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The Holton H181 Farkas is an established professional double horn built around the traditional Kruspe-wrap concept. The Farkas line has long been respected by orchestral and advanced horn players for its broad tonal palette, centered feel, and substantial sound. This instrument retains the classic fixed-bell H181 configuration.
Holton H181 Farkas Double French Horn Specifications
- Instrument Type: Professional double French horn
- Key: F/Bb reversible
- Wrap: Kruspe
- Bore Size: .468 inch
- Bell: 12.25-inch large-throat bronze bell
- Finish: Clear lacquer
- Valve Mechanism: Four tapered rotary valves with string linkage
- Case: Fitted black C.G. Conn hard case
- Serial Number: 654843
Condition & Setup
This used horn is in excellent playing order and has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested. It is in excellent cosmetic condition overall, with a highly polished presentation and only faint hairline marks around the bell engraving. The exterior components are complete and intact. A fitted black C.G. Conn hard case is included and shows light normal handling wear.
Who the H181 Farkas Double French Horn Is For
The H181 is suited to professional players, advanced students, and serious ensemble musicians seeking the broad, warm tonal profile associated with a large-throat Kruspe-style horn. Its tonal weight and centered character are well matched to orchestral, wind ensemble, chamber, and conservatory settings. Players who prefer the lighter response and more compact tonal concept associated with many Geyer-wrap horns may favor a different design.
Common Questions About the Holton H181
How does the H181 differ from the Holton H281?
The H181 uses a fixed bell, while the closely related H281 uses a detachable bell. Both belong to Holton's professional Farkas series and share the large-throat bronze-bell tonal concept.
What does the large-throat bronze bell contribute?
The large-throat bronze bell supports the broad, warm, substantial tonal profile associated with the H181. It is a useful choice for players who want tonal depth and color across orchestral dynamics.
What does reversible F/Bb mean?
The reversible change-valve configuration allows a technician to configure the horn to stand in F or Bb when the thumb lever is not engaged, according to the player's preference.
We are proud to be an authorized Holton dealer
In stock! Ships within 1-2 business days.
30-day risk-free trial
2-Year Warranty
Complimentary shipping for all U.S. orders over $99
Holton H181 'Farkas' Professional Double French Horn in Clear Lacquer
Holton H181 Farkas Double French Horn Overview
The Holton H181 Farkas is an established professional double horn built around the traditional Kruspe-wrap concept. The Farkas line has long been respected by orchestral and advanced horn players for its broad tonal palette, centered feel, and substantial sound. This instrument retains the classic fixed-bell H181 configuration.
Holton H181 Farkas Double French Horn Specifications
- Instrument Type: Professional double French horn
- Key: F/Bb reversible
- Wrap: Kruspe
- Bore Size: .468 inch
- Bell: 12.25-inch large-throat bronze bell
- Finish: Clear lacquer
- Valve Mechanism: Four tapered rotary valves with string linkage
- Case: Fitted black C.G. Conn hard case
- Serial Number: 654843
Condition & Setup
This used horn is in excellent playing order and has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested. It is in excellent cosmetic condition overall, with a highly polished presentation and only faint hairline marks around the bell engraving. The exterior components are complete and intact. A fitted black C.G. Conn hard case is included and shows light normal handling wear.
Who the H181 Farkas Double French Horn Is For
The H181 is suited to professional players, advanced students, and serious ensemble musicians seeking the broad, warm tonal profile associated with a large-throat Kruspe-style horn. Its tonal weight and centered character are well matched to orchestral, wind ensemble, chamber, and conservatory settings. Players who prefer the lighter response and more compact tonal concept associated with many Geyer-wrap horns may favor a different design.
Common Questions About the Holton H181
How does the H181 differ from the Holton H281?
The H181 uses a fixed bell, while the closely related H281 uses a detachable bell. Both belong to Holton's professional Farkas series and share the large-throat bronze-bell tonal concept.
What does the large-throat bronze bell contribute?
The large-throat bronze bell supports the broad, warm, substantial tonal profile associated with the H181. It is a useful choice for players who want tonal depth and color across orchestral dynamics.
What does reversible F/Bb mean?
The reversible change-valve configuration allows a technician to configure the horn to stand in F or Bb when the thumb lever is not engaged, according to the player's preference.
We are proud to be an authorized Holton dealer
Pairs well with
In stock! Ships within 1-2 business days.
30-day risk-free trial
2-Year Warranty
Complimentary shipping for all U.S. orders over $99

Holton H181 'Farkas' Professional Double French Horn in Clear Lacquer
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, within 24 hours on weekdays.
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Shipping Information
Orders valued over $99 ship via FedEx 2-Day within the U.S. and via DHL internationally. A physical address (no P.O. Boxes) and signature are required. Smaller accessories ship via USPS (2–5 day service) and do not require a signature if valued under $99. Please see our FAQ for additional details.
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Return Policy
We offer an unconditional 30-day return policy to ensure you’re completely satisfied. If you’re unhappy for any reason, return the item for a full refund or full exchange credit (reeds and other consumables are non-returnable once opened). Every instrument we sell is guaranteed to be free of mechanical defects—if an issue arises, contact us and we’ll either reimburse a local repair or provide a prepaid return label for repair, exchange, or refund. If you simply change your mind, you may still return the item for a full refund, but return shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility unless free returns were purchased through Redo at checkout. Please see our FAQ for additional details.
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Shop Warranty:
Brand new items are covered by the full manufacturer’s warranty unless otherwise noted (see the individual maker for details). Open box/refurbished, used, and vintage items include a two-year warranty serviced by our in-house repair shop, and we guarantee every instrument will be free of mechanical defects. Warranty coverage does not include damage from accident, misuse, negligence, improper operation, unauthorized alterations or removed serial numbers, normal wear and routine maintenance, environmental damage (including perspiration, corrosion, or extreme temperature and humidity), lacquer or plating wear, or consumable parts such as springs, pads, and felts. Please see our FAQ for additional details.
