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10 Best French Horns 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Double French Horn F/Bb 4 Keys Nickel plated&Gold Craft Lacquer Brass French Horn With French Horn Case, Mouthpiece, Gloves, Cleaning Cloth and Brush (Sliver)…

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,109
Type of Horn
Material
Valve System

Most important from
23 reviews

Type of Horn
Offers a great sound with no leaks and plays well in both F and B flat keys, delivering clear and in-tune notes.
Material
Provides excellent quality and tone for beginners, making it an ideal choice for students and those exploring the French horn for the first time.
Valve System
The rotors may feel a bit heavier and less efficient than big-brand horns, but with proper cleaning and oiling, they respond well enough for most playing needs.

This Chehery double French horn in F/Bb key offers a bright, mellow tone thanks to its phosphor bronze construction, which is known for durability and a pleasant sound quality. It features an integrated bell mouth molding and a wear-resistant piston valve system, helping produce a clear and strong sound. The horn comes nickel-plated in silver or gold lacquer, both treatments designed to resist fading and rust.

Included accessories like a mouthpiece, gloves, cleaning cloth, brush, and a sturdy case add value, especially for beginners or intermediate players. One-piece construction aims for accurate tone and ease of play, making it a solid choice for students learning the instrument or those stepping up their skills.

Weighing nearly 13 pounds, it is on the heavier side, which may affect longer playing sessions. This horn provides good quality and sound for its price bracket, especially for learners.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,109
Type of Horn
Material
Valve System

Most important from
23 reviews

Type of Horn
Offers a great sound with no leaks and plays well in both F and B flat keys, delivering clear and in-tune notes.
Material
Provides excellent quality and tone for beginners, making it an ideal choice for students and those exploring the French horn for the first time.
Valve System
The rotors may feel a bit heavier and less efficient than big-brand horns, but with proper cleaning and oiling, they respond well enough for most playing needs.
#2

Yamaha YHR567 Double French Horn - Set Bell

Rating
9.8
Bell Size and Shape
Valve System

Most important from
5 reviews

Bell Size and Shape
A detachable bell model would have been preferable for easier transport.
Valve System
The adjustable thumb valve height adds a nice touch of customization.

The Yamaha YHR567 Double French Horn is crafted from brass, which is standard for high-quality French horns, giving it a rich, resonant sound. This instrument features a double horn design, operating in both F and B-Flat keys, making it versatile for various musical pieces.

The horn is suitable for both left and right-handed players, thanks to its ambidextrous hand orientation, which is a plus for user convenience. Its detachable bell enhances portability, an important aspect for traveling musicians or students who frequently transport their instruments. However, its weight of around 27 pounds might be a bit cumbersome for younger players or those who need to carry it around often.

This instrument is well-suited for intermediate to advanced players who value durability, sound quality, and the flexibility of a double horn.

Rating
9.8
Bell Size and Shape
Valve System

Most important from
5 reviews

Bell Size and Shape
A detachable bell model would have been preferable for easier transport.
Valve System
The adjustable thumb valve height adds a nice touch of customization.
#3

Yamaha YHR-671 Series Double Horn, Detachable Bell

The Yamaha YHR-671 is a double French horn designed with both modern and traditional players in mind, featuring a brass body with a gold finish that gives it a classic look. It is keyed in F/Bb, which is standard for double horns, allowing players to switch between tones easily. This model comes with a detachable bell, a useful feature for musicians who want flexibility in sound projection and transport convenience.

Yamaha horns are known for having a balanced bore that supports a clear, focused sound, suitable for a wide range of playing styles. Its valve system is Yamaha’s reliable rotary design, providing smooth and responsive action essential for precise play. While it ranks moderately in musical instrument sales, it stands out in its category, being #33 among double French horns, and has received positive feedback for quality with a perfect 5-star rating from users.

This horn is a good choice for intermediate to advanced players looking for a quality instrument that balances classical tone with modern playability. The Yamaha YHR-671 is a solid, well-made French horn that suits those wanting a versatile, reliable instrument for both learning and performance.

Buying Guide for the Best French Horns

Choosing the right French horn can be a rewarding experience, but it requires some understanding of the instrument's key specifications. The French horn is a versatile brass instrument used in various musical genres, from classical to jazz. When selecting a French horn, it's important to consider factors such as the type of horn, the material it's made from, the bore size, the bell size and shape, and the valve system. Each of these specifications can significantly impact the sound and playability of the instrument, so it's essential to understand what each one means and how it relates to your needs as a player.
Type of HornFrench horns come in different types, primarily single, double, and triple horns. Single horns are lighter and easier to handle, making them suitable for beginners. Double horns are more versatile, offering a wider range of notes and better intonation, which is ideal for intermediate to advanced players. Triple horns provide even more flexibility and are typically used by professional players. Your choice should depend on your skill level and the type of music you intend to play.
MaterialFrench horns are typically made from brass, but the finish can vary. Yellow brass produces a bright, clear sound, while gold brass offers a warmer tone. Nickel silver is more durable and resistant to corrosion, making it a good choice for players who need a robust instrument. The material affects the sound quality and durability of the horn, so consider what kind of sound you prefer and how much maintenance you're willing to perform.
Bore SizeThe bore size of a French horn refers to the diameter of the tubing. A smaller bore size produces a more focused, brighter sound and is easier to play, which is beneficial for beginners. A larger bore size offers a fuller, richer tone and greater volume, which is preferred by more advanced players. Choose a bore size that matches your playing style and the type of music you play.
Bell Size and ShapeThe bell size and shape of a French horn can greatly influence its sound. A larger bell produces a broader, more resonant sound, while a smaller bell offers a more focused tone. The shape of the bell can also affect the projection and direction of the sound. Consider the acoustics of the venues where you will be playing and the type of sound you want to achieve when selecting the bell size and shape.
Valve SystemFrench horns use rotary valves or piston valves to change the pitch. Rotary valves are more common and provide a smoother, more consistent action, which is preferred by most players. Piston valves offer a quicker response and are easier to maintain, but they are less common in French horns. Your choice of valve system should be based on your personal preference and playing style.

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