This would be a great horn for a student or hobbyist without breaking the bank! It has been ultrasonically cleaned, recieved new rotors bumpers and alignment, and inspected by our world-class shop. It is in excellent cosmetic condition, and the majority of the rotors test within good range, minus the 2nd F ($50 fix). The rotors and slides still function well, and are ready for the next aspiring musician. Includes the original case, lightweight with backpack straps.

Compression:

Lubrication used: JM #13 on top and bottom bearings / JM #2 on rotors / JM #7 on slides

• 1st: F - 1.8 Bb - 1.8
• 2nd: F - 4.4 Bb - 2.2
• 3rd: F - 2.8 Bb - 1.4
• Change/Trigger: F - 0.5 Bb - N/A due to wrap of instrument
• Leadpipe - 0.1
• Overall compression:  F - 1 Bb - 1.1

Michael Rath is highly regarded for his trombone designs, but what is less well known is that he spent ten years working with Paxman making French Horns. The JP261 Rath incorporates many sophisticated Rath design elements and draws on Michael Rath’s collective experience at Paxman and at Rath creating custom instruments for some of the world's more demanding players. It is affordable to students but that deliver performance that challenges models many more times its price.

The JP261 RATH competes with the Yamaha 567 model, but with upgrades perfect for the beginning and advanced student. This inlcudes an exclusively designed Rath leadpipe and Geyer style layout, resulting in an instrument with very little resistance and is very free-blowing throughout the whole register. It is constructed of high grade 80:20 Gold Brass, which produces a richer tone that blends well with a wider variety of groups. The Nickel slide tubes, bell guard, and leadpipe guard provide excellent durability. The thumb lever, finger hook, and ducks foot can all be adjusted to ensure a comfortable hand position, making it ideal for younger players looking for a full double horn.

It also features an adjustable and reversible B^b/F lever for those who prefer the horn to stand in B^b rather than F. The included JP858 Pro Lightweight French Horn case is ideal for the busy musician. With a rigid yet lightweight fibreglass construction, it offers maximum protection whilst maintaining ease of use and an ergonomic design high quality lightweight case with backpack straps.

Specifications

• Model: JP261 Rath
• Key: B^b/F
• Bell: Gold Brass Fixed Bell 310mm (12.20”)
• Leadpipe: Gold Brass with Nickel-Silver Guard
• Valves: 4 Rotary Valves with Mechanical Linkage
• Bore: 12mm (0.472”)
• Water Keys: 1
• Body: Gold Brass with Nickel-Silver Slide Tubes
• Finish: Lacquer
• Case Included

Warranty

Your investment is protected with the Houghton Horns Used Instrument Warranty. Enjoy one year of coverage for defects in material and workmanship. Keep your instrument in perfect condition.

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.

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WARNING: Brass instruments and their accessories can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm, and Nickel, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to:

www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Most new instruments and accessories over $75 are eligible for free shipping to the continental US.

Thein instruments, tubas, and pre-owned instruments are excluded from free shipping.

Click here for our full shipping policy.

Most products sold in the United States receive a 15-day return policy that starts on the day the customer receives their order. The customer is responsible for the cost of initial and return shipping, except in the case of new French horns, trumpets, and trombones, which will receive free return shipping from 48 US states. There will be a $5 cleaning fee for each returned mouthpiece.

Some product categories are ineligible for return, which include special orders, sheet music, consumables such as lubricants or cleaning snakes, and personal items such as clothing or face masks.

Unfortunately, as of May 12, 2025, we can no longer offer returns, exchanges, or refunds to international customers due to the tariff situation. We hope to restore international returns soon.

See the policy links at the bottom of our website for more information.

Click here to request a return.

Any product labelled "Special Order" is a final sale, no refunds or exchanges. Likewise, any product that has been customized at the customer's request can no longer be returned.

Click here for more information on special orders. If you want it, we will try our best to get it to you!