How to Choose a New Horn

Published on Dec 17, 2012.
Sarah Willis talks with the Hans Herrman at Gebr. Alexander in Mainz about how to choose a new instrument. Visit sarah-willis.com for more horn videos, hangouts and much more!

[@catswag16]

the wall of horns costs more than my entire life oh my lord

[@SpruceTree03]

true

[@samuelsong2362]

@Henri Roy no it still looks very expensive cause i cant even pay for part of the horn

[@Blk.tank.1k]

Samuel Song maybe you can pay for the spit valve droplets

[@sonubharati8017]

Your life is more valuable than what you could imagine, I might not know you, but I know that to be true.

[@jarvis6253]

Thing is if i sold my heart i could buy all of them

[@AtibaChikeWilliams]

"The horn chooses you, Harry."

[@oizombie1]

+Atiba Chike Williams lol

[@xArQuiLx]

Exactly! :D

[@boltcry9349]

Yes!

[@boltcry9349]

HarryMayonnaise i got a trombone so i could play ms and hs concert/sight reading for UIL

[@beng7716]

Yes! That's what I was thinking

[@RenCollieflower]

"My problem notes! How much time do we have?" Oh, Sarah :')

[@Pavamingo]

I pass this place every morning on my way to work. It has never occured to me that all my heroes (such as Sarah, Stefan....) go there. I'll keep my eyes open from now on...

[@DuckyDino333]

The horn chooses the player, duh

[@johnminiongamer1991]

#harrypotterreference

[@michaelbest7872]

Maya, you are right! The horn chooses the player.

[@Metal-Possum]

Something a horn manufacturer won't make you question: The intonation/tuning of their own horns. If you're not able to buy from a respectable manufacturer, definitely make sure it's tuneful.

[@SarahWillisHorn]

It´s La Basque by Marin Marais and this recording is from Sarah´s CD "Trio!" with Kotowa Machida and Cordelia Höfer

[@bobofthekerbals9797]

This dude is the olivander of horns

[@miketrbn]

Although a bass trombone player, your videos prove to be very helpful, educational and so inspiring also for me!! Thank you so much

[@phinathos]

I ended up here as some sort of KZbin's luck or something. I don't know a thing about horn but to watch this video was a good experience. Thanks for your work Sarah

[@Janka007]

Yes, the 3. one! The look, the sound is just glorious! I love your videos Sarah, hope you are well! :) Greetings from London!

[@BRTI1336]

Still in love with my otto horn. We had quite a bunch of Alexanders in our orchestra though. Both great manufacturers.

[@KwabenaL.]

You are my Inspiration to keep playing the horn, Thanks!

[@izzygerman14]

Love these kind of videos, congrats Sarah you inspire a lot of horn players :-)

[@yeldarbwehttam]

It is a dream of mine to turn up to Gebr. Alexander in Mainz or Paxman in London and just pick one off the shelf!

[@fhotzel]

Can you do one on choosing a mouthpiece?

[@michaelbest7872]

I found out too late, that mouthpieces also make a difference, when I played the trumpet, in a US Army band. With a certain mouthpiece, I could have played higher notes better. It was not My fault entirely, while being 18 and into my 20's that I never obtained better than 3rd trumpet in the Military band ! I found out that mouth pieces ARE a part of the reason. I wish I knew THIS information, even in High School !

[@jonathanbywater5999]

Michael Best Bruh

[@apfelsnutz]

The last horn that you played at the closing, was the second horn you played at the beginning, and the best balanced sound. But seriously, I could never play a model 103.... all the Best to You.

[@oldcheez3353]

the last horn that she played was LITERALLY meant for me

[@TM-ul9zp]

Fantástico video, gracias.

[@rafemor2025]

Muchas gracias por los consejos,m han sido de mucha utilidad! (Thank you very much for the advice, they have been very useful!)

[@willizurbruegg7648]

👉My favourite is definitely my Willson Geyer Unikat, b/f plus stop valve📯👍

[@shawncupp5819]

Happens at 12:00

[@Ash-vu1lo]

Thanks for the advice.

