Big Horn Sound with a Warm Bronze Bell
For those particular horn players who want a “big horn” sound with a darker, warmer tone, look no further than the Holton H181. This Farkas-style French horn is made in the same tradition as Holton’s other top models, but employs a bronze bell and yellow brass construction that produces an even darker sound than many of its contemporaries. You’ll also find that the H81’s bronze bell allows you to push the horn to extreme dynamics while maintaining a clean sound and minimizing that edgy, “brassy” tone. Plus, the eye-catching red color from the bronze is a favorite among horn players here at Sweetwater, and it’s sure to turn some heads in any concert hall. This horn’s tapered, hand-lapped brass valve rotors and string linkage yield effortless playability and ultra-quiet operation. With its timeless design and powerful dark sound, the Holton H181 truly stands tall among the best French horns available today.
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Pro-level features for discerning players
Players searching for top-level performance in a pro-level horn owe it to themselves to audition the H181. For one, the F and Bb sides of the horn can each be tuned independently, giving discerning players extra convenience and control over their horn. Its solid brass leadpipe and 0.468-inch bore also offer a brilliant, focused sound and an incredibly free-blowing feel. And by virtue of the Kruspe wrap design, the H181 delivers a big, powerful sound with an unyielding tonal center. Beyond that, this horn’s flexibility lets you glide through the entire range of the horn with minimal cracking. The Holton H181 also boasts solid nickel-silver inner and outer slides for easy operation and robust durability.
Large-throat bronze bell
The Holton H181 is equipped with a 12.25-inch large-throat bronze bell. This bell offers a lusher, darker sound than typical brass, and responds well to all the subtleties of your playing. As the bronze darkens the sound, it stays incredibly stable and minimizes the brassy edge in your tone — even when you’re pushing the horn to extreme volumes. All this makes the H181 a favorite among soloists, chamber musicians, and symphonic players. The H181 is coated with a clear lacquer finish over its bronze bell and brass body, giving this horn a radiant look that demands the attention of your audience.
Holton: the choice for professional musicians
Since its founding in 1896 by Frank Holton in Chicago, the Holton brand has become the choice of top professionals all over the world. Frank, an accomplished trombonist, started his business by selling his own proprietary slide oil, which then evolved into the production of brass instruments. After moving his factory to Elkhorn, Wisconsin, in 1917, Frank Holton & Company continued to produce high-end brass instruments, and then later expanded into student-level horns. Upon retiring, Frank sold the company to employee William Kull. The company was later acquired by Leblanc, then by Conn-Selmer in 2004, which continues Holton's tradition of creating outstanding brass instruments and accessories.
Holton H181 French Horn Features:
- Farkas-style F/Bb French horn for top-level chamber, solo, and orchestral applications
- Kruspe wrap delivers an open, dark sound with a rock-solid tonal center
- 12.25-inch large throat bronze bell adds additional warmth and darkness to the tone with clear and powerful projection
- Yellow brass bow and branches offer a free-blowing feel
- 0.468-inch bore delivers that elusive centered tone
- Nickel-silver inner and outer slides maintain durability and functionality
- Tapered, hand-lapped brass valve rotors ensure a snug fit and tight seal between the valves and casing
- String linkage yields effortless playability and ultra-quiet operation
- Includes a case and a Farkas Medium Deep Cup mouthpiece
