If you’re playing a French horn, you’re probably playing it because you want to learn your way around the entire range of the instrument, from the lowest pedal notes to the highest trills. To do this, you need a French horn with a good set-up, and you also need a mouthpiece that matches up to your playing style.
A good horn and a good set-up will only get you so far, though, and even with a great instrument, you’ll still need a mouthpiece that suits you. A mouthpiece can make or break your playing, and it’s one of the most important things to consider when buying a horn.
Here are our recommendations for the best French horn mouthpieces.
Our Editor’s Best French Horn Mouthpieces Reviews
- French horn mouthpiece
- 16.80mm Cup Diameter
- Well suited for all-around symphony or solo playing
- Medium Cup
- Made in the USA
- Glory Silver Plated French Horn Mouthpiece,Nickel Silver Color
- The 32C4 horn mouthpiece provides plenty of volume and a comfortable rim for easy playability.
- 17.48mm inner diameter, standard U cup
- Semi-flat rim, standard backbore
- Extra thick silver plating for added durability and longevity.
- Fits all brands and models of standard French horn.
- Horn mouthpiece is suitable for novice and professional player both.
- Horn mouthpiece is made of high-quality metal material, this product is durable to use.
- Color: Silver, Gold(Optional); Size: 65 x 26 x 7.5mm/2.55 x 1.02 x 0.29".
- Professional tuba mouthpiece design can perform rich and elegant sounds.
- Horn mouthpiece with perfect workmanship, this product is twinkling and stylish.
- French horn mouthpiece
- Deep cup
- Extra range, power, and tonal color
- Great for symphonic work or beginner development!
- Silver plated
- Durable neoprene
- Stain resistant
- Easy zipper closure
- Farkas mouthpieces offer the extra range, power and tonal color that have made them the most popular French horn mouthpieces in the world. Whether for intricate
- Sensitive and comfortable
- Good response across entire range
- Dimensions (in): 1.5 x 1.3 x 2.9
- Dual-Function Design: Cleans and protects—soft nylon bristles clear back bores while the handle shields the shank from damage.
- Built-In Protection: Designed to be stored inside the mouthpiece, preventing dents to the shank when not in use.
- Gentle Yet Effective: Soft nylon bristles safely remove moisture and debris from the back bore without scratching.
- Everyday Maintenance Made Easy: Leave the brush in your mouthpiece between uses to keep it clean and protected.
- Perfect Fit for French Horns: Specifically designed for French horn mouthpieces—an essential tool for brass players.
- Offers a balanced option that is very adaptable to both the younger player and the professional needing a stronger upper register with a large rim diameter, standard rim contour, cup, and smaller bore
- [ALL-INCLUSIVE KIT] Everything you need for instrument maintenance: Sturdy mouthpiece brush, valve brush, flexible bore brush, lint-free microfiber cleaning cloth, lubricating valve oil, and long-lasting tuning slide grease.
- [HIGH QUALITY] Durable, odorless & safe! We carefully choose the best materials for production using specially blended lubricating oil from Japan. Our care kit effectively extends the longevity of your horn’s life, keeping your instrument clean and healthy.
- [SAVE MONEY] Libretto listens to our customer’s needs. We strive to keep improving the kit to make it both high-quality and cost-effective.
- [NECESSITIES & GIFT] The Libretto care kit has everything for each student, musician, or music lover's maintenance needs. Comes with a light, handy hanging case and universally fits most name brand French horns. It is a perfect gift for students at school or at home.
- [USER-FRIENDLY INSTRUCTIONS] It's not only important to know how to play your horn, but also know how to clean it. Libretto provides a comprehensive instruction manual with every kit. With just few steps, your horn will be looking like new! Make sure to clean your horns at least every month or two!
Best French Horn Mouthpieces Buying Guide
Before choosing the best French horn mouthpieces you should consider following options:
1. Bore Size: The bore size of the mouthpiece affects the tone quality and response of the instrument. It’s important to select a mouthpiece that matches the bore size of your horn.
It’s common to see a range of bore sizes in horns made from the same manufacturer. For example, a Heckel-style horn may have a smaller bore size, while a Bach-style horn may have a larger bore size.
This means the same manufacturer may produce a variety of horn models with different bore sizes. In this case, you may need to purchase multiple mouthpieces to match your horn.
2. Cup Depth: The mouthpiece cup depth affects the overall sound of your horn. A larger cup depth will produce a darker tone, while a shallow cup will produce a brighter sound.
The overall volume is also affected by the cup depth. A shallower cup will produce a quieter sound, while a deeper cup will produce a louder sound.
3. Rim: The rim diameter of your mouthpiece will affect the overall response of the horn. A smaller rim diameter will produce a quicker response, while a larger rim diameter will produce a slower response.
4. Rim Shape: The shape of the rim will affect the tone quality and response. You can purchase a “barrier” rim, which will produce a brighter tone, or a “cup” rim, which will produce a darker tone.
5. Backbore: The backbore of the mouthpiece will affect the overall response of the horn. A larger backbore will produce a slower response, while a smaller backbore will produce a quicker response.
It’s important to note that while the backbore affects the response of the horn, it has the greatest impact on the overall tone quality of the horn.
6. Material: The material of the mouthpiece will affect the tone quality and response of the horn. Common materials include plastic, rubber, and hard rubber.
Each material has a unique effect on the tone quality of the horn, although rubber and hard rubber produce a faster response than plastic.
What else you should know about french horn mouthpieces
1. What are the best french horn mouthpieces?
The best french horn mouthpieces are those that fit the player’s individual mouth anatomy and help them produce the desired sound. There is no one “best” mouthpiece for all french horn players.
2. What are the differences between french horn mouthpieces?
There are many differences between french horn mouthpieces. Some of the more notable differences include the size of the cup, the size of the throat, the size of the bore, and the shape of the rim. Each of these factors can affect the way the mouthpiece sounds and feels.
3. How do I choose the right french horn mouthpiece for me?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the best french horn mouthpiece for you will ultimately depend on your individual playing style and preferences. However, there are a few general tips that can help you choose the right mouthpiece for your needs:
-Start by considering the size and shape of your mouth. Different mouthpieces will offer different levels of comfort and support, so it’s important to find one that fits well.
-Think about the type of sound you want to produce. Some mouthpieces will produce a brighter, more piercing sound while others will be more mellow and round.
-Consider the overall quality of the mouthpiece. cheaper mouthpieces may be more likely to warp or break over time, so it’s important to choose one that is made from high-quality materials.
4. What are the best techniques for playing with a french horn mouthpiece?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different french horn players may have different preferences. However, some tips that may be helpful include making sure that the lips are relaxed and positioned correctly on the mouthpiece, and using a moderate amount of air pressure. It is also important to ensure that the tongue is positioned correctly in the mouth, and that any notes that are played are in tune.
5. How can I care for my french horn mouthpiece?
The best way to care for your french horn mouthpiece is to regularly clean it with warm water and a mild soap. You should also avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives on it, as these can damage the finish.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best french horn mouthpieces. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best french horn mouthpieces will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.