[@SarahWillisHorn]

Keep listening after the 3rd movement of the Mozart has finished...;-)

[@frenchhornqueen]

She sounds incredible no matter what she plays. hahaha

[@pauls5745]

I had to rewind a few times to catch subtle differences in tonal quality, but as she said, her embouchure was not warmed up that day beforehand

[@Urlicht29]

Thank you for the answer. I just bought a download version of the album from a german mp3 store. Unfortunately I didn't find the tune on it. Though I would have bought the album anyway. Is it an exrta trck on the CD-Version? I did'nt even find it in the Internet.

[@peters6366]

Curious what Sarah thinks of new versus vintage horns.

[@Bornhorn]

good stuff, i have some friends that are looking to buy a horn and I will definitely link them to this vid

[@Motofunrides]

Does the shape of the horn parts make a big difference on how it's played?

[@giovannibevilacqua322]

Beautiful video, can tell us about how to choose horn handpiece. Thank you

[@amirprog]

seems like a very nice channel for horn players. i'm composer and pianist and i enjoyed your channel. i want to learn how horn sound and works because i started composing for orchestra.

[@carlw]

We love composers that can write for horn! Gerry Goldsmith, John Williams to name a couple.

[@lucaslion1390]

I think to be safe, you should consider the following statements : Our lowest note is concert F3, our highest note is concert F4 (we may try and play up to C5, but you better write loud dynamics !), and we want to have the melody !

[@rubisco1981]

I like the second one, very bright and brassy

[@VernonstradlingltdCoUk]

A favourite encore of the great Denis Brain.

[@Repairguy2]

This is a great vid . What I found was that most of the horns have screw bells in the vid . Why is a question . The other problem is how old they are ? I replate french horn valves and have found out that makes the most differance in used horns . The older ones from the states and europe are better playing if the valves do not leak badley

[@robinweber6618]

Screwed bells are better for transport, repairing is way easier and polishing is also way easier

[@JanetArnold1257]

A daunting decision!

[@megasalsan]

aparte de ser un músico excelente como persona es adorable

[@Urlicht29]

Got it. thanx.

[@overbank56]

I have a question. I want_too play music with our keyboardist & organist in church. I'm trying to decide what instrument would go well with & compliment both. I'm very interested in brass instruments & have come to love the sound of the horns & tubas. What would you recommend? I really would appreciate the advice & any suggestions you have. Thanks!

[@brayantorres774]

Christofer Riche i recommended horn becuase it has a smoother sound and can go with any type of song tuba can aswell but it is a bit loud and its hard to play soft and well with it

[@brayantorres774]

I know because im in band and i play horn(no im not being narcissist) and my best friend plays tuba and we did a duet and we tested to see who was louder and smoother and horn is smooth amd soft try to avoid being too loud becuase then you will sound like a trombone or very distorted

[@paulegli302]

Dear Sarah, what is your title music?

[@marcoscarletti]

GOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!

[@llleeonnn]

how is the Paxman horn compared to Alexander?

[@jonnysouthjersey]

And who can afford to buy a new Alexander?

[@dasteufelhund]

Those who have the money.

[@tommeier1888]

+jonnysouthjersey Pro´s.

[@RolandHutchinson]

Violinists. But they've already spent the money on a violin.

[@alexanderbelov6892]

When a professional musician chooses an instrument, (s)he chooses not sound for listeners, but mostly sound for himself/herself, and simplified sound extraction. Unfortunately most listeners cannot feel the difference of $400 and $8000 french horn, if professional musician plays both. IMHO many musicians play very attractive concerts at famous theatres without $8000 horns. And listeners are not aware of the instruments price. They just not care much.

[@kjh789az]

So true! Every time I had some cash to upgrade my double horn, the prices had gone up again and it still remains an aspiration. The only consolation is that like golf clubs, a bad player always blames his tools - its not just about the hardware, its about the passion and technique to play well.

[@HoMingSan]

I am a beginner. When I play from the middle C to high C, that should be C E G C. But I often play one more note between G and high C, which sounds like Bb. How can I solve this?

[@MontananMusician]

Kin Ming Ho technically if you are going between middle c and high c it should be C D E F G A B C, with respective flats and sharps in between, try looking at a fingering chart and a scale if you are unsure

[@stewkingjr]

John Fossen Because he said "from middle c to high c" and "one more note between g and high c" i think he might mean middle c being the c one ledger line below the staff (which is where it looks on a piano) and high c being the 3rd space. Plus the fact that he's a beginner i'd bet he's not ripping off scales up to a real high c. Kin Ming Ho, if you're talking about the g on the second line and the c on the third space, that one note would be a Bb. If you mean from the c on the third space to an octave above that John Fossen has the right answer.

