Martin
Administrator
Posts: 11,994 
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"http://mandocello.org/lytebox/images/adirondack.jpg","color":""}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 0a530b
Mini-Profile Text Color: 4f3517
|
Post by Martin on Nov 21, 2012 10:24:56 GMT
My daughter has the chance to begin learning a brass instrument at school. At first I was excited that it would be the trumpet, but now it turns out that it's the French Horn. I know this is a beautiful sounding instrument when played well, but it does seem to be one of the more difficult ones to get started with. I know it's a long shot, but hey this IS an acoustic music forum  Does anyone have any advice as to what would be a good starting horn for her to begin with? I'm thinking a single horn, not sure whether F or Bb, and perhaps a smaller size (Kinder). What makes are decent? New or second-hand? Can I get something decent, playable AND cheap??? |
|
andrewjw
C.O.G. 
Posts: 4,876
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":""}
|
Post by andrewjw on Nov 21, 2012 10:53:07 GMT
|
|
Martin
Administrator
Posts: 11,994
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"http://mandocello.org/lytebox/images/adirondack.jpg","color":""}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 0a530b
Mini-Profile Text Color: 4f3517
|
Post by Martin on Nov 21, 2012 14:23:57 GMT
Thanks Andrew. Might need to speak to the tutor as well to confirm, but a smaller size single Bb seems to be the right choice. I can get a new one for about £290, but I'm always hoping for a used bargain! |
|
Wild Violet
Artist / Performer
Posts: 3,642 
My main instrument is: Symonds OM-14
|
Post by Wild Violet on Nov 21, 2012 15:21:32 GMT
"in my day......" girls played the flute or clarinet. I played the flute. French Horn sounds much more fun! |
|
|
|
Post by grayn on Nov 21, 2012 18:08:39 GMT
I had some brass lessons, some years ago.
I think the french horn is one of the trickiest brass instruments to learn.
Can't imagine they come cheap, either.
The tenor horn would be far more suited to getting a newbie involved in that scene.
I was lucky enough to play Flugel horn, for a short time.
It's still my favourite brass instrument.
|
|
Martin
Administrator
Posts: 11,994
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"http://mandocello.org/lytebox/images/adirondack.jpg","color":""}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 0a530b
Mini-Profile Text Color: 4f3517
|
Post by Martin on Nov 21, 2012 19:59:56 GMT
Well, the instrument is sort of chosen for her - there was only trombone and FH available, and she didn't fancy the former (short arms  ). I've discovered it can be a hard one to get started with, and many are put off, but it's a good opportunity for some seriously subsidised tuition with a local specialist teacher, so I'm loathe to pass it up. The cheapest I can find a new Bb horn in a smaller size that is sold via a reputable dealer is just shy of £300, and apparently that's really cheap. Most recommended starter horns are nearer £1k  |
|
|
|
Post by jclondonuk on Nov 21, 2012 21:50:34 GMT
Ooh blimey, lovely sounding instrument, but loud! And heavy, I imagine. I can't help, I'm afraid, except to say that I know there are very good plastic trombones around now in kids sizes (called the Pbone, I think). I was tempted at one point myself But £300 does sound like a great price. Brass instruments are expensive! Good luck to her though. It'll be fun to have one in the house.  |
|
Martin
Administrator
Posts: 11,994
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"http://mandocello.org/lytebox/images/adirondack.jpg","color":""}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 0a530b
Mini-Profile Text Color: 4f3517
|
Post by Martin on Nov 22, 2012 16:24:02 GMT
A plastic trombone sounds great (and a bit rude!), but I defo need a French Horn. Can you get cardboard ones?  Might have to bite the bullet and pay the going rate (although I still have no idea what makes are good other than Yamaha £££££££!!!). |
|
andrewjw
C.O.G.
Posts: 4,876
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":""}
|
Post by andrewjw on Nov 22, 2012 17:33:46 GMT
|
|
Martin
Administrator
Posts: 11,994
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"http://mandocello.org/lytebox/images/adirondack.jpg","color":""}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 0a530b
Mini-Profile Text Color: 4f3517
|
Post by Martin on Nov 22, 2012 18:05:13 GMT
Cheers, Andrew. That looks ideal! Bid lodged |
|
Martin
Administrator
Posts: 11,994
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"http://mandocello.org/lytebox/images/adirondack.jpg","color":""}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 0a530b
Mini-Profile Text Color: 4f3517
|
Post by Martin on Nov 23, 2012 10:08:31 GMT
Missed out on it by £2! I'm raging. That was a great price, but my connection bolloxed up when I tried to place another bid and ended up out of time  Thanks again for the link, though |
|
andrewjw
C.O.G.
Posts: 4,876
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":""}
|
Post by andrewjw on Nov 23, 2012 15:40:47 GMT
Bad luck Martin ..there may be others where that one came from...often found in groups I believe...collective name is a "prickle of horns" ;D if my memory serves me right...or was that for porcupines  |
|
ocarolan
Global Moderator
CURMUDGEONLY OLD GIT (leader - to join, just ask!)
Posts: 35,708
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"c0cfe1"}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 182a3f
Mini-Profile Text Color: 733a1c
Member is Online
|
Post by ocarolan on Nov 23, 2012 15:57:03 GMT
... only horny porcupines! ;D
Keith
|
|
andrewjw
C.O.G.
Posts: 4,876
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":""}
|
Post by andrewjw on Nov 23, 2012 16:14:22 GMT
My thoughts exactly Keith... Some clues here... |
|
ocarolan
Global Moderator
CURMUDGEONLY OLD GIT (leader - to join, just ask!)
Posts: 35,708
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"c0cfe1"}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 182a3f
Mini-Profile Text Color: 733a1c
Member is Online
|
Post by ocarolan on Nov 23, 2012 17:19:09 GMT
;D then ! Keith |
|
). I've discovered it can be a hard one to get started with, and many are put off, but it's a good opportunity for some seriously subsidised tuition with a local specialist teacher, so I'm loathe to pass it up.
Jo whoever he is.
