Holton Factory to Close

The hornlist today was buzzing with the news that Conn-Selmer is closing the Holton factory in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, with production being transferred to Eastlake, OH, where Conn horns are now made. Is it the end of Holton?

I doubt that this is the end of the Farkas Model but I would tend to agree with those that say Conn/Holton currently makes a few too many models of horn, many of which are to a point “generic” horns that don’t stand out from the crowd. I think that they might be better off making fewer models better, with clear target audiences in mind. Holton horns such as the classic Farkas Model are compact and great for younger students and that is the market. Conn horns of the past were widely used by professional players but as produced today are well suited to a somewhat advanced student. (There are many differences between the classic Elkhart 8D horns and current production, a number of things have changed over the years).

I have owned several Holton and Conn horns. The first horn that I purchased (or, more accurately, my parents purchased) was a Holton 177. In college I moved on to a classic 500,000 series Elkhart 8D, and as a pro in Nashville the instruments I used the most were that 8D (with a valve job, a new leadpipe, and a new flare) and a Holton descant (also with a valve job and a new flare). Since my arrival at ASU I have sold both instruments and mostly play Paxman horns. But I do believe that if Conn-Selmer wanted to they could offer a version of a Conn horn tweaked out enough to be a real professional horn. As I noted in my page of playing tips,

Every hornist should have in their hands the best horn they can find. Pros always have their eyes open to see if a better horn comes along and are not swayed by marketing ploys. If you are in doubt that the horn you play is professional quality or not, look around and see if actual full time professional hornists are playing your model of horn made in the era that yours was made. If they are not, it is not a professional quality horn.

It will be a time of transition for Conn-Selmer. I would hope out of it that they would develop a few core models and make those the focus of an improved line.