[@beilii]

Work on your harmonic series. Play c e g c on f side open, then 23T, 12T, 1T, etc. It's a good daily warmup too. Romance by Saint-Saen is a good piece to practice those intervals as well. You can go check out some of Julie Landsman's videos on more technical stuff if need be.

[@MontananMusician]

Patrick Li hey! I'm doing my college audition and I'm performing romance by saint saens also I'm performing Mozart horn concerto number 3 third movement

[@OrangeBarrySanders]

Bb in the staff can be played open on horn. Just work on hearing the pitch in your head before you try to hit the c. If you just blow and hope the note comes out you will not be successful. You have to think about what the pitch sounds like before you put the mouthpiece to your lips and play it. The reason is that you can play C E G Bb C D E F G Ab Bb B and that top C all open and even notes below that so you really have to think about the specific pitch you want to play before you play it.

[@alanhigh8125]

The best sounding horn at 12:49

[@peryaffias6970]

Yes I agree completely. The perfect flavor in my opinion. Beautiful design also, love the copper/rose gold colors on the slides.

[@MageRothan2]

Sarah, have you ever played on a Ricco Kuehn horn?

[@maurogarofolo7055]

Meravigliosa 🌹🧎

[@jerrykitich3318]

I looked at their website and saw double horns from 2000 to 3000 euros. This seems quite reasonable, even with conversion to the Canadian dollar which is currently about 70 cents euro. Am I correct? Seems a lot more than I would pay buying in Canada or the United States. There is also no import duty on musical instruments to Canada, only sales or VAT type tax. When I lived in Europe in 2012 (France) and did some window shopping musical instrument prices seemed very good in Europe. I found the same thing with leather goods like briefcases.

[@carlw]

Jerry keep in mind, like everything else in life (for the most part), you get what you pay for. There will be substantial differences between a $2000 and a 10,000 horn. I have both and there's no comparison.

[@giovannibevilacqua322]

Can you tell us where this showroom is located? What about their contact details to make an appointment? Thank you

[@SarahWillisHorn]

Gebr.Alexander in Mainz 📯

[@Urlicht29]

Good strategy. Thanks for the Info. What is the name of the piece at the beginning of the video?

[@bobadams7245]

When I was a freshman horn student I was given a 103 as a loaner from my horn professor. I loved that horn, but was over blowing it so I switch to the Conn 8 D which gave me a larger sound...

[@thomascunningham5483]

Le Basque in A major (Marais, Marin)

[@EvanYoungMusic]

I came back to this video since I spent about 2 years looking for a new horn that was right for me. Speaking of problem notes, I found my new horn which has a perfect C#. 😂

[@eugeneshealthproject]

They should have left the video record the full hour until she was satisfied. Or until the purchase was complete.

[@jean-pierredevent970]

I am tired of trumpet since I never could play it really relaxed, it was always a struggle. I tried a plastic Jhorn with a horn mouthpiece now for months and the low notes now start to sound finally. This makes me think that I would do well on a French horn too. I already tried one briefly and I feel attracted to the instrument. But I can't play on something not expensive, which sounds very mediocre. I think a plastic horn would play and sound for the money quite well (900) as long as it lasts??

[@M1kelCccHello]

This is extremely helpful....I think I need a new horn......

[@M1kelCccHello]

I am afraid my horn is very tired and worn out. I think I must have been playing it too much over the years. I am still not very good!

[@M1kelCccHello]

Sarah obviously loves trying out horns.

[@brownsfan6447]

I have a Conn. they are hated on for some reason but they have a great sound for the price. Around $4300 for an 8D.

[@sgtTenoriosaxofone]

Sax Horn, tem um som lindo, Mais é um instrumento muito Difícil de tocar, Aqui no Brasil chamamos de trompa de harmonia, Já toquei uma dessas na banda Militar 😊😊😊😊😊 Ver foto perfil é uma Horn!!

