February 28, 2008 by John Ericson

Archived under: Equipment

The Old Hoyer


This week several students have noticed that I have been playing quite a bit on an ASU owned Hoyer double horn from the 1960s or 70s, a Geyer style instrument. horns 023 150x99 The Old HoyerNo big reasons for the trial, I just decided to try it out again. As I don’t have any major performances coming right up on me now it is a good time to do a bit of experimenting, and I have wanted to try a German instrument again. Every horn has its positive and negative points, this particular one I love the action of the thumb valve, the general sound, and the low range. Overall I still like my Paxman triple better for the playing I do now, but testing other instruments is important, you can renew your sense of what you like about your current horn or become more aware of the shortcomings another horn might correct. Always keep your eyes open in terms of horns and mouthpieces.

UPDATE 2011: The end of this short tale being I switched to a custom Geyer style horn! The old Hoyer did point out some of the things I wanted in that style of horn over the big equipment I was using. It is great as well to have this horn for ASU students to test, along with a classic vintage Conn 8D, they can quickly get a feel for the variety of ways horns feel and sound.

JOHN ERICSON has wide-ranging experience as an orchestral player, soloist, and teacher.» About John Ericson » More articles » Horn Notes Edition » Contact

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The Old Hoyer
Published on February 28, 2008 by John Ericson

Archived under: Equipment
John Ericson & Bruce Hembd
on the French horn, brass related topics, and the field of classical music.