French Horn

The French Horn is a member of the brass family and is the second highest sounding brass instrument in that classification. It consists of brass tubing usually twelve to fourteen feet long coiled around on itself and ending with a large flared bell. The tone is produced by the player “buzzing” his lips inside a cone shaped mouthpiece. A French Horn is a little unusual in that the valves, usually rotary valves, are operated with the left had as opposed to the right hand like trumpets and other brass instruments. The modern French Horn is a descendent of the a hunting horn that was used to signal the hounds on the hunt. These horns had no valves. Valves were introduced in the nineteenth century to facilitate more control and make the instrument easier to play. The most common type of horn is the single horn that is keyed usually in F. Then there is also the double horn that has an extra thumb valve that changes the instrument from F to Bb essentially making two horns into one. The addition of the Bb tubing allows more control over the higher register where the partial become much closer. Take a look at these great French Horns available at Music Factory Direct where you will always find the lowest prices and free shipping.