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Omnitonic horns were developed roughly from the late 18th to the mid-19th century as a means for the natural horn to change keys without changing crooks. Contrary to popular belief this instrument was not a bridge instrument between natural and valved instruments. Dr. John Ericson lists this as one of the top myths in horn history.
In a nutshell, these instruments would either attach all the necessary crooks to the instrument individually or in a successive, compensating system. Manually engaging a switching system – a “tap” – allowed the player to change keys. While the instrument never really gained a wide professional usage outside of France, it remains a personal fascination for myself as a unique and ingenious solution to the burden of changing crooks on the natural horn.
If you have never seen one or heard of it, you should check it out!
Resources:
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The Omnitonic Horn by Dr. John Ericson
- Cor Omnitonic by Dick Martz
Picture used by permission from Dick Martz.
