Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
$6,449.00
Guitar Center
$6,449.00
Amazon
4.6 (7)
$6,199.00
Reverb
5.0 (13)
$6,449.00 New
$1,275.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (55)
$6,449.00

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Holton H179 Farkas Professional French Horn". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience the quintessential "big horn" sound with the Holton H179 Farkas Professional French Horn, a must-have for serious musicians seeking a rich, dark tonality with a commanding presence. Crafted with precision, this double horn in F/Bb stands out with its Kruspe wrap, delivering an open, resonant sound with a robust tonal center. The .468-inch bore ensures a vibrant and focused sound, while the nickel-silver leadpipe offers an exceptionally free-blowing feel, making this horn ideal for both challenging solo performances and dynamic orchestral settings.

The large-throat, 12.25-inch nickel-silver bell provides a mellow, velvety tone with subtle overtones, enhancing the horn's overall projection and timbral quality. The hand-lapped brass valve rotors are meticulously designed for a seamless and airtight fit, ensuring smooth and silent operation. Whether you're performing in a chamber ensemble or a grand symphony, the Holton H179 promises unparalleled responsiveness and musicality.

Designed with the professional musician in mind, this horn features a string linkage system for effortless playability and ultra-quiet valve transitions. The clear lacquer finish not only adds a sleek, polished look but also infuses a delicate warmth into your overall sound. Embrace the legacy of Holton and discover why the H179 is the flagship choice for top-tier performers worldwide.

Key Features:

  • Farkas-style F/Bb French horn with fixed bell
  • .468-inch bore for a centered, focused tone
  • Kruspe wrap for an open, dark sound
  • Large-throat 12.25-inch nickel-silver bell for enhanced projection
  • Nickel-silver leadpipe and valve section for free-blowing feel
  • Tapered, hand-lapped brass valve rotors for smooth operation
  • String linkage for quiet and responsive valve action
  • Clear lacquer finish for a warm sound and polished appearance
  • Includes case and Farkas Medium Deep Cup mouthpiece

Product specs

Brand Holton
Model H179 Farkas Professional Model Double French Horn
Finish Clear-Lacquered Nickel-Silver
Year 2010s
Categories French Horns

FAQs

What type of finish does the Holton H179 Farkas French Horn have?

The Holton H179 Farkas French Horn features a clear-lacquered nickel-silver finish, which provides durability and a sleek appearance.

Is the Holton H179 Farkas suitable for professional use?

Yes, the Holton H179 Farkas is a professional model double French horn, known for its high range security and focus, making it a popular choice among advanced players.

What is the bell configuration of the Holton H179 Farkas French Horn?

The Holton H179 Farkas features a fixed bell design, which contributes to its robust sound and projection.

What is the wrap style of the Holton H179 Farkas French Horn?

The Holton H179 Farkas utilizes a Kruspe-style wrap, offering a balanced feel and uniform response across its range.

Is the Holton H179 Farkas French Horn made from nickel-silver?

Yes, the Holton H179 Farkas is constructed from nickel-silver, which enhances its durability and produces a bright, resonant tone.

Reviews

PROS

  • Broad range of colors and timbres for diverse musical expression

  • Solid build quality with easy-to-maneuver valves and keys

  • Suitable for students up to freelance musicians seeking a cost-effective option

  • Handles high, mid, and low registers with consistent tone

  • Rich sound particularly pronounced in the lower register

  • Consistent intonation across all registers when paired with proper technique

  • Offers a powerful and clear sound, ideal for ensemble playing

  • Comfortable for beginners and enhances their ability to learn and enjoy

CONS

  • Heavier weight may be challenging for those accustomed to European style

  • Tuning can be more challenging compared to other brands like Yamaha

  • Sound may lack resonance and can occasionally seem dull

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Holton H179 Farkas Professional French Horn.

Value and pricing

  • Used Holton H179s are often considered a good value, but buyers should inspect for condition and potential repair costs.

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Comparisons

  • The Holton H179 is often compared to the Conn 8D; some prefer the smooth, warm tone of the H179 over the Conn's brassier sound.

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  • The Holton H179 is likened to the H177, with some users feeling it offers a smoother tonality, although projection capabilities may vary between the two.

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  • The Hoyer 6802NSA shares the same wrap as the Conn 8D, providing a consistent, high-quality sound, unlike the more variable Holton H179.

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  • The Yamaha 667 and 671 are noted for superior consistency and fewer tuning issues compared to the Holton H179 and Conn 8D.

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  • The Briz 2000, also known as the Pope/Bali model, is suggested as an alternative to the Holton H179 for its quality and performance.

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User experience

  • Users report that the Holton H179 is suitable for high school students and can be used effectively throughout their musical careers.

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  • Some users find the Hoyer's pinky hook non-adjustable and too far from the levers, impacting playability for certain hand sizes.

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Setup and maintenance

  • It's essential to maintain the Holton H179 properly, as this can significantly extend its lifespan and performance quality over time.

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Features and functionality

  • The Holton H179 has a unique B-flat return slide with its own tuning slide and a straight B-flat third valve slide, offering specific tuning options.

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  • The Hoyer 6802NSA lacks a water key but includes a detachable bell, enhancing portability despite the inconvenience.

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Build quality

  • Holton H179 horns are known for inconsistent construction quality, with some models described as "stuffy," especially those recently made for schools.

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  • Recent production Holton H179s from the Conn-Selmer factory may suffer from reduced quality due to strikes and personnel changes.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Holton H179 may not be the best choice for players seeking a horn with a modern "Geyer" wrap preferred by some contemporary orchestras.

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Critic Reviews

Holton H179 French Horn Review - HornReviews.com

hornreviews.com

The Holton H179 French Horn shines as an accessible option for students and budding musicians, boasting an easy playability and solid intonation, particularly in the upper register. However, its reputation as a beginner horn leaves it overshadowed by more flexible models like the Conn 8D, which some argue delivers a richer sound. While it's reliable for school bands and youth orchestras, advanced players may find it lacking in total tonal flexibility and power in the lower range. Ultimately, the H179 is a dependable choice for novices, but serious hornists might want to explore alternatives for more nuanced performance.

Holton H179 Farkas Professional French Horn review on notestem.com

notestem.com

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