Horn Review
Holton H179 Review
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Holton H179 Review
Pros
Notes are in tune
Good high register
Easy to play
Cons
Stuffy low register
Viewed as beginner horn
Summary
The Holton H179 (and its detachable bell counterpart, the H279) is one of the staple workhorses of American school bands and youth orchestras, a popular choice for its ease of control and general reliability. This Kruspe-style horn was designed in collaboration with the late Philip Farkas, former principal horn of the Chicago Symphony and author of The Art of Horn Playing, widely considered the bible of modern horn technique. According to his biographer, "Phil impressed everyone with his constant attention to the smallest details and his unflagging search for perfection" while working with the Holton team to design the horn line which includes several other variations on the H179. The Holton Farkas horns traditionally competed with the Conn 8D, both being larger "closed wrap" Kruspe horns. With a slightly smaller bell throat compared to the Conn 8D, the H179's upper register is easier to reach but the total quality remains full throughout most of the range, only weakening a bit in the lower octaves. Horn players who find the Conn 8D too unwieldy often find the H179 a more comfortable alternative. Advocates for the Conn 8D may counter that the H179 is a bit too limited in its total flexibility and sounds a bit more "closed off."
While many horn models have some bad notes, the H179 is surprising consistent: from G below the staff to high C notes are in tune with each other and well slotted. The nickel silver construction makes it harder to dent than its yellow brass brethren. Because of its school and student reputation, the H179 is more commonly seen in student and youth-orchestra settings than in top professional sections, but that may have more to do with brand perception than actual playing qualities. It is more than possible to achieve fantastic results on this horn, the Holton brand's most popular model. To hear the results you can achieve, check out this this video clip arrangement of John Williams movie soundtracks performed on the H179. Beginning students should also check out the H178 model, which is a little smaller and more controllable. And those on a budget should consider at the H379, a cheaper version of the H179 without some of the frills.
Cost: The H179 has historically sat in the upper student/intermediate price range when purchased new; check current dealer pricing before budgeting.
Also consider: There are other variations on the Holton Farkas design including the H178, H180 and H181. We also recommend players in this price range check out Yamaha's offerings including the 668II and 667, both of which have unique playing qualities. For more on other Holton French horn models see our full guide.
Player rating
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Specs at a Glance
- Type
- Full double horn
- Key
- F/Bb or Bb/F
- Design family
- Farkas
- Bell
- Fixed
- Bore
- 11.89 mm / .468 in
- Bell diameter
- 311 mm / 12.25 in
- Materials
- Nickel silver
- Linkage
- String
- Finish options
- Lacquered
- 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
6 owner/player reviews
- 3.8
Holton H179 rating
I have a Holton H179 made in the 1970's. It still works very well and has taken me through all sorts of advanced ensemble and some challenging solo repertoire.
Helpful to another player? - 3.9
An Old Friend
I have played Holton Farkas Horns since 1963. Even my newer H179 is like an old friend. I go along with what John Barrows once said, during a workshop, when ask why be was playing a Holton Horn. "It does everything I need it to do, what more can I ask?
Helpful to another player? - 4.6
Best all around horn!
My h179 is a 1976 model that was purchased used in 1981. I have had the pleasure of playing it through high school, conservatory, and during my short professional career. While other manufacturers make a "better" horn for specific applications, there is no better all around horn on the market. My much modified and aged beauty remains my pride and joy.
Helpful to another player? - 4.6
An old friend...
I played this model as a music major with great results in many settings. Quintets, wind ensemble, solo work, pit orchestra, etc... It served me well for many years afterwards also. Then I sold it and bought a conn Schmidt copy. O played that for a few years and kind of forgot the Holton. Last week I was on reverb.com and there was an h179 for a low price. Feeling nostalgic, I grabbed it up. Today it arrived. I had forgotten over the years what an incredibly easy instrument this is to play! It is even tonally and intonation wise throughout the range. It speaks easily in the upper range. The valves are smooth and easy to play. It's like meeting back up with an old friend!
Helpful to another player? - 4.5
nice
Still playing this horn in college band after 8 years of owning. It's served me very well. I found it was easier to play than other horns like King and Conn. The values are starting to stick a bit, but that's probably my fault. If I were to purchase again, I would get the detachable bell. It is very hard to bring on airplanes!
Helpful to another player? - 4.4
fab horn
Plays beautifully from low to high. I've played mostly in chamber orchestras for the last 5 years and it melds in nicely without completely over powering the group.
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