Holton French Horn-Double, lacquer (H378)

I ordered this horn for my daughter who is graduating from High School in a few weeks. She has been extremely successful in band and has developed a talent for and a love of playing. Though not majoring in music at college, she plans to continue playing through participation in community orchestra. This is a step up from the rental instrument shes been using at school. Her first impression was of it being small and light compared to what she's used to, and the mouthpiece was a little different. One of the valves is a bit sticky, but we're looking for that to loosen up with play. Overall seems to be a very nice horn, and she's extremely happy with it.Update: (08/15/13)Unfortunately, the valve that was sticky when we received it has completely frozen - The valve was apparently defective and has now become unusable. Conn-Selmer advertises a 5-year warranty on this model, but so far I have not been successful in engaging Conn-Selmer to make arrangements for warranty service. Their web site directs the buyer to arrange for service with the dealer (in my case Woodwind and Brasswind), which I have done. But in the last week they have not heard back from Conn-Selmer either. So far I am extremely disappointed in the product and service after the sale. I have submitted a second warranty service request with Woodwind and Brasswind and Conn-Selmer and continue to await direction.Update: (09/26/13)I ultimately received a shipping label from Conn Selmer and boxed up the horn, shipping it to Ohio for service (8/23/13). I received the horn back in three weeks, repaired and fully functional. I've changed my review back up to four stars. I held back the fifth star as the horn had an initial problem, and the process for obtaining warranty service was unclear and clunky, but it did eventually result in getting the horn fixed.Update: (08/14/14)Since having the horn serviced, it has performed really well, and my daughter really enjoys having it. She joined the UNT "Green Brigade" in her first year of college and it was great for practicing at home (the band provided a marching horn for games). Great instrument and would buy again.Moreover, I've since purchased a Trumpet, Alto-Sax, and Clarinet from Woodwind and Brasswind, and get their catalog which we were looking over at breakfast this morning. They have been a great resource for us and I would wholeheartedly recommend them as a seller. Its a great way to buy instruments.

Awesome horn! We were absolutely thrilled to acquire it for my school. It just needed some oil. I have a talented student playing it. He already is playing on pitch. Doing fabulously.