I have had the same early vintage King the last 25 years off. Its a big horn like a Conn 8D and requires lots of air and stamina. I am an amateur and not as accomplished as some of the rest of you here likely are, and I am 60 years old and the horn flat wears me out after an hour long concert. I am thinking its time for a new horn for the old guy and have been eyeballing an Atkinson 501 and a Holton Merker 176. Our friend Valerie has nothing but good things to say about both, but leans towards the Holton. Any other thoughts from folks as to which horn would make life easier for me?

You don't want the Atkinson 501. As much as I like Mark and all his horns, the 501 blows like an 8D. You want to find something with a medium bell throat and probably in brass.

Any of the Holtons are a good choice and will work in nickel just fine. You might like the Yamaha 667 or 668, I find they are easier on the air but still blend well with a Conn section. An old vintage Conn 6D (before 1977), A Paxman double horn with a medium bell throat (brass not nickel). Paxman nickel horns are nice and I love mine but it is a challenge to keep the color to match others; as an amateur you'd be in deep water, but a brass Paxman should be a good call. Make sure the bell is medium and not a large bell.

You know, if you're competent and find yourself playing 1st or 3rd all the time I might even suggest getting a descant horn (if you plan on keeping your King). Descants are a specialty instrument and a different creature that takes some getting used to, but for someone who knows what they are doing and willing to relearn some fingerings they can be a godsend. One of my former teachers has been talking about getting my descant horn (or one just like it) when he retires as it would be the perfect horn to fuddle around on. Understand this only if you know how to play Horn.

You might also consider a Bb single Horn. You have a shorter tube and less weight. The less the instrument weighs the more your stamina will grow. Understand that both the descant and the single will lose a couple of low notes; but if you have to play them you can add an extention for a few hundred dollars for when you need them , if ever. And almost all single Bb's and Decants have a smaller bore.

If you want to discuss outside the box ideas send me a PM and we can talk budget and I can steer you to some websites or craftsmen.