What’s on My Bench? Holton H279 French Horn

A true ghost from wind history just landed on the bench! Discover the rare Bottali Brevetto Tenor Rothphone in Silver Plate—an early 20th-century Italian double-reed horn built with saxophone ergonomics. Check out our latest bench notes, photos, and a look at how this unique brass-bodied survivor bridges the gap between bassoon tone and sax fingering.

Applying a bite pad (mouthpiece patch) correctly ensures it stays securely in place and protects your mouthpiece without slipping or peeling mid-performance. Here is the step-by-step installation method shared by Matt Ambrose of Theo Wanne Mouthpieces:

Choosing a professional saxophone is less about finding the “best” horn overall and more about finding the one that perfectly fits your sound, playing style, and long-term goals. Yamaha, Yanagisawa, Selmer Paris, and Eastman all produce stage-ready professional instruments, but they approach ergonomics, aesthetics, and tonal philosophy differently. This comprehensive guide breaks down the major contemporary lines from each legendary manufacturer to help you identify the perfect match for your musical voice.