Looking for new horn?

Question:I am currently in 11th grade and play a Holton 177. My teachers says it's an intermediate model that I am outgrowing and suggested a Holton 179. (he also said stay away from Conn) I have played a 179 and didn't feel like it was that much different. I am also interested in a Geyer wrap. What would be the advantages of a Geyer over Kruspe or vice versa? Has anyone played any of the "Merker Matic" line from Holton? especially the 192 Geyer wrap model? I am curious about the dual bore. I am also thinking about European horns. Does anyone know of some European brands worth looking into? (reasonably priced) I've already looked at
Alexander
Englebert Schmid (too expensive)
Paxman (price)
Finke (anyone played one? how is it?)
Hoyer
Durk

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I am currently in 11th grade and play a Holton 177. My teachers says it's an intermediate model that I am outgrowing and suggested a Holton 179. (he also said stay away from Conn) I have played a 179 and didn't feel like it was that much different. I am also interested in a Geyer wrap. What would be the advantages of a Geyer over Kruspe or vice versa? Has anyone played any of the "Merker Matic" line from Holton? especially the 192 Geyer wrap model? I am curious about the dual bore. I am also thinking about European horns. Does anyone know of some European brands worth looking into? (reasonably priced) I've already looked at
Alexander
Englebert Schmid (too expensive)
Paxman (price)
Finke (anyone played one? how is it?)
Hoyer
Durk

It is true that the Holton 179 is very similar to the Holton 177. The only difference is in the throat size, where the 179 is slightly larger than the 177, allowing for more volume and a fuller sound. I personally play on a Holton 179, and I think it is a very nice horn.
You shouldn't completely ignore the Conn line! Many horn teachers (even very well known ones) have a lot of radical opinions concerning the Conn and Holton lines of horns. You should at least try a Conn 8D(Kruspe) or 10D(Geyer) and see if you like it. Some hornists play better on the Conn 8D, while others play better on a Holton 179.
The main difference Kruspe and Geyer wrap horns is the "resistance". Kruspe horns tend to have many sharp bends in the tubing and therefore have a higher resistance. These horns are generally easier to control but have a more concentrated, small, and sometimes stuffy tone.(Ex. Holton 179) Kruspe horns usually have medium large to large throats to conpensate for their smaller tone. Geyer wraps, on the other hand, have more gradual bends in the tubing, and therefore have less resistance. These horns have a sonorous, "free-blowing", full horn tone, but are also more difficult to control, require a lot more air, and sometimes have a airy, spread tone quality.(Ex. Conn 10D) To conpensate for this, Geyer wrap horns usually have small to medium size throats. Most professionals favor the Geyer wraps for their big volume and sonorous tone quality, but some orchestras like the purer tone quality of Kruspes and use them.
I have tried the Merker Matic horns from Holton, and personally, although they truly are better horns, I didn't think it was worth the price. You might think different, however, and you should try one if you get the chance. They really are nice horns, but they are EXPENSIVE!
The most important thing, though, is to try out each horn you are considering. Every player is different, and not everyone will need a $50,000 custom descant Geyer ultra large dual-bore Merker-Matic triple horn to play like Dennis Brain or Barry Tuckwell.

The brand of horn is a personal thing. You should try-out several of interest before purchasing.

If you are seriously considering music through college (marching bands, dance bands, music major, etc.) I'd suggest purchasing a professional horn now -- they will only become more expensive later.

If you live in NY NY, LA, Chicago, you should have a large selection to try out and pick from, otherwise, consider making a trip to a location where there are several on hand to select from, and try them all.

A letter to the Boston POPS or another large orchestra may give you some valuable info, it's certainly worth a stamp--you may try to e-mail too.

Here's why I'm telling you this. My son played the horn in middle and high school, at a conservatory, and professionally. You don't want to know the cost involved in always trading up --- purchase a professional horn --- one you will have for ever, hopefully, and make it a great one.