French Horns

All Holton French Horns, including the single and double models, feature valve rotors that are tapered. This is so that as the valve wears, it automatically seats itself. This includes the bearing surfaces axles on each end of the valve and the bearing plates. All of our French Horn bells are made with overlapped seams. This is much more durable than one made with a butt seam. It also produces a better tone and timbre. This is one of the outstanding characteristics on which Holton French Horns developed its reputation. We feature four different sizes of bell throats, small, medium, large, and extra large. All are hand hammered with a 12 ¼” diameter except for the children’s French Horns which are 10”.

The Farkas wrap is similar in some ways to the other wraps, however is recognized by its independent tuning system which is found on all Holton Farkas and Merker models. This allows a player to tune the Bb-side of the Horn separate from the F-side of the Horn or visa/versa.

The Geyer wrap has become popular as of recent years. It is easy to recognize because of the straight four in-line valves. Players like it because it is a very fine orchestral Horn. The Bb/F rotor is positioned to facilitate smooth slurs between the F & Bb. The Merker model H-192 features the Geyer wrap.

The Kruspe wrap has been an industry favorite for years. It is easily recognized by the smaller F/Bb fourth switch valve which is off-set from the other valves. Also, there is no Bb slide attached to it. The Holton H-105 utilizes this wrap.