Introduction to Horn Manufacturers and Distributors Database

by Erin Schmidt

 

Purpose:

 

While an undergraduate student at the University of Dayton, I researched and published in the Feb 1997 issue of the Horn Call an article on Horn Manufacturers and Distributors.  The purpose of the research was not to rewrite or evaluate the horns being manufactured but to compile all the horn makes and models into one source so that the horn playing community, teachers and parents have one place to turn to when wanting to compare horns or when seeking additional information on a specific horn model. 

 

Methodology:

 

I began my research by first looking through past issues of the Horn Call, the Brass Bulletin and other music publications looking for horn manufacturers’ advertisements.  I wrote the individual manufacturers requesting information, and explaining the intent of the research.  Although, I tried not to leave out any horn manufacturer, it is probable that a manufacturer could have been inadvertently omitted.  Now 8 years later, the Internet has made research on horn manufacturers much quicker and more efficient.  I have updated the document by adding web addresses, emails and pictures, changed the price column to a symbol system that indicates a price range, and have left in horns that may no longer be manufactured.  I did this so that individuals who are looking to buy a used horn can use this document to find out more about a NCM (not currently manufactured) horn. 

Manufacturers:

 

The subject of this research was modern valve horns including single, double, descant, triple and compensating horns.  For each manufacturer there is a break down for each horn that includes its model number/name, alloy, bore size and price range.  Also included is any special information regarding each horn, such as extra valves, linkage, valve arrangement, or detachable bells.  Some manufacturers, particularly those that build custom horns, will not assign a name or number for their different models, so that column will be left blank.  Other manufacturers do assign names or numbers as a way of distinguishing one horn from another.  N/A indicates the information was not included in the instrument description or the manufacturer did not wish to disclose the information. 

 

Alloys:

Alloy composition is categorized and abbreviated in the following way:

·        Nickel Silver –   65% Copper, 18% Nickel, & 17% Zinc is abbreviated NS

·        Gold Brass –      84% Copper, 14% Zinc, & 2% Tin is abbreviated GB

·        Yellow Brass –   70% Copper, 30% Zinc is abbreviated YB

·        Nickel Bronze – 70% Copper, 9% Nickel, & 2% Tin is abbreviated NB

·        Ambronze -       84% Copper, 14% Zinc and 2% Tin is abbreviated AMB

 

Bore:    

 

Bore refers to the size of the tubing in the horn.  The average bore size for horns ranges from .468 to .470 inches.  There are some horns which have even larger bore dimensions such as .476 inches.  Throughout the manufacturer list, the bore is listed in exact inches or millimeters.  Some of the custom horn makers will not give their exact bore dimensions or they qualify their bore configuration as standard, large, American or European.  It is possible that a horn may have more than one bore option that can be chosen by the individual.  Some bore dimensions were not available because the manufacturer did not want to release the information or the materials did not state the bore size.

 

Prices:

 

Initially in my original project, I stated current prices for each horn.  But it is too hard to keep up with the ever changing pricing, so I have decided to give a price range to each model based on it current value.  The price ranges are fairly large, and each horn will probably stay within that range even if the prices do go up.  I would encourage anyone seriously considering buying a certain horn to contact the manufacturer for a current price.  The price legend is as follows:

 

$ = under $1000

$$ = $1000-$2000

$$$ = $2000-$3000

$$$$ = $3000-$5000

$$$$$ = $5000 & up

NCM = Not currently manufactured

 

 

I hope that you find this database helpful in better understanding the many different makes and models of horns available to horn players.  Please contact me if you have any comments, suggestions and/or further information on any manufacturers.