Do you need a more free-blowing French horn? (feat. the Paxman 27M and the Dieter Otto 180K-JN!)

Join Dr. Derek J. Wright for a discussion on the concept of free-blowing French horns, featuring a comparison of the Paxman 27M and the Dieter Otto 180K-JN.
Paxman 27M: houghtonhorns....
Dieter Otto 180K-JN: houghtonhorns....

[@billiew9832]

Thank you for all the information. I have the Dieter-Otto 166 and I chose that one over several others due to the response it has on notes and ease of air movement. I feel one should really know their limits of playing any horn. I have heard many try fff and come off blatty instead of brassy or loud regardless of horn.

[@caseyp4632]

Thank you for doing a video on this topic! Very informative. Also wanted to say I really appreciate the editing in this video. I think it brings the overall production value to the next level 👍 (And I think both horns sound great!)

[@appelbaump]

I liked the Paxman better throughout- until at the end with the Bruckner, I found the Dieter Otto sound more subtle and soft… more to do with your air, or the horn?

[@apfelsnutz]

I, as a Conn 8-d player ( C series 1964 ) Prefer the Dieter to the Paxman, not that I haven't played Paxman. I played Paxman for over 20 years in Europe ( one of the first Triple horns made... an XL in Brass ) And helped Dick and Bob design and delivered the first "America Model" to Bill Lane with the L.A. Phil. back in 1976. I was never impressed with the Paxman Model 20. Bob did make an outstanding 5-valve single in Gold brass which was among the finest horns I've played. Thank you for this fine video.

[@gandalfcar]

One important thing you forgot to mention is the bell. The bell "type" will strongly determine how resistant a horn will be. If the bell is a little thicker and heavier it will have a more compact sound and will feel more resistant. It will hold the tone even in extreme loud dynamics, whereas the lighter, thinner bell will do the exact opposite. It will be less resisant, more free blowing but you will need to work a lot more to keep the tone together. I think you can have a very free blowing horn without any resistance and make it resistant with the right flare. And vice-versa. It is all about finding balance..

[@danieldesnoyers328]

Exactly that’s why vienna horns even though they have a much smaller bore( the bell and the cylindrical tubing also) having a large heavy garland sounds heavier/thicker/dark than some larger/thinner horns

[@deadstar4955]

If you want a free blowing horn get a triggerless trombone and you're set

[@donaldspaulding6973]

Agreed that many people overblow horns; a couple of them are playing principal in major orchestras!

[@singlehorn2520]

Perhaps the best advice on the use of air, rather than just get people to buy more horns.

[@wendykoller1982]

Thank you so much for doing these videos. They are great and informative.

[@beneichenseer1353]

love seeing more orchestral excerpts in these videos!

[@chiucc1685]

Thanks for info. Agree with you saying very much

[@Kymculp]

Paxman

[@2010missions]

I liked the Paxman 27 Is it a triple. It probably costs as much as a average vehicle

[@charlesmcclung1315]

Have to say I preferred the sound of the Paxman.

[@khyrand]

No it's a geyer-style double. Runs about $9K in the USA.