Yamaha French Horns

We sell a variety of Yamaha French Horns for players at different levels. From the single beginner models in Bb or F, up to the professional full double horns. Yamaha French Horns are highly regarded and respected around the world for their top quality tone and performance.

Quality & Class

The French Horn is a fascinating instrument, developed from the broader horn family used for centuries in various formats, the French Horn is now firmly established in orchestral and brass ensemble situations. However, it’s a very difficult instrument to manufacturer successfully due to the tubing and internal design. Yamaha have mastered and even pioneered various aspects of French Horn design over the last few decades.

Development & Design

The first Yamaha French Horn was produced in 1970. At this time Yamaha were developing their brass instrument range and started with a range of student-mid range instruments. It wasn’t until 1979 that they introduced five ‘Custom’ series French Horns to the market. At this point most French Horns for the professional market were made in smaller European factories or the USA, but Yamaha soon found players who appreciated the build quality and tone of their custom instruments.

In 1986 Yamaha opened an Atelier (specialist centre) in Vienna, Austria. The main focus was to build on the success of their custom French Horns and work closely with the European specialists who are world-renowned for their French Horn playing and production.

Model Differences

A varied range of Yamaha French Horns are available from student level to professional. When starting out on the instrument it’s usually recommended that you begin on a Single Horn. These are available in the key of Bb or F andyour Teacher will advise on the best option for you. Yamaha produced a YHR-314 in F and a YHR-322 in Bb. These are both lightweight, easy to play and very reliable. A great way to begin playing the French Horn.

As you move up the range the next step would be the 500 and 600 series. These Horns are a full double design meaning they feature both the Bb and F side of tubing. Players progressing past Grade 5 and into more experienced musical ensembles would generally require a French Horn of this quality. There are various model configurations, for the UK market the 567 and 668 are the most common choices. They are available with fixed or detachable bell designs.

At the very top of the model range is the 800 and 900 series. These are very specialist instruments and are produced in very small numbers. These offer handmade elements and a variety of different material options.

Choosing a Yamaha French Horn

Choosing the right French Horn in the Yamaha range is all about matching your experience level with the options available. Whatever the level, the quality of the manufacturing and acoustic performance is unmatched in the French Horn makret.