French Horn Accessories

French Horn Accessories Explained in Plain English

There are thousands of accessories made for the French Horn player.

Here's a list of the six we recommend, and why!

1. Mouthpiece Brush

Regularly cleaning your mouthpiece is the best way to avoid unhealthy germs, build-up and odors. Use a mouthpiece brush, soap, and warm water to keep your mouthpiece clean and free blowing - never let a dirty mouthpiece impede your sound!

2. Rotor Oil

Horn rotors are machined to thousanths of an inch tolerance. To make sure everything is moving smoothly, and to keep an airtight seal, the right lubricant is a must. If the Horn isn't played for a while, the oil can dry up and the rotors may stick or seal improperly. A few drops of rotor oil can improve the speed and articulation of your play.

3. Polishing Cloth

Most french horns are lacquered at the factory. Each time you play, however, dust and oils from your hands accumulate on the outside, and should be wiped off. This is mainly a cosmetic issue, and almost any non-abrasive cloth will help. There are specially formulated polishing cloths for silver plated or lacquer finishes. If you're spending all this time learning to play, at least let your horn look good as well!

4. French Horn Stand

A french horn stand keeps your instrument securely in an upright position, and ready to be picked up (and played) at a moment's notice. If you're playing with a band in public or in school, the french horn stand is essential to safely hold your horn when you're not playing. One accidental drop of your horn can cost 5 to 10 times the price of the best stand. When not in use, most horn stands easily for up for portability!

5. Music Stand

Sure, you can put music on the kitchen table and practice - but, you'll be hunched over, your neck will be constricted, and you'll have trouble blowing out a free and powerful sound. (Some of this can even lead to back and neck pain or injury!) A music stand is designed to adjust to the correct height and to hold the music securely at a comfortable angle. Using music stand is a great way to avoid bad habits, develop proper posture, and improve your playing. It's a 'must-have' at home!!

6. Tuner

There's a lot to learn when beginning the French Horn, and unfortunately, many students master the notes and scales without developing an ear for pitch. A chromatic tuner has a built-in microphone, and a small display with a needle that swings to the right or left if you play a note too sharp or flat. Most tuners also display the note being played. If you're playing alone, you may not notice that you're a little out of tune...but once you join a band or orchestra, your peers will let you know right away! Practicing with a tuner will keep you on the straight and narrow, and help you to "hear" slight differences in pitch.

McClellan Music House stocks a full line of accessories for the student to professional musician. Choose from our extensive assortment of reeds, mouthpieces, mutes, cases, strings, drum sticks, music stands, books, and much more!

Anything that makes it easier and more enjoyable to practice is a great investment. Here are the accessories that are most commonly purchased with your instrument:

Keep in Tune, Keep in Time:

Metronones
Tuners