Holton H181 Double French Horn Overview
The Holton H181 Farkas is a professional double French horn built in F/Bb and designed around the classic Farkas wrap, known for clear articulation, a supple core, and stable intonation. This example features a 12-1/4 large-throat red brass bell for a sweet, lyrical tone that supports extended orchestral solo playing, paired with nickel silver branches and a clear lacquer finish.
Holton H181 Double French Horn Specifications
- Key: F/Bb double
- Bore: .468
- Wrap: Farkas wrap
- Bell: 12-1/4 large throat red brass bell
- Branches: Nickel silver
- Slide crooks and slide tubes: Yellow brass
- Valve section: Tapered rotors and bearings
- Finish: Clear lacquer
- Case: Original hard case
- Accessories: Valve oil, hand guard, Holton Farkas MD mouthpiece
- Serial number: 654843
Condition & Setup
Preowned with few signs of use. This instrument has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested. The finish is clean and consistent, and the horn presents as a lightly handled example.
Who the H181 Double French Horn Is For
The Holton H181 is a professional F/Bb double French horn designed for orchestral, studio, and advanced solo repertoire where reliable response and consistent pitch matter. It is widely associated with the Farkas model line, and players often choose it for its clear-voiced character, easy response, and intonation that holds together across registers.
The red brass bell is a key part of what distinguishes this configuration within the H181 family, lending a sweeter, more lyrical color that supports exposed orchestral passages and long, singing lines while retaining the projection required in section work.
Common Questions About The Holton H181
Is the Holton H181 a professional double horn?
Yes. The H181 is a full F/Bb double French horn from Holton’s Farkas model line, built with pro-standard features such as a double-valve system, tapered rotors and bearings, and the Farkas wrap.
What does the red brass bell change about the sound?
A red brass bell typically emphasizes a warmer, sweeter tonal color with a smooth edge, which many players prefer for lyrical solo lines and exposed orchestral horn writing.
What comes with this Holton H181?
It includes the original case plus valve oil, a hand guard, and a Holton Farkas MD mouthpiece.
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 Model H181 'Farkas' Professional Double French Horn
Holton H181 Double French Horn Overview
The Holton H181 Farkas is a professional double French horn built in F/Bb and designed around the classic Farkas wrap, known for clear articulation, a supple core, and stable intonation. This example features a 12-1/4 large-throat red brass bell for a sweet, lyrical tone that supports extended orchestral solo playing, paired with nickel silver branches and a clear lacquer finish.
Holton H181 Double French Horn Specifications
- Key: F/Bb double
- Bore: .468
- Wrap: Farkas wrap
- Bell: 12-1/4 large throat red brass bell
- Branches: Nickel silver
- Slide crooks and slide tubes: Yellow brass
- Valve section: Tapered rotors and bearings
- Finish: Clear lacquer
- Case: Original hard case
- Accessories: Valve oil, hand guard, Holton Farkas MD mouthpiece
- Serial number: 654843
Condition & Setup
Preowned with few signs of use. This instrument has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested. The finish is clean and consistent, and the horn presents as a lightly handled example.
Who the H181 Double French Horn Is For
The Holton H181 is a professional F/Bb double French horn designed for orchestral, studio, and advanced solo repertoire where reliable response and consistent pitch matter. It is widely associated with the Farkas model line, and players often choose it for its clear-voiced character, easy response, and intonation that holds together across registers.
The red brass bell is a key part of what distinguishes this configuration within the H181 family, lending a sweeter, more lyrical color that supports exposed orchestral passages and long, singing lines while retaining the projection required in section work.
Common Questions About The Holton H181
Is the Holton H181 a professional double horn?
Yes. The H181 is a full F/Bb double French horn from Holton’s Farkas model line, built with pro-standard features such as a double-valve system, tapered rotors and bearings, and the Farkas wrap.
What does the red brass bell change about the sound?
A red brass bell typically emphasizes a warmer, sweeter tonal color with a smooth edge, which many players prefer for lyrical solo lines and exposed orchestral horn writing.
What comes with this Holton H181?
It includes the original case plus valve oil, a hand guard, and a Holton Farkas MD mouthpiece.
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 Model H181 'Farkas' Professional Double French Horn
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.