[@TheWinnowingFan]

So surprised to find Alexander horn on Feature by premium Berlin Philharmonic Horn Artist! This WILL be a favorite you tube thanks to posting! With advice re: horn mouthpiece selection; try Art of Horn by Phillip Farkus for a little technical read. Illus. cross-section views / characteristic comparison. Generally the area and range the player will utilize more often in determining diameter, flexibility. & rim you feel more comfortable with. The tonal quality you prefer, preserved. GM

[@EvanYoungMusic]

You can cut the bell like I did to my Alex 103! But I sold mine to my student... I've switched over to the dark side of Schmid Triples... :D

[@tommeier1888]

+Evan Young But why? My teacher told me they sound very "tight" when playing loud?

[@Chicxulub65M]

What does that mean? Pinched?

[@tommeier1888]

Chicxulub65M yep pretty much.

[@Blk.tank.1k]

i love her low range

[@danceballetacro]

The fourth was heavenly

[@MxAvA]

I could only hear a difference with one of those horns. But maybe each felt different to Sarah. I'd love to see more professional horn players trying out horns and giving their opinions. I'm very curious if their opinions would agree. Maybe how well a particular horn plays depends on the particular player. That is, maybe a horn has to fit the particular player.

[@ronaldpvanammers2676]

They laquer horns after theyre sold?

[@MxAvA]

Ronald P van Ammers Yeah. My first horn was unlacquered. I had to regularly clean and polish it. I finally had it lacquered while stationed in Germany. The lacquer hasn't stayed on very well all these years, but it still plays well. Some horn players believe the lacquer adversely affects the sound.

[@jonahhenry5695]

Marnix van Ammers she is a pro

[@soteris777]

The horn chooses the player

[@adambomb30]

Intelligent, charming, talented AND attractive!

[@u.e.u.e.]

Doesn't the required souund depend on the orchestra and building, too? 🤔😉 Daniel Barenboim has created a deep, dampened sound in the Deutsche Staatsoper, Berlin. In Latin America and with Gustavo Dudamel you need a lot of upper frequencies and clear high notes, the Berliner Philharmoniker are somewhat in between. I guess you mustn't have any disturbing frequencies in the Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg.

[@shawncupp5819]

The lick she plays several times, Starts( ascending)G C (descending) a g e c g e c. What is that from?

[@madaxe]

I know this is a few years late, but its the opening of Neuling's bagatelle

[@micahmcintosh5039]

We're did u get your case

[@alexdumais5637]

Micah McIntosh it’s a Marcus bonna case real good product but a little bit expensive

[@Baraodojaguary]

I ve bought a horn today to start playing it i ve bought an old one for 1 200 Brazilian reals wich is pretty cheap becase im short in money

[@balodsipio2463]

Can someone tell the what is the music in the beginning of the Video?

[@AFGalopp]

It is "Le Basque" by Marin Marais!

[@dkirk23]

A.F. Galopp It was Dennis Brain's favorite encore.

[@RolandHutchinson]

Originally for viola da gamba and continuo. From Marin Marais, book 4 of Pièces de viol.

[@davidreesey6747]

What about tenor sax?

[@phillipecook3227]

Maybe I'm wrong but I think string players will use the same instrument for most of their professional life? From what Sarah was saying it appears to be different for brass players, that they will change more often than their string playing colleagues.

[@jessecohen4517]

Brass instruments are extremely sensitive. As you develop as a player your embouchure changes and it might not be an ideal match for your current instrument. In addition, brass instrument technology is always evolving unlike strings which stay largely the same.

[@ohrazda1956]

I agree... 13:11 you had a much better sound and ownership of the horn... ( and I was a tympani guy... LOL)

[@designobservatory]

Sure, Alexander is very famous. But there are other hornmakers in Germany who are worth to be considered too, like Finke for example!

[@anytatiananaranjo1356]

yo toco el corno franses y me incantan🎶

[@Everyproducer]

Ugh the horn that I play in my school makes my right hand's fingernail greenish blueish and it's so gross

[@eduardocastellanos2161]

you can soak it in cool water and clean it with a brush called a snake make sure to take out the tuning valves

[@tommeier1888]

+Lan Black Uuuugh sorry to hear that. Try to clean it, it shouldn´t be that way.

