Holton H279 French horn

The Holton H279 is a full double French horn and one of several models produced during the collaboration of the manufacturer with renowned horn player Philip Farkas.

It has especially good centre and projection, according to its manufacturer. The larger tapers of the bell and branches help to produce a big, dark, rich tone and its nickel-silver detachable bell has a quick response.

• Clear lacquer finish
• Bore size: 0.468 in. (11.89 mm)
• Bell diameter: 12¼ in. (311 mm)
• Nickel silver bell, detachable, large bell throat
• Nickel silver inner and outer slides
• Krüspe^† wrap
• Mechanical lever action
• Tapered rotors and bearings
• Mouthpipe waterkey

^†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.

Manufacturer’s website: conn-selmer.eu