I am Looking to buy a french horn and would like to know about good models and makes, alos ones that arent really expensive

See . When possible you should try the horn rather than purchase blind - especially if the instrument is not new, with a warranty and from a highly reputable manufacturer.

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Sorry the link to http://www.hornplayer.net was lost!

I have gotten used to my Conn 8d but you have to find an instrument in which you will be easily complacent with.

I agree with deathgaze I to play a Conn 8d, and I just absolutely love it. I would probably suggest a king myself so anyway I'vegot to go. Good luck.

Conn 8D, Holton Farkas 179 or 279, Yamaha 667 or 668 are good horns for intermediate players. You should be able to get a new one for about $3000 or a good used one for less than $2000. You should read the discussion that has been posted here that started with Joseph's inquiry about buying a horn. It contains a lot of detail that I don't wish to repeat! ha ha ha!

Valerie

I personally have a Holton 379, with is a good horn. Conn 8D is another good one. As for prices, though, Holton models are usually a little cheaper than Conns.

I hope you found answers to your questions on horn by reading the thread started by Joseph:
buying a horn. oh no!!

Valerie in Tacoma

You should get a frnch horn with a shiny lacquer finish to protect it from rust and corrosion. Here's a good French Horn Buying Guide:
http://pickyguide.com/musical_instruments/french_horns_guide.html

You should get a french horn with a shiny lacquer finish to protect it from rust and corrosion

Horns are usually made of brass (a zinc/copper alloy or similar) or nickel. To rust they would need to be made of iron. Horns which are neither lacquered or nickel/silver plated often have nickel plated stays. There is scope for some oxidation/corrosion around such stays and from moisture - especially from some sweaty hands. Wiping down the horn after playing is a good idea because it removes any moisture before - especially a lacquered finish - is damaged.

The main advantage of a lacquered horn is that it is easier to keep clean and has a very shiny finish. Washing with warm (NOT hot) soapy water normally removes any fingerprints and other marks. A natural brass finish is not as shiny and requires regular polishing to keep it presentable. Unfortunately, the lacquer wears off especially where the hands touch (in the bell and around the valves). When playing an hour or so a day, it is not unusual to have significant wear inside the bell after a year. After several years, lacquered horns show their age more than natural brass or plated horns.