The Reimagined Kruspe-Wrap Horn with Large Bell and Nickel Silver for a Venerable Rich Tone and Dynamic Range
The Conn 8D French horn is the result of a groundbreaking collaboration between the legendary Berv brothers—Arthur, Jack, and Harry—and the visionary engineers at C.G. Conn, Ltd. Introduced in 1938, the Conn 8D established the tradition of large bell, all-nickel silver, Kruspe-wrap French horns in the United States, becoming the instrument of choice for iconic orchestras like the Cleveland Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, and New York Philharmonic. Its unmistakable sound has also become a staple in Hollywood film scores, heard by billions worldwide.
In an effort to recapture the magic of the original Elkhart, Indiana horns, the R&D team at Conn’s Eastlake, Ohio factory meticulously analyzed prized historical instruments using state-of-the-art tools like compositional analysis, ultrasonic thickness gauges, and 3D scanners. The result? A 21st-century Conn 8D that blends tradition with modern precision.
This updated 8D features refined dimensions, enhanced manufacturing processes, and stabilized acoustics, ensuring consistency and quality. A CNC-machined mouthpiece receiver guarantees the same perfect mouthpipe venturi and fit on every horn, while the addition of a standard mouthpipe water key and adjustable finger hook enhances comfort and ease of performance.
The Conn 8D is more than just an instrument—it's a legacy, reimagined for today's musicians.
Playing Characteristics
The C.G. Conn 8D has been one of the world's most popular horns for decades. It maintains a design that makes the horn very responsive and free-blowing with excellent tonal balance. Renowned for its distinctive tone and dynamic range, the C.G. Conn 8D is a favorite among horn players worldwide. Its large throat bell ensures a warm, full sound that resists overblowing, even in loud passages, while the all-nickel silver construction adds clarity and richness. Ideal for both the stage and the recording studio, the 8D’s fully formed sound is captured authentically at any distance, making it versatile for various settings.
Ergonomics
The Conn 8D is designed with ergonomics in mind. An adjustable pinky hook allows players to customize the instrument to their hand size, enhancing overall comfort. Additionally, the standard tuning slide arrangement and carefully crafted valve cluster position ensure that the hand placement feels natural, enabling smooth transitions between notes and effortless technique. Weighing 5.73 lbs and measuring 24" from leadpipe to bell, this horn is well balanced.
Special Features
The new iteration of the Conn 8d model French Horn is equipped with several notable features that hearken back to the venerable horns of the Elkhart era. Tapered rotors ensure precise action and even wear during the life on the instrument. The bell and tubing closely follow the original tapers, with a mechanical change valve for increased durability. This example also features a detachable bell.
About C.G. Conn
C.G. Conn Ltd., founded in 1915, has been a leader in American musical instrument manufacturing, known for its innovation and excellence in craftsmanship. Originating from Charles Gerard Conn’s pioneering work in brasswinds and saxophones, Conn quickly became a household name in the music industry. Today, Conn Selmer, the successor to C.G. Conn Ltd., stands as the leading manufacturer and distributor of musical instruments, offering a diverse portfolio that includes iconic brands such as Bach, Conn, King, Holton, Selmer, Armstrong, Leblanc, Ludwig, and Scherl & Roth.
As a subsidiary of Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc., Conn Selmer continues to build on its legacy, merging centuries of tradition with cutting-edge innovation. The company is committed to providing the world’s best musical products, serving students, amateurs, and professionals alike. With a vision to empower and inspire musicians and educators, Conn Selmer’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship ensures that its instruments are played by history’s greatest musicians and cherished by new generations worldwide.
What's Included
- Holton Farkas MC Mouthpiece
- Beautiful fiberglass case with faux-leather soft-touch exterior.
Our Favorite Cases for the Conn 8D
Warranty
Your investment is protected with the Houghton Horns New Instrument Warranty. Enjoy two years of coverage for defects in material and workmanship. Keep your instrument in perfect condition.
Specifications
- Key of instrument: F/Bb
- Type of instrument: Full Double Horn
- Body material: Nickel Silver
- Bell material: Nickel Silver
- Bell Flare Material: Nickel Silver at 12-1/4"
- Leadpipe material: Nickel Silver
- Outer slide material: Nickel Silver
- Inner slide material: Nickel Silver
- Finish: Unlacquered
- Bore Size: .468" 11.9 mm
- Bell throat size: Large
- Bell Type: Detachable bell
- Lever action: String
- Water key: None
- Left Hand support: Adjustable Pinky Hook
- Country of Origin: USA (Eastlake, Ohio)
What Makes Houghton Horns Special
Houghton Horns is special because of its deep commitment to quality, expertise, and personalized service. As a family-owned business with a passion for brass instruments, Houghton Horns offers a carefully curated selection of premium instruments and accessories. Their team of skilled technicians provides top-tier repair and customization services, ensuring each instrument performs at its best. Houghton Horns is also known for its educational resources and support, helping musicians of all levels find the perfect instrument and develop their skills. With a reputation for excellence and a genuine love for music, Houghton Horns stands out as a trusted partner for brass players worldwide.
