I was wondering if anyone has a Jupiter french horn and if anyone would recommend it for someone who is beyond student/college level wanting to play in adult community orchestra or semi-professional groups. I made a grave error selling my H179 due to a desparate need for cash about 6 months ago and am trying to get my hands on a horn that will be a good solid horn but will be very economical. Any thoughts?

I'd suggest a second hand "known" brand although not necessarily a Conn, Yamaha, Holton, Alex or Paxman - Hans Hoyer often represent better value. Obviously play it first. Although I haven't played a Jupiter if you are leaning in the Chinese direction you may want to try a new one which is probably at least as good as the Jupiter and possibly cheaper. Its second hand value will decline much more rapidly than a "known" brand horn.

I had a student who had a Jupiter horn through the school system. If you are not begining and you want to play well I do not recommend it.

Keep you eyes out for a used horn (holton, conn, etc)- watch out for the Yamaha's with the hollow rotors - you can't rebuild those and they wear out with wear (but they are very smooth and fast).

John

I second that last notion... I've had friends with Jupiter horns, baritones, and mellophones, and the general consensus has been that they are under par.

Anything thoughts on the Conn 6D? I had a really extra cruddy one for a while through my school, but are there good ones?

Conn 6d's can be great.
They are a little smaller bore than the 8d series and are wonderful for intermediate playing or not full grown adults.Although they can be used by adults as well. I have a 6d and I use it when I play with woodwind quintets or string ensembles.

Many were purchased in the past as school instruments and are beat to heck and not cared for. But there are good ones out there and some they look crappy can be fixed.