The baroque horn

The instrument can be tuned to four keys (using crooks) at 415 Hz: D, E-flat, F and G. There are also four tunings available at 442 Hz, although only three crooks are necessary in this case, as the 415 Hz E-flat corresponds to the 442 Hz D.

These tunings can be adjusted through vent-holes or by hand-stopping. There are seven vent-holes on the instrument, of which two are usually open in all of the keys. One of the vent-holes is for the high F and A, while the other is for the high F-sharp and G-sharp.

Upon special request, we are also happy to provide custom tunings for the instruments.

Fitted to the player

Every baroque horn is built to order, and its details are settled with the player: how many vent-holes the instrument carries and exactly where they sit, which tuning slides are made for it, and which crook is used in each key.

Alec Frank-Gemmill describes that process in his own recommendation: he had two tuning slides made – one for playing with the hand in the bell, one for playing with the vent-holes – the number and precise position of the holes was his decision, and in each key he could choose from several crooks.

Specification

Pitch

415 Hz · 442 Hz

Crooks at 415 Hz

D · E-flat · F · G

Vent-holes

7 – two open in any key

Alternative technique

hand-stopping

Custom tunings

on request

Crook interchange

shared with the natural horn

In preparationFurther specification data – bore, bell size and material, finish, weight, case – is being confirmed. In the meantime we are happy to answer questions about any of them by email.