Horn Review
Conn 8D Review
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Conn 8D Review
Pros
- Big "Hollywood" sound
- Used by students and pros alike
- Good resale value
Cons
-Can be too large for smaller players
-Out of fashion in professional world
Summary
First manufactured in 1937, the Conn 8D is a Kruspe-style horn that quickly established itself as one of the top models for professional hornists in America. Especially renown for its prominent role in Hollywood soundtracks, the Conn 8D has a distinctive tone quality that counters what its evangelists consider the more stuffy Geyer style horns. The 8D is strongly associated with the big, silky American studio sound, though today's professional horn world is more varied than that one model.
Horn players generally agree that the earlier "Elkhart" models--manufactured in Elkhart Indiana between 1937 and 1969--are of superior quality, especially compared to those made in Texas from 1970 to 1986. And that the newer versions, while improved over Texas-made models, don't quite compare. But you'll be increasingly hard pressed to find an Elkhart model in good working condition. Whether due to these manufacturing changes or general shifts in taste, the Conn 8D is starting to lose some of its stature in the American horn world -- with many players moving to custom-made Geyer horns at the professional level. But it still has its hardcore loyalists and remains one of the most popular American horns.
While many Conn loyalists are caught up with the Elkhart models, the truth is that newer 8Ds, including many made in Eastlake, Ohio, can be decent horns -- but not for every style of player. Conn-Selmer announced in 2026 that it planned to close the Eastlake plant and move professional French horn production to Elkhart, Indiana, so buyers should verify the production era and condition of any specific horn. Because of their large bell, we would not recommend an 8D to a student starting out due to the large volume of air required to sustain it (younger horn players should check out our Conn 6D and Holton H179 reviews). But for high school players looking for an upgrade to a professional level horn, the Conn 8D can be a great choice if you love the traditional big, dark American horn sound.
Cost: The Conn 8D has historically sat in the professional-horn price range; check current dealer pricing rather than relying on old list prices.
Also consider: Alternatives to the Conn 8D include the Yamaha 668II and the Hans Hoyer 6801/6802. These horns are known for better manufacturing consistency and have a similar sound quality.
Player rating
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Specs at a Glance
- Type
- Full double horn
- Key
- F/Bb
- Design family
- Kruspe
- Bell
- Fixed or detachable
- Bore
- 11.89 mm / .468 in
- Bell diameter
- 311 mm / 12.25 in
- Materials
- Nickel silver
- Finish options
- Lacquered or silver plated by special order or variant
- Made / assembled in
- United States
- Production type
- Factory-made
- Availability
- Current production; special order
- Recent new price
- About $6,449
New and used prices vary by dealer, condition, setup, and repair history.
Player Reviews
16 owner/player reviews
- 4.9
Great Horn
I own a 1950's Elkhart Conn 8D, and the tone is absolutely incredible. I have not played many other horns, but I do think it takes a little more air than the average horn. It has held up quite well over the years. Overall, the Conn 8D is all about the consistently beautiful and heroic tone and sound all over the horn's range and volume.
Helpful to another player? - 4.4
Life-long 8D Player
Bought my first horn in 1970—a 10-year old Elkhart 8D. It cost $395 and was in excellent condition. Wish I still had that horn! Several years later I moved to a 10D to better match the sound of the section I was playing in but eventually returned to an 8D. Love the depth of sound and expressiveness I was able to achieve on all three 8D's I've owned over the years—2 Elkharts and 1 Eastlake horn. (There's an error in the last paragraph of the above Summary. "Eastlake Indiana" should be "Eastlake, Ohio".)
Helpful to another player? - 4.9
Has served me well
I own a prized 1955 Conn 8d I bought used in 1962 from a college class mate for $300, a lot of money at the time. He had quit playing and needed money to buy a car. I played it part-time in many gigs over the next 10 years , thrilled that unlike other horns I had tried I could not easily overblow it. With career obligations increasingly sapping my time, I was only able to play it sporadically for the next 30 years but in retirement have been able to do some serious work with it again. It is still in fine shape, essentially as good as when I got it. It's a fabulous piece of craftsman ship. Its big bore and nickel-silver construction provide a much more robust sound than the brass instruments commonly in use today. As I age out, I hope I can find someone to pass it on to who is worthy of the instrument.
