Just helping my cousin in choosing what brand of second hand U.S. made double frenchhorn to buy, please give me list of the diff. brands of frnch horns and their manufacturer. He want to prepare a budget range from 300-400 dollars hoping there is decent sec.hand doublehorn, in good condition, that can be bought by that budget. Thanks.

Well i have a holton and i must say i love it and pretty much all holtons. They are an American Brand and i just think their tone is incredible (although the valves on my holton 378 are very sticky and always have been!).

Im not sure what you would be able to get for $400 though, i would avoid ebay and other websites like that and just head to a horn specialist, your nearest may not be too near however, and they should have a large stock of second horn doubles suitable for all levels, of which im sure you will find something suitable.

Getting a decent (not descant) second hand double horn for $400 USD is not going to be an easy feat. Browse some of the horns here: http://band-orchestra.musiciansfriend.com/navigation/double-horns?N=100001+350511+13

Many of those are perfectly fine double horns and if you can find one locally at a much lower price, then consider yourself lucky. At a budget of $400, you'll probably get a beaten single horn. You'll have to be willing to spend over $1,000 dollars to get something decent. Plus, it depends on what level this cousin plays at. Elementary school? Middle school? Highschool? College?

Brands/manufacturers to consider include but are not limited to Conn, Holton, Yamaha, Paxman, Hans Hoyer, Atkinson. It really depends on the level player we're talking about, though.

My suggestions ::
You mentioned "American double Horns". There is one really good student model and that is the Holton student/intermediate horn (300 series). A non-American instrument is the Yamaha YHR-567.Both of these are designed to help the student hit the correct notes. You can find them in very good used condition for about $900.

If the student is already an intermediate player you can consider the Conn 6D, and Holton. But your price is going to be around $1500.

For $400 you will be hard pressed and lucky to find a decent instrument. The good thing about the Holton 300 series and Yamaha 567 is that when the student is ready to move up, those instruments can be sold for the same amount you paid for them.