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Based on Carl Geyer’s open wrap layout, this instrument is my version of the design. I built this instrument as a basis to try out various bracing ideas, using a large bore nickel brass bell, branch and 12mm internal tubing. The result has been surprisingly good, as the sound is centred and more focussed than I expected. I will be building further examples to prototype my production line of this design.

This project was something special and personal to me. The instrument was bequeathed to a dear colleague and friend of mine, by a childhood friend of theirs, who was a well respected hornist and teacher. (I have omitted names in respect to the individual’s privacy)

The horn, a well used Conn 28D had been sitting in a cupboard for years, and was in need of some careful TLC.  Unfortunately the original bell had worn through in places, I therefore decided to replace it with a modern rose gold version…which I happened to have in stock!

The horn was completely disassembled, then rebuilt piece by piece, after the components were carefully repaired. I also replaced the original ‘holed’ mouth pipe with one of my own, especially tailored for Conn 8 type instruments.

As usual, I also bespoke fitted the braces, to ensure free resonance in the instrument. Lastly, the player tried a few flares out, before settling on a nickel variety.

The result was not only a free blowing instrument, but more importantly a memory and testament of life long friendship between two close friends.

I am certainly proud to have been able to oblige with this.

Artisan horns custom single, built for Jonathan Barrett, BBC Philharmonic hornist.

The idea for this instrument was born in a coffee shop in London! I met with Jon so that I could return his Paxman model 60 (B flat/ B flat soprano). The old Paxman large bore wasn’t achieving the core sound Jon was looking for. I had made new ‘stub’ mouth pipes and a ‘tone blob’ for the model 60, which definitely improved things, but given that the instrument is relatively heavy and only used occasionally in pieces with ‘persistent’ high notes, he said ” I have an idea, can you make me a single horn with secure notes from high A up to E?”

Well, B flat single with ascending C valve is nothing new, however there is quite a tone difference between the sections. Tuning can also be an issues ( I knew this from previously building Paxman model 13’s)…. so after some experimentation I came up with the B flat / D flat concept. I made a bespoke mouthpipe mandrel, so that the horn was responsive and free blowing. The tube layout was also key in providing just enough resistance for the upper register to speak easily.

The additional exciting part for me was that Jon completely understands my stand on using bells and valves salvaged from certain ‘unloved’ horns, especially F.E Olds. I tend to only use the spout section; I add Alex rings and modern flares, which then result in superbly resonant bell sections.

On this horn the valve block was created from Olds single horn valves, with brand new slide legs and German bows.

So… Jon’s first impression?

I handed the instrument over before Jon was due to play in an afternoon concert. His usual instrument is a Yamaha Kruspe model. A large bore double horn

After a few moments of playing, I saw a beaming smile… with the comment “I really like this!!”

It was clear to me that the two section blend seamlessly and that the ascending’ side really secures the desired noted with a warm and rich sound…

From my perspective it was “Mission accomplished!”

Having proven the point, with the design of this instrument, I am always open and available to discuss ideas and concepts.

I hope that this inspires further thoughts.

This double horn began life in the early 1960s in Fullerton California. F. E. Olds had determined to emulate the Conn 6D but to also make it even better.

This 6D copy was customised by Artisan Horns to incorporate not only a hand thinned flare and spout, but also a more open wrap around the thumb valve and branch. Along with the custom AH1 mouth pipe, the instruments now blows freely with a rumbling low register and secure, slotted upper.

Valves on our ‘New Life’ are assessed for wear and leaks. If required, new valve are made here in UK and hand lapped to close tolerances, to create a professional standard instrument.

This instrument was one of the 1st Generation Paxman model 40’s. It was (and probably still is) one of the better designs of B flat / F alto descant horns.

Having lain unplayable for years, the now owner asked for a “bit of a clean up!” So…

An inspection revealed that there was a split in the mouthpipe. The whole lower section of tubing leading towards the tuning slide was quite misshapen (not round…) and there were cracks at various points. I looked to patch the split areas, however the metal was very brittle, with crack continuing, when I tried to de-dent and make round!

I therefore hand bent new two sections of tubing, as the purpose of the project was to bring the instrument back to life. I also made a longer ‘chamese’ to cover over the mouth pipe crack. The rest of the instrument was then carefully repaired. The valves were not perfect, but very much serviceable.

The result was not only a very looking horn, but one that played rather well, despite its age.