Sign up for a Free Virtual Instrument Consultation
Comparable Horns
The Reimagined Kruspe-Wrap Horn with Large Bell and Nickel Silver for a Venerable Rich Tone and Dynamic Range
The Conn 8D French horn is the result of a groundbreaking collaboration between the legendary Berv brothers—Arthur, Jack, and Harry—and the visionary engineers at C.G. Conn, Ltd. Introduced in 1938, the Conn 8D established the tradition of large bell, all-nickel silver, Kruspe-wrap French horns in the United States, becoming the instrument of choice for iconic orchestras like the Cleveland Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, and New York Philharmonic. Its unmistakable sound has also become a staple in Hollywood film scores, heard by billions worldwide.
In an effort to recapture the magic of the original Elkhart, Indiana horns, the R&D team at Conn’s Eastlake, Ohio factory meticulously analyzed prized historical instruments using state-of-the-art tools like compositional analysis, ultrasonic thickness gauges, and 3D scanners. The result? A 21st-century Conn 8D that blends tradition with modern precision.
This updated 8D features refined dimensions, enhanced manufacturing processes, and stabilized acoustics, ensuring consistency and quality. A CNC-machined mouthpiece receiver guarantees the same perfect mouthpipe venturi and fit on every horn, while the addition of a standard mouthpipe water key and adjustable finger hook enhances comfort and ease of performance.
The Conn 8D is more than just an instrument—it's a legacy, reimagined for today's musicians.
Playing Characteristics
The C.G. Conn 8D has been one of the world's most popular horns for decades. It maintains a design that makes the horn very responsive and free-blowing with excellent tonal balance. Renowned for its distinctive tone and dynamic range, the C.G. Conn 8D is a favorite among horn players worldwide. Its large throat bell ensures a warm, full sound that resists overblowing, even in loud passages, while the all-nickel silver construction adds clarity and richness. Ideal for both the stage and the recording studio, the 8D’s fully formed sound is captured authentically at any distance, making it versatile for various settings.
Ergonomics
The Conn 8D is designed with ergonomics in mind. An adjustable pinky hook allows players to customize the instrument to their hand size, enhancing overall comfort. Additionally, the standard tuning slide arrangement and carefully crafted valve cluster position ensure that the hand placement feels natural, enabling smooth transitions between notes and effortless technique. Weighing 5.73 lbs and measuring 24" from leadpipe to bell, this horn is well balanced.
Special Features
The new iteration of the Conn 8d model French Horn is equipped with several notable features that hearken back to the venerable horns of the Elkhart era. Tapered rotors ensure precise action and even wear during the life on the instrument. The bell and tubing closely follow the original tapers, with a mechanical change valve for increased durability. This example also features a detachable bell.
About C.G. Conn
C.G. Conn Ltd., founded in 1915, has been a leader in American musical instrument manufacturing, known for its innovation and excellence in craftsmanship. Originating from Charles Gerard Conn’s pioneering work in brasswinds and saxophones, Conn quickly became a household name in the music industry. Today, Conn Selmer, the successor to C.G. Conn Ltd., stands as the leading manufacturer and distributor of musical instruments, offering a diverse portfolio that includes iconic brands such as Bach, Conn, King, Holton, Selmer, Armstrong, Leblanc, Ludwig, and Scherl & Roth.
As a subsidiary of Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc., Conn Selmer continues to build on its legacy, merging centuries of tradition with cutting-edge innovation. The company is committed to providing the world’s best musical products, serving students, amateurs, and professionals alike. With a vision to empower and inspire musicians and educators, Conn Selmer’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship ensures that its instruments are played by history’s greatest musicians and cherished by new generations worldwide.
What's Included
- Holton Farkas MC Mouthpiece
- Beautiful fiberglass case with faux-leather soft-touch exterior.
Our Favorite Cases for the Conn 8D
Warranty
Your investment is protected with the Houghton Horns New Instrument Warranty. Enjoy two years of coverage for defects in material and workmanship. Keep your instrument in perfect condition.
Specifications
- Key of instrument: F/Bb
- Type of instrument: Full Double Horn
- Body material: Nickel Silver
- Bell material: Nickel Silver
- Bell Flare Material: Nickel Silver at 12-1/4"
- Leadpipe material: Nickel Silver
- Outer slide material: Nickel Silver
- Inner slide material: Nickel Silver
- Finish: Unlacquered
- Bore Size: .468" 11.9 mm
- Bell throat size: Large
- Bell Type: Detachable bell
- Lever action: String
- Water key: None
- Left Hand support: Adjustable Pinky Hook
- Country of Origin: USA (Eastlake, Ohio)
What Makes Houghton Horns Special
Houghton Horns is special because of its deep commitment to quality, expertise, and personalized service. As a family-owned business with a passion for brass instruments, Houghton Horns offers a carefully curated selection of premium instruments and accessories. Their team of skilled technicians provides top-tier repair and customization services, ensuring each instrument performs at its best. Houghton Horns is also known for its educational resources and support, helping musicians of all levels find the perfect instrument and develop their skills. With a reputation for excellence and a genuine love for music, Houghton Horns stands out as a trusted partner for brass players worldwide.