November 7, 2020
1961 Elkhart Conn 8DS (8D with Screw Bell) Double French Horn with Case and Mpc
Silver and Brass Music Shop is a brick-and-mortar brass instrument restoration and repair shop located in Carson City, NV. This is an Elkhart Conn 8D double french horn (serial number 923234), made in 1961. The 8D is Conn’s symphony double horn, and is constructed from solid nickel silver. This is what is known as a pre-letter Elkhart 8D, meaning that it was made before they started putting a letter before the serial number of the horn. These horns, built in the “Elkhart” era, are generally considered to be superior to all later horns. The horn plays very well. The valves move well with good compression and the slides all move of course. As for the aesthetic condition of this horn, there are a few small dings and pings throughout as well as areas of light, isolated pitting, etching, and scratching, with the worst affected areas being the hand guard on the bell tail and leadpipe and the bell throat. There are a few brazed repairs on the bell as well as a few faint scars from dent work. The bell has been converted to screw bell using an Alexander compatible ring, and the flare is a heavier-weight replacement flare. The engraving on the bell throat reads: C. The bell flare also has U. Engraved just under the bell ring. The leadpipe has 8D stamped on the mouthpiece receiver. All the minor imperfections are visible in the pictures, and none of them affect the playability of the horn. This instrument has been professionally cleaned in our shop and repaired to full playability. This horn is not lacquered; therefore fingerprints should be wiped off after use if the player wished for the horn to stay as shiny as it is now; if they are not wiped off then the horn will develop a lovely patina. This instrument comes with a new ProTec ProPac screw-bell case and mouthpiece in good condition. How this horn plays: Full, bright and warm sound with a clear, even and smooth tone. The horn is very responsive, open, and agile, playing with good flexibility and accuracy. All registers of the horn speak very well, and the horn plays fluidly across all registers. The low range is sonorous and weighty, and the high register is crisp and controlled. The Bb and F side timbre and intonation match well. All horns are located at Silver & Brass Music Shop. Carson City, NV 89703. The item “1961 Elkhart Conn 8DS (8D with Screw Bell) Double French Horn with Case and Mpc” is in sale since Friday, November 6, 2020. This item is in the category “Musical Instruments & Gear\Brass\French Horns”. The seller is “silver_brass_music” and is located in Carson City, Nevada. This item can be shipped to United States.
- Model: 8DS
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
- Bell Material: Nickel Silver
- Type: Double Horns
- Color: Silver
- MPN: Does Not Apply
- Finish: Nickel Silver
- Finish Material: Nickel Silver
- Brand: Conn
- Skill Level: Professional