Any French Horns Out There?, beginner or otherwise... Options

[bflat]

I started learning French Horn as an adult beginner about 5 or 6 months ago. I'm loving it - partly because it's so hard and I'm a sucker for punishment ;-)

Just wondering if there are other horn players out there? About time there was a french horn thread on here....

Any tips? What are you using for your instrument - how long have you been playing, etc.?

I'm using a Yamaha 567, after an initial daliance with a chinese import instrument - which was a waste of time, but got me to the stage where I was willing to spend on a better instrument. I tried a few mouthpieces, but have settled on a PHC 'N' mouthpiece rim which works for my rather large lips. So far on a good day I can reach the 'C' above middle C, but it's flakey at best. I'm slowly gaining a little accuracy, but finding slurring very hard to do cleanly.

All good fun....

[Randommoose]

Hi,

Another horn player here! I played it for about 3 years, got into various bands, university symphony orchestras etc, then damaged my back and stopped for nearly 3 years. Started again less than a year ago and it is just like starting for the first time (especially as I am now using a different set of fingerings). Thankfully I am now aware of some of the pitfalls and so can avoid them in learning. I have only been playing on and off since I restarted (testing to see if it hurts my back) but have now found how I can play without problems and so am starting seriously from now-ish. But it is annoying currently only being about Grade 3-4 standard technically!

I play a 1920s Alexander 103 as it is nice, good sound and light (thin brass). I used to play on an Alexander 104 but it was too heavy, hence back problems. I started on a Danor. I use an Alexander mouthpiece, 11 or 12, I can't remember offhand!

Bflat, I have a similar thing in that I find it really hard or frustrating to play, and it is the only instrument on which I get really nervous performing, but partly because of that, I like to play it, especially when it finally goes correctly. I also agree with the comments about sight-singing and horn playing being very closely linked.

Moose

[kenm]

I play a 1920s Alexander 103 as it is nice, good sound and light (thin brass).

Also hollow valve rotors, which they used because in those days, one of the major objections to the double horn was its weight. They reverted to solid rotors later, when double horns became standard, as they were less liable to damage.