Thomann HR-106 Bb French Horn

My son (age 10 at the time) fell in love with the french horn at a "musical roundabout" event where he could try any number of instruments. Nobody in our family had played horn before, so this was something new.

We began with the junior model (also from Thomann, rented through a music school), but by the end of last year the tutor said my son was big enough for the full-size instrument, so I bought this one.

I play saxophone, so am aware of the complexity and precision of wind instruments, and am impressed by the build quality and sound of the horn.

One other factor is that the case is extremely light, being mainly made of expanded polystyrene, which makes it possible to carry on your back on a bicycle.

My only reservation is that I am not a horn player, so cannot provide a comparison with instruments costing FIFTEEN times as much.

Other than that, my son is doing well, has played in several school performances, and I look forward to many years of good music.