We're going to be buying me a new French horn this summer, and my dad found this company that does custom French horns. Atkinson Horns. Has anybody heard of them before? They look like really nice horns from their website, by how do they compare to, say, a Conn 8D, or a Holton Farkas?

I know of Atkinson and he makes some very nice horns. I spent some time in his home shop before he got bigger. He knows what he is doing. I will say the more you pay the more you will get.

Are they comparable to the Conn 8d? Yes. But are you ready for a Conn 8d type?

Well, I've been playing for almost five years now. My brother has a Conn 8D, and he's let me try it a couple of times. It feels comfortable to play, for me, at least. My dad seems to think I need a better horn, one that I can play for many years to come. The horn I currently own is a Jean Baptiste student model(with mechanical linkage, yuck!), but I've been playing on my school's brand new Holton, which is has a nice, mellow tone, but I really liked the sound of the Conn.

If you like the Conn and can play it comfortably then good. I asked because I have seen many people want the Conn and then when they get it they can't handle it. It is a big horn and takes air and support.

If you like the Conn you can get a Conn. Which Conn is a long discussion. If you are able and willing to spend money you would be very happy with an Atkinson and it would be unique. Be sure to talk to one of his experts about what you want and how much you like the Conn.

I might also suggest a Hans Hoyer. There are some fantastic !!! Hans Hoyers out right now. I don't know a lot of players who have them but those that do play very well and they LOVE THEM !!! I haven't heard a bad one yet. I believe, from the feel of playing side, they are a crossover from the Holton to the Conn. And with changes going on in the music world (although I am a Conn affectiando and play professioanlly on one) the large Conn sound is being replaced for a more assertive style sound (Paxman and Yamaha).

My Suggestion on Atkinsons in order of my preference -
Model NYR502
Model A102B
If you choose to go with the A800 you might want to look at the Yamaha pro-series.
If you like the A102B , check out the new Hans Hoyers. And then decide which you like best for your money.

Oh, let me add . . . .
Any of these horns are good horns that can last you your horn playing life. Do not be stingey and do not rush the decision. I got my 8d in 1977 (a used 1962). This is my primary horn still today. That's more than 30 years of playing. And still 2 or 3 times a year someone wants to buy it.

Find out where you can play these horns you may be interested. Drive 3 hours if you have to and sit in the music shop all day put the horns through their paces. IF you buy the correct horn you will never need to buy another one.

I don't konw about Atkinson horns, but I play a Hans Hoyer 801 myself, and I think it's very good, especially in sound. I played a Hoyer 6801 recently and I found it to be very, very good. A professional horn with reasonable pricing (4500€. Of course, no real competition in craftsmanship to a Schmid or Alexander.

I'm actually sort of in the same boat as "Mormhorn". I'm asking for a new or close to new horn as a graduation gift, before I go into college. I've been looking at the Conn 8D, Yamaha YHR-668II, Holton 179 and 181. They are so many to chose from, and so many factors that go into picking a new instrument, that it's almost overwhelming.

I have a Hoyer 801, and am considering a 6801 at the moment. (I've played on one, along with an 8D and an Alex 307, which is a different league but there you go). In my opinion the craftsmanship is fantastic - it just feels exceptionally well made. I've played it in full size concert halls and have still thought the sound was fantastic, but am looking for something a bit more challenging in my next horn. I don't think the quality of Hoyers is something you have to worry about when you're thinking about this. The valves in particular - they have the smoothest motion I've had on ANY horn, no exceptions, and for some reason even if they're slightly out of tune the sound still blends with a section. Hmm... decisions!

That Atkinson horns made in California are very good quality instruments. But, IMHO, you won't find a better horn for the money than a used Holton Merker Matic, any brass color, detached or attached bell. The Merker is the best horn Holton ever made, great tone, lightening fast response, razor sharp attacks. I would only buy a new one since they have closed down their factory & moved operations elsewhere.
Valerie

I came across this thread via Google searches on the very same topic. I used to play French Horn and went to college for it actually... Sometimes life doesn't work out like you'd want it to. Anyways, at the time I had a Conn 8D and loved it. Circumstances being what they were, I sold it about 5 years ago.

Recently I decided to try to pick up the horn again and I've been in the market for a double horn myself. My budget was limited but I couldn't help but keep coming back to the Atkinson A800. The bore and bell size were familiar to me and the craftsmanship looked great... so anyways, I've picked one up and will be happy to report a comparison to my old Conn or provide a review if it would be helpful.

I would have loved to have gotten the next level up but if I had that budget I probably would've ended up with another Conn.

MAN! So after having Woodwind Brasswind lose my horn for a week I think it's actually coming this week. Can't wait to get my hands on it for a comparison. I'm crossing my fingers that it's in good shape and meets my expectations... I really would rather not deal with WWBW again.

Well got the horn yesterday. I'm sure the OP has long since picked a horn and been playing on it, but for searcher's sakes (and since I couldn't find any opinions on Atkinson during my research) here goes:

For the money, I'm impressed with the horn.

Intonation isn't bad at all, even out of the box. No extreme adjustments were necessary to get it in playing shape.

The mouthpiece they give you with the horn is cute but that's about it, I ditched it immediately for my Holton MDC.

The wrapping, tubing and feel of it is VERY VERY VERY much like the Conn 8D I had (I had it from 97-03 or so...). Very free blowing, similar tone, almost identical wrapping. High notes seem to pop out with ease (even for this rusty player).

Bonus: it comes with a water key. I've never had one on a horn but it can't hurt (though it seems like a piece of cork to keep track of).

Valves are all string linkage.

Case is a hard case with a gigbag feel (like the ProPAC or Gator cases they sell). Zips shut with a large pouch on front for your supplies and music.

What else should I be telling you all??? Anyways, I'm tickled with it since it fit my budget and also meets my expectations (even though it lacks the name to back them up).

-Jules

I posted earlier about my Merker. I still think my Merker is a fabulous horn, the best for me. BUT, after trying out quite a few Atkinson horns at the horn symposium in Denver, I don't think my Merker is any better than the Atkinsons. They are fabulous horns. I don't know how anyone can compare them to Conns if you've ever played both. The Atkinsons are way better than Conns, in my opinion. The Atkinsons have a quicker response, easier upper register & gorgeous tone (like the Conns). Atkinson makes a variety of horns, Kruspe style, Geyer style, Holton Farkas style ... and let me tell you, they all played very, very well. I didn't find any other horns at Denver that I thought played any better, but I did find a lot of horns that cost a lot more than the Atkinsons. If I didn't already own my Merker before going to Denver, I would have come home w/ an Atkinson. Valerie

Yeah the action is quite fast and I have to admit, it's been 10 years since I held that Conn...

We'd like to get my 7th grade son a french horn of his own (we've been renting for 3 years). We're looking at both good used and new - and came upon the Atkinson A600. Any opinions on this model? His teacher says that he has hands on the small side, so we're looking at used Conn 6Ds, Holton 179s, and Yamaha 567s too....but so far, can't find any that don't seem really beat up. Thanks for your help!