I just pulled the trigger on a like-new horn for my son (only used 4 times according to the seller).
He's 13, and although he's only been playing the French horn for 2 years, his teachers have encouraged us to buy him his own horn because they said he is extremely talented, has a great ear and he really loves to play.
He's been taking piano lessons since he was 5 (another instrument he excels in), so when it came time to pick a band instrument 2 years ago, his piano teacher encouraged him to take up the French horn. She said it would challenge him and she already knew he had a good ear. He hesitated (percussion and trumpet are always the fave) but decided to give it a try and he really loves it.
BTW, he also plays bass, something he wanted to learn because the middle school jazz band really doesn't have a place for a French horn (and because his Dad plays one
). I bought him a Fender Mustang because I thought a smaller scale bass would be easier for him to learn on. He's doing pretty well on that as well. I've been playing for many years and I never learned how to read music...I have always played by ear. He kids me that he can teach me how to read music..."It would be easy Dad!" Someday...
Anyway, back to the horn. I've been looking for several weeks (and I've learned a lot about French horns) and I was able to find him a like-new Holton H289 Merker Matic series double horn (with detachable bell). I liked what I read about the Merker Matic series and I think the detachable bell will be appreciated when (and if) he continues the horn into high school and/or college. The street price on these horns is $4100+, and I was able to pick it up for $2000 shipped. I'm thinking I got a good deal, but what do I know.
Does anyone have experience with this horn? I realize there are a million different Holton models, but has anyone ever A/B'd a run-of-the-mill H179/H279 vs. an H189/H289? I'm just curious...
