Model Review
Hans Hoyer 6801 & 6802 Review
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Editor Review
hoyer 6800
Pros
- Centered tone with variety of colors
- Plays much like an original Kruspe
- Thumb key movable for different hand sizes
Cons
- Comparatively heavy
Summary
The Hans Hoyer 6801 and 6802 Heritage horns are copies of the original Kruspe horns, like the more widely known Conn 8D. Kruspe horns have achieved legendary status in the horn world for their beautiful tone quality. But since production discontinued, there are very few working Kruspe horns in existence today. Conn 8Ds made pre-1969 now carry on the Kruspe horn legacy, but even these Conn horns are getting too old to play and maintain. And whether it is perceived or reality, the consensus is newer Conn 8Ds don't have the same magical tone quality.
The Hoyer 6800 series horns endeavor to emulate the now legendary Kruspe sound but with the added benefit of more modern manufacturing and consistency. The owner of Hans Hoyer, Gerhard Meinl, set out to make this Kruspe copy by working closely with regarded professionals including Myron Bloom and Vince DeRosa who play in the Krupse horn style. The result is a very well made horn that to many is a truer copy of the original Kruspe than even the best Conn 8Ds. This especially comes out in the upper register, which sings more on the Hoyer 6800 horns and is easier to play in. The lower register is also strong, especially on the F side of the horn. The Bb side can be a little stuffier down there.
As a German made horn, the 6800 series horns sent to America are given a longer tuning slide to account for the lower pitch that US-based orchestras tune to. If you are an American horn player purchasing from Europe or vice versa, we suggest you make sure the tuning is in line with what you expect before buying. Buying a Hoyer 6801 used can be a challenge due to both the dearth of horns in circulation and high demand, but this also means the horn will hold its value well if you do choose to buy new.
An added benefit of the 6800s is the adjustable thumb trigger. Many players with smaller hands complain the 8D's thumb trigger is placed in an awkward position. On the Hoyer you can adjust to better fit your hand size.
The difference between the 6801 and 6802 is that the former has mechanical valve linkages while the latter has string. While some horn manufacturers have rather noisy mechanical linkages, the Hoyer horns are very quiet. Hans Hoyer also manufactures a 7801 and 7802 version of this model, the only difference being more specially made value caps and bell. We recommend the sticking with the 6800 series unless money is no object to you.
To hear the 6802 being played, see this video from Hans Hoyer featuring a Hollywood solo artist featured in a recent Star Trek movie.
Cost: The 6801 sells for $5,379 new.
Also consider: The Yamaha 668II is a similar Kruspe-style horn that is slightly less expensive than the Hoyer.
Player Reviews
9 published reviews
- 4.6
I tried a lot of horns...
About 6 months ago, I picked up the Horn after being away for about 30 years, after playing through college. So much has changed, but in doing research, I decided to stay with a Kruspe wrap horn for the horn that would carry me through the next goal of playing competently with a nearby community symphony and some sort of local ensemble. I "grew up" playing on Elkhart and Eastlake 8D's, and in trying some 8D's recently, have enjoyed some aspects about them, but found I was perhaps wanting a horn that had some modern ergonomics, without giving up too much of the sound of a very good Elkhart 8D. I tried a Contempora (good sound, crappy ergonomics for me), a Fidelio and Eroica (also some ergonomic issues), 3 different Yamaha horns (668V, 668II, 672 - just felt bland to play and somewhat diffused in sound to me). The new 8D just didn't feel right to me and was missing some of the subtlety in sound that you have in a good Elkhart 8D. At this point nothing felt quite right, and I was about to accept I would be looking at a Geyer style horn or would be having an Elkhart horn modded to address some of the pitch tendencies or issues I might notice. I realized I hadn't tried a Hoyer 6802 and played both a yellow brass (not for me) and a nickel silver version. The nickel silver has almost everything I love about a good 8D, but with better ergonomics, and better build quality. Add to that the horn is almost new and won't need a valve rebuild nearly as soon as many 8D's I'd find. Eventually I'll have Jim Patterson change the lead pipe and optimize the horn, but I'm happy to have found what feels like essentially a modern replacement for an Elkhart 8D. In looking and measuring, I did find out in my experience and in talking to Alex Strachan, that quite a number of these vary a lot in the depth mouthpieces seat in the receiver, and that can be an issue for intonation. It is fixable with either a lead pipe replacement or by a skilled repair shop. I did not encounter any of the issues with valves that others have referenced, or really any other quality issues, and that was over a small sample of 3 different used 6802 horns.
Was this review helpful? - 1.8
alright
shi was alright my dingaling has more usage than this.
Was this review helpful? - 4.8
A great horn
This is a splendid instrument, secure in the high register and sonorous at the bottom end. I altered the 4th valve stringing so that it is in Bb with a thumb change to F. Do that and any weight problem (if you feel it heavy) disappears as you will hold the horn slightly differently. I use pure lanolin on the slides and a variety of oils and it is mechanically perfect. It was a great purchase.
Was this review helpful? - 1.9
sloppy manufacture
The last two horns purchased that are Hoyer models have been a major disaster for me-- sludge in the valves-- left over metal in the valves-- had to have both horns repaired as valves were sticking constantly .. Excess metal shavings in the valve casings and the valves were not smooth..Took my last 802 in with three different repair stores for valve issue and as of today I am still without a horn since Jan 2020-- Corona did not help as store repair shops were closed -- right now the horn is at the College of Instrument repair for the second time..
Was this review helpful? - 4.9
68X Series its amazing
looks like perfect horn for me. I have tried and played a few similar models (Paxman/Yamaha/Conn), however, the tone quality for the HH exceeded my expectations
Was this review helpful? - 4.9
My Hoyer Horn
I have been playing on my 7802 for just over nine years. The only issues I have ever had with my horn are ones I have caused by dropping it, or mishandling it. It has been a very sturdy and reliable horn. The Bb side can tend to lean sharp, but is easily bent back down with some effort and a good mouthpiece. Great in all registers, and capable of many different tones and colors of sound.
Was this review helpful? - 5.0
6801 Heritage
I have been playing this horn for almost 4 years now and I love every aspect of it. It is balanced, has excellent tone, and high and low ranges speak clearly. An excellent horn.
Was this review helpful? - 5.0
Simply Gorgeous
The tone that a half decent player can extract from this glorious instrument is the reason why we all love the French Horn. The operator said in B flat is effortless and it's only the pedal notes that you really need to play in F. All in all, this one is a winner.
Was this review helpful? - 4.9
Best horn i have ever played
Its amazing to play with this horn. The greatest advantage is the awsome and beautiful sound. Love it.
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