The Paxman 20MYDC is a professional model double French horn in F/Bb. It is the most iconic Paxman model, and the first to widely popularize the Merewether system.
The Model 20 (and subsequent model number classification) came about only when the build process underwent a certain degree of standardization. The early designs for Paxman horns from the 1960s were made with hand-bent parts. As production increased, it became necessary to be more efficient by minimising the number of different bows and so on. This was what happened in 1976, with the official Model 20 designated horns appearing in 1977. Since that point, there has been no great change in the Model 20's concept or design, just a more efficient build process.
All Paxman professional horns follow the Merewether system, apart from the more recent Model 27 Geyer wrap. The fundamental feature that Dick Merewether introduced, and for which he is best known, concerns the direction of airflow through the valve block. The principle behind this Merewether System is that the air should travel in the same direction through the valve block on all sides of the horn, allowing for smoother slurring and transition over the whole range. Therefore, when switching between any two sides of a horn (F to Bb, Bb to f-alto etc), the direction of airflow remains constant, rather than suddenly reversing on itself.
In addition, the rotors always turn in sympathy with the airflow, rather than against it. This minimises disruption, allowing the player to concentrate on making the most beautiful sound, rather than fighting turbulence within this most sensitive part of the instrument.
Notable traits
The Model 20 features independent tuning slides for both sides of the horn. The leadpipe comes standard with water key, and the thumb lever is easily configurable to stand in either F or Bb. The medium bore (M) bell throat makes for balanced and efficient projection, with maximum playability.
Many virtuoso hornists have chosen the Paxman Model 20M. Follow in the footsteps of such distinguished artists as Radovan Vlatkovich and Alessio Allegrini.
Stock models of the Paxman 20 MYDC from Houghton Horns are unlacquered.
Specifications
- Double horn F/Bb
- Yellow brass
- Unlacquered
- Nickel silver leadpipe
- Nickel silver outer and inner slides
- 12 mm bore
- Detachable medium-size bell
- String action
- One water key
- Fixed pinky hook
- Country of Origin: United Kingdom
- Case not included
Our case recommendations
Paxman horns are on the smaller side of average, which means they fit in nearly any case. Some of our favorites include:
Marcus Bonna MD-SD soft detachable bell horn case
Marcus Bonna square backpack bag with room for horn (The Paxman 20 will need the small bell protector)
The Paxman 20MYDC is a professional model double French horn in F/Bb. It is the most iconic Paxman model, and the first to widely popularize the Merewether system.
The Model 20 (and subsequent model number classification) came about only when the build process underwent a certain degree of standardization. The early designs for Paxman horns from the 1960s were made with hand-bent parts. As production increased, it became necessary to be more efficient by minimising the number of different bows and so on. This was what happened in 1976, with the official Model 20 designated horns appearing in 1977. Since that point, there has been no great change in the Model 20's concept or design, just a more efficient build process.
All Paxman professional horns follow the Merewether system, apart from the more recent Model 27 Geyer wrap. The fundamental feature that Dick Merewether introduced, and for which he is best known, concerns the direction of airflow through the valve block. The principle behind this Merewether System is that the air should travel in the same direction through the valve block on all sides of the horn, allowing for smoother slurring and transition over the whole range. Therefore, when switching between any two sides of a horn (F to Bb, Bb to f-alto etc), the direction of airflow remains constant, rather than suddenly reversing on itself.
In addition, the rotors always turn in sympathy with the airflow, rather than against it. This minimises disruption, allowing the player to concentrate on making the most beautiful sound, rather than fighting turbulence within this most sensitive part of the instrument.
Notable traits
The Model 20 features independent tuning slides for both sides of the horn. The leadpipe comes standard with water key, and the thumb lever is easily configurable to stand in either F or Bb. The medium bore (M) bell throat makes for balanced and efficient projection, with maximum playability.
Many virtuoso hornists have chosen the Paxman Model 20M. Follow in the footsteps of such distinguished artists as Radovan Vlatkovich and Alessio Allegrini.
Stock models of the Paxman 20 MYDC from Houghton Horns are unlacquered.
Specifications
- Double horn F/Bb
- Yellow brass
- Unlacquered
- Nickel silver leadpipe
- Nickel silver outer and inner slides
- 12 mm bore
- Detachable medium-size bell
- String action
- One water key
- Fixed pinky hook
- Country of Origin: United Kingdom
- Case not included
Our case recommendations
Paxman horns are on the smaller side of average, which means they fit in nearly any case. Some of our favorites include:
Marcus Bonna MD-SD soft detachable bell horn case
Marcus Bonna square backpack bag with room for horn (The Paxman 20 will need the small bell protector)