Engelbert Schmid Triple Horn

Model notes

What to Know

The Engelbert Schmid Triple Horn is a specialized professional triple horn available as a full triple or compensating triple, with high F and high Eb versions. Schmid normally sets triple horns up in Bb/F; F/Bb can be ordered, but Schmid does not recommend it because of fingering difficulty.

Schmid's high Eb concept is one of the most distinctive parts of this model family. The maker argues that high Eb is closer to the Bb horn in sound, intonation, and fingering logic than high F, and that players should choose it for clarity and tone rather than only for high-note security.

In the high Eb full triple configuration, the F/Bb/high Eb version is approximately 2650 g / 5.84 lb, with three or four water keys recommended. The design retains a usable full low F side while keeping the high side close enough in sound that the switch from Bb to high Eb should not be obvious to nearby players.

Configuration matters. Schmid lists more than 300 possible horn variations across its catalog, with options such as four metal alloys, four bell sizes, screw bell, bell wreath, hand-hammered bell, and stopping valve availability. Used examples may also have prior-owner changes such as different tuning bits, modified leadpipe hardware, or aftermarket slides.

Setup details can change the playing experience. Tuning bits, main-slide position, mouthpiece shank/receiver fit, and aftermarket slide options are all worth checking carefully on a Schmid triple, especially when comparing a high F full triple, high Eb full triple, and compensating triple.