Holton H178 French horn

The Holton H178 is a professional double French horn and one of several models produced during the collaboration between the manufacturer and renowned horn player Philip Farkas (1914-92). It first went into production in 1964.

Manufacturer's description: Bright, compact feel and sound with outstanding tonal beauty. Bell proportions provide a dark but singing tone with fine legato characteristics. Yellow brass produces a higher tone color with more overtones and clearer projection. Capable of playing pianissimo staccato notes sensitively, clearly and evenly. Excellent horn for chamber orchestra.

• Clear lacquer finish
• Bore size: 0.4 in. (12 mm)
• Fixed yellow brass bell
• Medium bell throat
• Krüspe^† wrap
• String lever action
• Adjustable thumb lever

Also available:
CH179 replacement case

^†Most modern full-double French horns follow one of two layouts defined by the position in relation to the standard three valves of the thumb-operated fourth valve. The 'Krüspe' layout places it close to the thumb lever and first valve; the 'Geyer' layout places it after the third valve. The Geyer layout results in fewer bends in the tubing ('open' wrap) which combined with a smaller bell gives a generally brighter tone; to compensate many Geyer models are made in yellow or red brass to darken their sound. The tighter 'closed' wrap of the Krüspe layout plus a larger bell results in a characteristically dark tone, so many instruments are made from nickel-silver to add brilliance.