the purchase price for the first year of rental. Good used horns can cost almost as much as new horns. A student can find a good value in a used horn. When considering a used horn, he wary of:

•	worn, thin and patched bells

•	leaking valves

•	noisy valves

•	slides that are worn unevenly or which move too freely or not freely enough
•	broken solder joints or braces

While most of these problems can be fixed, leaking valves can he a very expensive repair. Unless the student is looking for a particular horn or money is an issue, new horns are a much more reliable option. If a student decides to buy a used horn, make sure that a professional looks at the used horn prior to purchase and that the seller allows for an evaluation period to make your decision when your money is still refundable.

STUDENT OR PROFESSIONAL?

There are two general categories of double horns

— factory production horns and custom horns. The major manufacturers of factory horns produce sturdy student-level horns as well as professional horns. The student horns will withstand more wear and tear and should cost around $1,400. The professional horns should cost in the $2,000 to $4,000 range. Custom horns, which cost in the $4,000 to 9,000-plus range, typically require long waits, can he more delicate to handle, can be heavy and can be more difficult to play for the early student.

To evaluate the quality of a horn, the student should make sure that the horn:

•	allows notes to he centered easily

•	does not break up at loud volume levels

•	responds easily at all volume levels of attack

•	plays evenly throughout all the registers

•	has a pleasing over tone quality

•	plays in tune

•	is comfortable to hold.

A student should get help from a horn teacher or band director to perform this evaluation.

WHERE TO BUY YOUR INSTRUMENT

Students can buy horns from individuals and retailers. In either case, make sure there is clear information about the warranty, the return policy, and the availability of repair services.

A visit to the local retailer provides the easiest way to try different models and makes of horns at one time. A retailer will often have both new and used horns. Buying through a mail-order retailer is also an option.

With the advent of the Internet, used and new horns are available on ebay and amazon.com, and other Web sites. These are “buyer-beware” places. If you use an on-line auction service, he sure to escrow your money and get a trial period so that you can have the horn inspected and played by a profession- al. Remember you might have difficulty returning this horn and are usually responsible for shipping regardless of the outcome of the transaction. The seller might not he able to play the horn, so advertised descriptions can be inaccurate. Even with pictures, the true condition of the horn can be different than described.

MOUTHPIECES

If your budget allows it,, go to a retailer and try mouthpieces. A new horn will come with a mouth- piece but each set of lips and teeth structure (embouchure) is different and the choice of a mouthpiece is extremely personal. Pick a cup and bore size that is moderate (the retailer can guide you) and a rim that is comfortable A one-piece silver mouthpiece is fine for the beginner (and many professionals) and less expensive than the two-piece gold plated models.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

With proper maintenance, your horn will give you years of playing pleasure. Keep all slides well- greased, use a light oil on the internal valve mechanism, and a medium-weight oil on the external valve linkage. Make sure you purchase oils which will not leave a gummy residue. It is also advisable to push all of the slides in at the end of each day to prevent internal corrosion.

WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED?
These accessories will help get you started:

1. Valve oil —- an absolute necessity to keep the valves moving quickly and smoothly.
2. A mouthpiece brush and cleaning snake to help keep the horn clean and in good working order.
(WEBMASTER NOTE:
click here (INDIVIDUAL KITS) for the proper do-it-yourself brass instrument. cleaning system for the French Horn.
3. Method books whichever are recommended by the student’s teachers.
4. Music stand —- a portable stand is always good
You can expect to pay between $30 and $50 for these items.

You to can learn to play the horn, have fun, enjoy the challenges of this instrument, and participate in musical activities of all kinds for a long time to come!

Deborah Schmidt is an active free-lance musician and teacher in the New York area. She was principal horn with the Fllharmonica de la Cuidad de Mexico and has performed with the Albany Symphony, Hudson Valley Philharmonic, New Jersey Symphony, Opera Northeast, Westchester Hudson Opera, and the Modern Brass Quintet.