Horn Review
Paxman 23 Reviews
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Paxman 23 Reviews
Pros
-Tone centers well
-Rich tone quality
-Strong projection
Cons
-Less flexible pitch
Summary
Paxman's interpretation of the Geyer-style horn design, the 23 still retains some of the traditional Paxman horn design features including the "Merewether system" which allows air the flow in the same direction on both F and Bb horns. This hybrid design gives the 23 some of the best qualities of the Geyer horns while also compensating for some typical weaknesses of Geyer horns such as slippery slurring and volume limitations. The result is a horn with the typical solid, silky Paxman sound that some players may find easier to handle especially in the upper registers along with a great ability to center notes. Used professionally in many orchestras, the the 23 projects quite well without sounding sloppy at high volumes. One of its advantages is also a disadvantage for some players: the well-centered notes lock in, which may seem too limiting for the player seeking seeking more tonal flexibility. This horn comes in 3 size variations: 23M, medium; 23E, Europa; 23A, American (New World). Click here to hear a professional, Tim Thorpe, playing the 23.
Player rating
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Specs at a Glance
- Type
- Full double horn
- Key
- F/Bb
- Design family
- Paxman-style
- Bell
- Fixed or detachable
- Bore
- 12 mm / .472 in
- Bell diameter
- 310 mm / 12.2 in
- Materials
- Yellow brass, gold brass, or nickel silver
- Linkage
- String or mechanical
- Finish options
- Lacquered, unlacquered raw brass, or custom or special order
- Made / assembled in
- United Kingdom
- Production type
- Workshop-made / current production
- Availability
- Current production; special order
- Recent new price
- About $7,350
New and used prices vary by dealer, condition, setup, and repair history.
Player Reviews
1 owner/player review
- 4.8
Paxman 23L
I've played a 23L in unlacquered yellowbrass. Here are my own observations about this horn. The sound is big and rich with great core. The high register is easy and slotts really easily with a sound quality only Paxman horns have. The mid and lower register and really open-sounding and quite large. In loud dynamics the horn stays focused, the core stays strong and powerful without breaking, the brassiness ( once achieved) is beautiful. The horn projects like nothing I tried or heard before. A real workhorse. This horn can do anything and blend in any context or situation.
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