Paxman - Professional Model 45 Bb/F-Alto Double Descant French Horn

Richard Merewether’s association with Paxman started with alto horns first a single horn in f-alto, then the first dual-bore F/f-alto double horn, and subsequently a Bb(A-+)/f-alto. This was an important breakthrough in horn design. Since then Paxman descants have been regarded as the benchmark for this kind of horn.

All of our descant horns incorporate a unique valve, designed by Paxman, that gives the airway diverging routes from a point close to the mouthpiece where the tube diameter is still small. This allows both the Bb and f-alto sides to have the correct tapers for both the mouthpipe and branch. The two sides then converge in the same valve, in another chamber with a much larger tube diameter, in the expanding approach to the bell throat.

The latest development is the Model 45, which has narrower cylindrical tubing on the f-alto horn, which enhances the sound quality and equalises the resistance of the two sides.

Specs/Options:

• Merewether System
• Dual bore
  
• Available in Medium, Europa and Large sizes
  
• Lacquered or unlacquered
• Available in Yellow brass, Gold brass or Nickel Silver (by request) finishes
• Stopping valve as standard
• Paxman "Zero" alto valve
  
• Mouthpipe guard
• Mouthpipe water key
• Reversible thumb valve
• Adjustable finger hook
  
• Nickel silver valve casings
• Brass rotors
  
• Cord or Miniball lever action
  
• Fixed or detachable bell
• A=442 pitch as standard