I am returning to the horn after a nearly 40 year hiatus, and am re-learning on a used Conn 6D double horn. I used to play a single B flat horn in school. For some reason I have a much more difficult time playing the notes on the F side of the horn than the B flat side. Could this be because of problems with my embouchure, or could there be something wrong with the F side of the horn? The horn appears to have excellent compression(valves pop when pulled). It seems like I have to blow harder on the F side, especially for low notes.

Jimrho,
Every double Bb/F horn I've owned has proved harder to produce clear notes on the F side when compared with the Bb...this is largely due to the increased length of the tubing on the F side...also the harmonics are that much closer so pitching becomes a much finer art. However, stick with it and you will find you adapt naturally over time to the difference between the two sides of the instrument.
Good luck!
Stephen Lines

Thanks, Stephen. Now I can focus on proper playing technique instead of wondering if there is a problem with the horn.

There may be a problem with the horn, but without comparing it with other instruments you can't be sure. However, the F side will nearly always be more resistant and also you may have to "focus" your embouchure to produce a good tone. This is a good thing in any case and will pay dividends when playing on the Bb side. Practising on the F side is, in my view, absolutely essential.

Thanks for the information. I'm not having nearly as much trouble with the F side now. I think it's a matter of correct breathing and embouchure.

Some ranges of the double horn respond better on the Bb than the F side, and vice versa. Do you know there are "standard" recommended fingerings for the double horn to capitalize on these differences? Email me and I'll be happy to share my "preferred" double horn fingering chart with you. ValerieW78 "at" Gmail "dot" com

Valerie Wells
http://beforhorn.blogspot.com/
http://comfyhornstrap.blogspot.com/

Thanks, Valerie.

Foreword: pardon the necropost.

While it's true that the F side of most horns are naturally more resistant than the Bb side, the 6D actually has a specific characteristic of its wrap that exacerbates this issue, making the F side worse. Namely: the tube that runs under the keys, connecting the thumb valve with the third valve. Essentially three right-angle bends in a row, creating a very "closed" wrap, which gives the F side a lot of extra resistance. Few other horns use a system like this, and it makes it quite difficult for a beginner to learn the F side on it, which is a shame considering its price point.