Compact Knopf-Style Wrap with Enhanced Tonal Core and Consistent Playability

A Knopf-style (or Reißmann-style) double French horn in F/Bb.
Functionally elegant and continuously refined through extensive feedback from leading professional players, the W 283 outperforms its price point! Playing with a more compact sound than the standard 293 model, it features a mechanical thumb linkage and the medium bell throat taper shared with the 293 Innovation.

Note: The standard configuration of the Kühn W 283 that Houghton Horns carries includes the ML2.1 US bell and a gold brass leadpipe. Other configurations are available upon request.

Playing Characteristics

The Ricco Kuhn W 283 features a Knopf style wrap with medium throat bell taper shared with the 293 Innovation, producing a compact tone that projects the characteristic Kuhn flexibility and playability. Its yellow brass construction is capable of delivering a colorful tone with consistent response. 

"Ricco Kühn horns have always been some of my favorites. They are easy to play with an open and clear sound." -Dr. Derek J. Wright

Ergonomics

Focus on ergonomics results in a comfortable arrangement of the valve and thumb levers. An adjustable thumb lever allows players to customize the instrument to their hand size, ensuring a relaxed and stress-free hand position. Standard string linkage provides additional personal adjustment and consistent player feedback. Weighing 5.56 lbs and measuring 24" from leadpipe to bell, this Knopf wrap is very comfortable.

Special Features

Handcrafted in Germany, the standard configuration of the Kühn W 283 that Houghton Horns carries includes the ML2 bell and a gold brass leadpipe. The gold brass leadpipe is resistant to corrosion or "red rot", while also adding warmth to the horn's sound. Meinlschmidt valves and a mechanical thumb linkage provide consistent feel and durable action. Other configurations are available upon request.

About Ricco Kühn

Ricco Kühn combines traditional German craftsmanship with modern technology to ensure consistent, high-quality production without compromising on design or execution. Since their founding in 1990, they have balanced tradition with innovation to create exceptional instruments. A small, specialized team—each a skilled craftsman and musician—works with precision, using advanced measuring equipment and design software. This, along with close collaboration with renowned musicians, allows Ricco Kuhn to craft orchestral instruments that offer reliability and complete artistic freedom.

Our favorite cases for the Ricco Kühn W 283

Marcus Bonna MB-SD

Marcus Bonna MB-9

Marcus Bonna MB-8

Marcus Bonna MB-7

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

• Type: Double Horn
• Key of Instrument: F/Bb
• Body Material: Yellow Brass
• Bell Flare Material: Yellow Brass
• Outer Slide material: Nickel Silver
• Inner Slide material: Nickel Silver
• Leadpipe material: Gold Brass
• Lever Action: String
• Bell throat size: Medium with Medium ML2 Flare
• Bore Size: 12 mm / 0.472"
• Bell Type: Detachable with Kühn screw ring
• Finish: Unlacquered
  
• Water key: One Lever-type on leadpipe
• Country of Origin: Germany
• Care Kit Included
• No Case Included
  

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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Comparable Horns

Ricco Kühn W 293 F/Bb Double Horn

Ricco Kühn W 293 Innovation F/Bb Double Horn

Yamaha 871DU Double Horn

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!