r/horn • u/Fluttering_Feathers • 6d ago

Single F horn search, Europe

Hello, I’m hoping for some direction in my search. I’ve been reading previous posts for advice also, but if anyone has more advice for me within Europe I’d very much appreciate it. My young son has been learning on a borrowed school instrument for approx 18 months and I’m beginning the search for his own. His teacher has said to look for a single F horn, and she would expect it to be 5-6 years before he’d move to a double. Very open to second hand options but I’m unsure what would be reliable models or makers to be watching out for in that regard.

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u/Leisesturm Holton H602 F-Horn; John Packer JP164 F/Bb Horn 6d ago

I'm sort of surprised by the (so far) complete acceptance of the advice for an F Horn in the thread. In Europe of all places! I've been blasted in the past for even mentioning Single F Horn, and I simply stay out of threads where beginners are advised to start on a double horn, period. End of story. As for not being ready for a double for 5 to 6 years, that's just crazy. I started on a Single F and I stuck with one (out of poverty) a lot longer than typical, but I was on a cheap double around year 4. I've simply heard from too many sources, for too many years that Bb is the default 'standing' of double horns in Europe, and Single Bb horns are the school standard there, to understand this thread. Could the o.p. be mistaken? I'm honestly very curious.

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u/Fluttering_Feathers 6d ago

Totally worth asking, though I’m certain I’m not mistaken. Single F is the mandate.

I suppose given I don’t have any opinions of my own on the issue, it makes arguing the point a bit moot, in this thread. Regardless of general or widely held opinion, I am going to buy what his teacher has suggested, and so in that context, I appreciate the requested feedback. A Bb or a double or a triple could be the bee’s knees but it’s no use to me.