I find the Holton's have good accuracy.
Conn 6D's are my favorite. Older ones made before 1978 are professional instruments that students can use well. They are medium throated which gives a good response and a good tone. They are magical (and often times the leadpipe has been bent from being dropped and it is in the perfect position for the younger player (when they get taller you can have it straightened). If it is made after 1977 dont spend anymore than you have to on it.

I'd suggest a used Holton 177 or Holton 178 (or the cut bell versions: 277, 278). Great horns for anyone, any age. Very reasonably priced, too. Very few horns have a sweeter, more elegant tone than the Holton 178 (278).

My two cents.

Valerie Wells
http://www.beforhorn.blogspot.com/