Lovely! I have one of these as well. It is in immaculate condition and plays beautifully… Unfortunately many examples of this model are out in the world in pretty terrible shape. Nice to see one that is in good condition
Cornford makes amazing ones including a Compensating Double Wagner Tuba. The F Side has a much fuller and rounder sound than your average Full Double French Horn and it weighs like only 5 lbs making it great for musicians of all levels.
They are completely different instruments. Compensating or full double. Compensating horns tend to be lighter, but if not in good condition, any lack of good valve compression can cause major playing issues. If you’re looking for daily driver, I’d say full double. Compensating horns is good condition can be used as daily drivers though, they’re just harder to find used in that good of condition. Just my personal opinion, I’m sure others have different thoughts.
@@robertlevine1093 What about this Josef Lidl horn? I was curious because you've played with far more horns than I have (I've only seen and played 1 IRL). Do you notice how its weird wrap affects its playing and tonal quality compared to other compensating horns or full double horns?
@@steelrehn4702 I find the wrap to outweigh any negatives that come with compensating horns. The long exchange valve allows the air to only pass through 4 valves at the most, rather than 7 or so in the typical dual tier compensating horns, like old Kruspe and Geyer horns. I think the Lidl design allows for a more open F side, as it weighs less and has a very large bell and throat. You can read more here: www.rjmartz.com/horns/lidl_021/
Finding it hard to compare the sounds as some are studio and some are room and sitting on a sofa. Also; it would be better to grade them if possible as you say an Alex is a good horn and a base Conn is a good horn but they are miles apart when it comes to concerts and if your playing 1st and 3rd or 2nd and 4th. Not many play solo's Please it would be good to know your thoughts now we are in 2021 as to the horn that best suits how we play whether it is band or orchestral etc. Personally I play Paxman 21, Alex 103 and Patterson Conn 8DRS which are best suited to different rooms, different group sizes and different styles of music.
Neill, Thank you for your thoughts! My video series was originally just to provide a brief overview of all the different horns available. Not necessarily to suggest where different instruments would shine. Yes, I have suggested some horns for certain pieces, or groups, and I do personally believe that different instruments suit different settings. I also believe that we as musicians are ultimately in charge of how the horn sounds, everyone has different playing qualities, and I generally try to remain neutral in advising what type of horn(s) people should play. I also try to showcase pieces where I believe the horn would work well. That said, the original intent, again, was to provide a brief overview, and a short sound sample. Not tell people which horns they need to use for specific settings. In terms of grading, I don't necessarily see the point. There can be lemons even among some of the more well known/popular makes out there. Or even diamonds in the rough of lesser known makes. Thanks!
@@robertlevine1093 I love your final words as by experience have played many bad Alex 103 horns. But your series needs to be more well known in the horn world as I really enjoyed it and loved your comparisons. Well done and thank you for bringing to us.
This horn seems to suit you well! Very nice sound.
Lovely! I have one of these as well. It is in immaculate condition and plays beautifully… Unfortunately many examples of this model are out in the world in pretty terrible shape. Nice to see one that is in good condition
That's no longer the case cause Cornford has cleverly solved that problem
Cool videos. Brno is actually the name of the town in the Czech Republic.
Cornford makes amazing ones including a Compensating Double Wagner Tuba. The F Side has a much fuller and rounder sound than your average Full Double French Horn and it weighs like only 5 lbs making it great for musicians of all levels.
This was my first horn that I used all through university. The main issue was that the change valve tended to stick and needed constant maintenance.
I've seen one come up on ebay and it's in good condition. How do you think this strange horn fares against more contemporary full doubles?
They are completely different instruments. Compensating or full double. Compensating horns tend to be lighter, but if not in good condition, any lack of good valve compression can cause major playing issues. If you’re looking for daily driver, I’d say full double. Compensating horns is good condition can be used as daily drivers though, they’re just harder to find used in that good of condition. Just my personal opinion, I’m sure others have different thoughts.
@@robertlevine1093 What about this Josef Lidl horn? I was curious because you've played with far more horns than I have (I've only seen and played 1 IRL). Do you notice how its weird wrap affects its playing and tonal quality compared to other compensating horns or full double horns?
@@steelrehn4702 I find the wrap to outweigh any negatives that come with compensating horns. The long exchange valve allows the air to only pass through 4 valves at the most, rather than 7 or so in the typical dual tier compensating horns, like old Kruspe and Geyer horns. I think the Lidl design allows for a more open F side, as it weighs less and has a very large bell and throat. You can read more here: www.rjmartz.com/horns/lidl_021/
@@robertlevine1093 Interesting points. Thanks!
This one has a pleasant, neutral sound appears to play evenly through a broad range. One of the best ones you've reviewed, to judge from the sample.
Finding it hard to compare the sounds as some are studio and some are room and sitting on a sofa. Also; it would be better to grade them if possible as you say an Alex is a good horn and a base Conn is a good horn but they are miles apart when it comes to concerts and if your playing 1st and 3rd or 2nd and 4th. Not many play solo's Please it would be good to know your thoughts now we are in 2021 as to the horn that best suits how we play whether it is band or orchestral etc. Personally I play Paxman 21, Alex 103 and Patterson Conn 8DRS which are best suited to different rooms, different group sizes and different styles of music.
Neill, Thank you for your thoughts! My video series was originally just to provide a brief overview of all the different horns available. Not necessarily to suggest where different instruments would shine. Yes, I have suggested some horns for certain pieces, or groups, and I do personally believe that different instruments suit different settings. I also believe that we as musicians are ultimately in charge of how the horn sounds, everyone has different playing qualities, and I generally try to remain neutral in advising what type of horn(s) people should play. I also try to showcase pieces where I believe the horn would work well. That said, the original intent, again, was to provide a brief overview, and a short sound sample. Not tell people which horns they need to use for specific settings. In terms of grading, I don't necessarily see the point. There can be lemons even among some of the more well known/popular makes out there. Or even diamonds in the rough of lesser known makes. Thanks!
@@robertlevine1093 I love your final words as by experience have played many bad Alex 103 horns. But your series needs to be more well known in the horn world as I really enjoyed it and loved your comparisons. Well done and thank you for bringing to us.