Helpful to another player? - 5.0
1953 8D
1st chair, various groups. Played for 30 years; no problems. Clean and grease and restring twice a year. Oil every other time. Wonderful tone and response. Did everything I needed to do. Custom mouthpiece from Giardinelli. $35. Pint of Slikstuf oil. Pfleuger 20# fishing line for valves. $650 in 1953 with professional discount.
Helpful to another player? - 4.9
Unique French horn, in which the sound produced is interpreted by the player.
I have played an 8D for about 6 years now. The horn tends to be sharp on the Bb side, but with proper techniques and a good mouthpiece it is easily bendable. This horn has a variety of sounds, and it truly up to the player to determine how the horn is played. Personally, I prefer the warmer horn sound and it definitely doesn't disappoint in that department; and when that powerful horn sound is needed it REALLY shows out. The construction of the horn is okay, but the nickel silver is very durable. I have had trouble with braces becoming detached, and I had to have it sawdered multiple times; but that may be because of previous owner's mistakes. In other words, if you take care of the horn, you will be okay. I know the scores are rated to 5, but overall this horn would receive a 9.575 out of 10.
Helpful to another player? - 4.5
Pro Horn
I own a Vintage 1968 Silver Conn 8d and I love it!!!
Helpful to another player? - 5.0
Conn V8DS Purchased new
This is truly a horn that plays like the original Elkhart model. It plays as easily as my Paxman 25 and has that superb 8D sound. The only feedback I have is that the polishing grit needs to be removed from the bell flare threads and from the inside of the tuning slides. The factory is not doing a good job of checking mechanical details.
Helpful to another player? - 4.9
Elkhart 8D is THE Classic Horn
I played professionally for years. The Elkhart Conn 8Ds really are the greatest orchestral sound: capable of the silkiest soft to the bigger-than-anything-else. Always with the rich, warm Hollywood studios sound. If the new 8Ds are close to the Elkharts, then they are still the best in the world. Having trouble with playability? LOL Do your Carmines!!!!! :-) Just ask Julie Landsman, Co-Principal of the NY Met orch... :-)
Helpful to another player? - 4.5
Best Horn
I am a student horn player and recently got an 8D 900,000 series, and I must say, the best Horn I’ve ever played!!!!
Helpful to another player? - 4.1
Best horn I've ever played.
I had to use one of the school owned Conn 8Ds from the earlier Texas series (1972) where they were still using parts from the Elkhart factory. The horn sounded phenomenal, and while a little hard to play, was a fabulous horn. My only problem was the wire in the bead on the bell was loose and rattled when you played certain notes. Other than that, I would absolutely buy one.
Helpful to another player? - 4.5
Feels like home
I recently purchased a brand new Conn Vintage 8D, which I find to be amazing. It has a gorgeous sound and feels just right. Supposedly it was modeled after the Elkhart 8D, and plays better than the regular 8D's. A bit more expensive, but well worth the price. It definitely requires more air, and isn't for beginners. As for physical looks, it's absolutely beautiful.
Helpful to another player? - 4.3
Love/( not hate, but not entirely sold)
I love to play my old 8D, but truly doubt I could make it work if I played in a high-quality orchestra anymore. The Geyer trend has pushed the 8D out but for Cleveland and some individual players who still love them. That said, I think I saw one played in the Toronto Symphony this summer and I felt happy for a bit.
Helpful to another player? - 3.6
Huge sounding
The sound is definitely losing favour at the moment, with the current trend to brighter and less thick sound. Quality wise, it is decent. Bb and F 3 valve slides are too long for use. Be prepared to spend some money to modify the horn for better playability.
Helpful to another player? - 5.0
Gorgeous sound
I pretty much stole mine for $2,800. It's the best horn I've ever played on and I say it's the bomb digggity
Helpful to another player? - 4.4
Hollywood sound
I love the horn sound in movie soundtracks, which pretty much all feature the 8D. It gets that big, creamy sound that at the same time can be haunting and beautiful. You do need to use air support with this horn, but that's true of all horns.
Helpful to another player? - 4.9
awesome
This horn projects beautifully in a concert hall. It may take a little more effort to play, but it's worth it. Good all round horn!
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