[@jacobdees3882]

Clean it

[@timolson8495]

Jonathan Chan thats not gross thats normal :D

[@ooga1]

Tim Olson ARE YOU INSANE THATS NOT NORMAL THATS A RESULT OF SOMEONE NOT TAKING CARE OF A 2k OR MORE USD

[@Blakeblakeblakeblake]

I have a double French horn gebr alexzander mainz made in Germany 1960's

[@notmyworld44]

What can I get for $325 or less?

[@anthonyugalde5557]

What does lacquered & unlacquered mean?

[@brownsfan6447]

I’m not an expert but lacquer is a protective polish. The shiny horns in this video have lacquer. The dull finished ones do not. There is a difference in sound, some even sand the lacquer off of their horns. Horns without lacquer are without the protection lacquer gives, but are less susceptible to fingerprints.

[@achenarmyst2156]

That‘s one question that us violinists don‘t have to make fuzz about 😄

[@TheAlwards]

Sarah Willis is the Dennis Brain of marketing.

[@carlw]

She's the ambassador for horn.

[@raphaelhudson]

The third horn had much more depth of tone

[@alexanderbelov6892]

Probably it has thicker brass.

[@sophiajune546]

Yeet first horns are overrated

[@MrWheelchairPreacher]

Doesn't the detachable bell mess with the sound? I miss playing the horn.

[@MARLONBRENOOFICIALL]

BRAVAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[@d.l.m.6422]

alguém aqui é BR?

[@BillRalens]

too bad she didn't get to the anniversary edition or the wagnertuba

[@sdolnicek]

And then there is my, who got my horn from a pawnshop :D

[@benestwice]

Auf Deutch were auch sehr schon !

[@stephenoverstreet9898]

I could spend an entire day in there. And walk out with a lifetime instrument and a lot lighter wallet! It is my dream to own an Alex 103!

[@BarretDude]

how come there are less people in Europe than in America that play on a nickel silver horn?

[@fatalus553]

it just doesn't give the sound they want

[@tommeier1888]

+BarretDude It looks stupid :P

[@musicianfriendly2005]

Silver gives you a mid tone sound. It's bright in its upper register and dark in its lower register. Yellow brass give you that bright trumpet sound and rose brass (red brass) gives you a dark tone.. It depends on your style and prefer and of course what you can personally play!

[@RolandHutchinson]

The Hollywood sound!

[@AbbasAdejonwo]

fewer*

[@EvanYoungMusic]

But seriously... All those 103's... haahaha.

[@electricchicken2508]

Where is this store!!

[@MrsKattol]

Electricchicken In Mainz, in Germany. www.gebr-alexander.de/en/

[@shawnhampton8503]

How much does one of these horns generally cost?

[@KingHalbatorix]

Think of an amount you don't want to pay, then double it. You're close.

[@max96779]

+KingHalbatorix 1,500

[@KingHalbatorix]

Spoderman233 you're not close, try doubling that 4 times

[@max96779]

dang

[@iamjustanotherrandomcommen5078]

+Shawn Hampton Anywhere from 2000-9000 U.S. dollars

[@redingot1]

The camera is out of focus all the time :((

[@aStick112]

I think that wall of horns costs more than my car

[@robinweber6618]

Yeah, must be about 30 horns, so about 250.000€ are hanging there

[@isetta4083]

I do not have money

[@SaxandRelax]

Nightlife 9 sad

[@nitetrane98]

Get a trombone, put your hand in the bell and play wrong notes.

[@carlhopkinson]

way too many words and way too little music

[@taskbarenhancer3386]

She is British and speaks English with German accent.

[@oscargomez4970]

And I'm here wondering... How the fuck did I get here? I don't play any instrument, let alone a horn. I like musical instruments but a horn... I don't know, it's weird. Anyway, back to the video

[@achenarmyst2156]

Might have to do with the presenter 😉

[@dgontar]

Advice from a plumber.

[@Schwallex]

"A man talking about buying shoes teehee". Wow. Just wow. Now imagine for a second the kind of shit storm that would break loose if he said to her "a woman talking about buying cars haha". Oh well. Apparently women can get away with sexism. As long as they stay in the kitchen, that is!

[@brownsfan6447]

Schwallex so true

[@Earthneedsado-over177]

Oh, dry up. You are just a whiner whining about other whiners. A pox on both your houses.