July 16, 2009 by Bruce Hembd

Archived under: General, Random, Technology & Digital Culture

In the Horn Shop with Masters at Horn Craft


A look behind-the-scenes.

If I were to pick an different career for a different lifetime I would strongly consider brass instrument manufacturing and repair. The process is fascinating to me — it would be a labor of love.

I once smashed a horn and thought for sure that it was beyond repair.

A chair I sat on collapsed, and I landed — kee-RUNCH! — on top of the horn, which was on the floor next to the chair. The entire valve section was pressed down about an inch and the bell was squished into the shape of a flattened taco.

In utter denial, I attempted to play a note on it. Nothing came out but a pathetic “meep.”

Both my horn and my spirit were crushed on that sad day.

Thanks to a very talented repairman it was fixed and looked almost brand new when he was finished. A skilled instrument repair person is an artisan that can do amazing things.

Looking around the ‘Net for pictures of brass repair and construction, I found these sites worth looking at:

» Picture Galleries:

» Videos:

How Bells Are Made:

The Ferree’s Tool in action:

See also: Vienna Horn Production

BRUCE HEMBD is a web marketing developer by day who plays French horn professionally at night.» More information about Bruce Hembd » More articles by Bruce Hembd » Contact

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In the Horn Shop with Masters at Horn Craft
Published on July 16, 2009 by Bruce Hembd

Archived under: General, Random, Technology & Digital Culture
John Ericson & Bruce Hembd
on the French horn, brass related topics, and the field of classical music.