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Best Alto-/Baritone Horns for Beginner 2025

Perfect alto-/baritone horns for beginner - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $800 Under $1,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Band For Brass Ensemble For Educational For Community Groups For Traditional Ensemble For Supporting Voice
BRANDS: Thomann
Thomann BR-802L Baritone Horn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Thomann BR-802L Baritone Horn

by Thomann
Educational Band Community Groups
Key Feature:
• Educational value
✓ PROS
  • • Traditional band sound
  • • Essential ensemble voice
✗ CONS
  • • May lack professional applications
  • • Limited versatility

Thomann BR-802L Baritone HornBaritone HornSuperior modelTuning: B flatBell Ø: 241.30 mm (9.5")Bore: 13.89 mm...

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 423574
$878
Buy at Thomann View Details
Thomann BR-802SL Baritone Horn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Thomann BR-802SL Baritone Horn

by Thomann
Supporting Voice Community Groups Educational
Key Feature:
• Traditional band sound
✓ PROS
  • • Affordable option
  • • Traditional band sound
✗ CONS
  • • Limited versatility
  • • Limited solo repertoire

Thomann BR-802SL Baritone HornBaritone HornSuperior modelTuning: B flatBell Ø: 241.30 mm (9.5")Bore: 13.89 mm...

⭐ 4.5/5 (13 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 423575
$934
Buy at Thomann View Details
Thomann AH 803GP Superior Alto horn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Thomann AH 803GP Superior Alto horn

by Thomann
Traditional Ensemble Educational Brass Ensemble
Key Feature:
• Educational value
✓ PROS
  • • Traditional band sound
  • • Affordable option
✗ CONS
  • • Limited solo repertoire
  • • Limited versatility

Thomann AH 803GP Superior Alto hornEb Alto Horn"Superior" model3 ValvesBore Ø: 11.80 mmBell Ø: 210.00...

⭐ 5.0/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 272477
$759
Buy at Thomann View Details
Thomann AH 403 L Alto horn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Thomann AH 403 L Alto horn

by Thomann
Educational Traditional Ensemble Community Groups
Key Feature:
• Traditional band sound
✓ PROS
  • • Traditional band sound
  • • Educational value
✗ CONS
  • • Basic instrument category
  • • Limited versatility

Thomann AH 403 L Alto HornEb- Alto Horn3 Perinet valvesBore Ø: 11.65 mm (0.459")Bell Ø: 20300 mm (8")Brass...

⭐ 4.6/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 401043
$384
Buy at Thomann View Details
Thomann AH 403 S Alto horn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Thomann AH 403 S Alto horn

by Thomann
Brass Ensemble Educational Traditional Ensemble
Key Feature:
• Essential ensemble voice
✓ PROS
  • • Essential ensemble voice
  • • Affordable option
✗ CONS
  • • Limited solo repertoire
  • • Stepping stone instrument

Thomann AH 403 S AltohornEb- Alto Horn3 Perinet valvesBore Ø: 11.65 mm (0.459")Bell Ø: 20300 mm (8")Brass...

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 401082
$438
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YAH-203 Eb- Alto Horn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Yamaha YAH-203 Eb- Alto Horn

by Yamaha
Brass Ensemble Band Community Groups
Key Feature:
• Good for intermediate players
✓ PROS
  • • Educational value
  • • Affordable option
✗ CONS
  • • Limited solo repertoire
  • • Limited versatility

Yamaha YAH-203 Eb- Alto HornEb Alto HornStraight build type3 ValvesTop actionBell Ø: 204.7 mmBore Ø: 11.73 mmGold...

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 137795
$1,825
Buy at Thomann View Details
Thomann BR 604 Baritone Horn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Thomann BR 604 Baritone Horn

by Thomann
Brass Ensemble Community Groups Educational
Key Feature:
• Educational value
✓ PROS
  • • Educational value
  • • Essential ensemble voice
✗ CONS
  • • May lack professional applications
  • • Limited solo repertoire

Thomann BR 604 Baritone HornBb Baritone Horn4 Perinet valvesarrangement 3 + 1Bore: 12.8 mmLeadpipe: Gold brassBody:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (35 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 414790
$604
Buy at Thomann View Details
Thomann BR-802GP Baritone Horn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Thomann BR-802GP Baritone Horn

by Thomann
Band Community Groups Educational
Key Feature:
• Traditional band sound
✓ PROS
  • • Affordable option
  • • Good for intermediate players
✗ CONS
  • • Limited versatility
  • • Basic instrument category

Thomann BR-802GP Baritone HornBaritone HornSuperior modelTuning: B flatBell Ø: 241.30 mm (9.5")Bore: 13.89 mm...

⭐ 4.7/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 423577
$1,044
Buy at Thomann View Details
Thomann BR 801GP Superior Baritonhorn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Thomann BR 801GP Superior Baritonhorn

by Thomann
Band Brass Ensemble Community Groups
Key Feature:
• Affordable option
✓ PROS
  • • Good for intermediate players
  • • Affordable option
✗ CONS
  • • Basic instrument category
  • • Limited versatility

Thomann BR 801GP Superior BaritonehornBb Baritone Horn"Superior" model4 ValvesArrangement: 3 + 1Bore: 12.80...

⭐ 4.9/5 (43 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 272473
$878
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YBH-301 Bb- Baritonhorn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Yamaha YBH-301 Bb- Baritonhorn

by Yamaha
Traditional Ensemble Educational Community Groups
Key Feature:
• Affordable option
✓ PROS
  • • Educational value
  • • Essential ensemble voice
✗ CONS
  • • Stepping stone instrument
  • • Limited versatility

Yamaha YBH-301 Bb- BaritonhornBaritone Horn in BGold brass3 ValvesØ 12.8 mm BoreBell diameter: 211.4 mmClear lacquer...

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 119577
$2,518
Buy at Thomann View Details
Besson BE2056 Baritone Horn S - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Besson BE2056 Baritone Horn S

by Besson
Supporting Voice Community Groups Traditional Ensemble
Key Feature:
• Educational value
✓ PROS
  • • Educational value
  • • Essential ensemble voice
✗ CONS
  • • May lack professional applications
  • • Stepping stone instrument

Besson BE2056 Baritone Horn SBaritone HornIn Bb-Bore: 13.80 mmBell diameter: 241 mm4 Stainless steel Perinet...

⭐ 4.7/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 235009
$8,028
Buy at Thomann View Details
Thomann AH-702SL Alto Horn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Thomann AH-702SL Alto Horn

by Thomann
Community Groups Band Traditional Ensemble
Key Feature:
• Educational value
✓ PROS
  • • Educational value
  • • Traditional band sound
✗ CONS
  • • Limited versatility
  • • Basic instrument category

Thomann AH-702SL Alto HornAlto HornSuperior modelTuning: E flatBell Ø: 203.2 mm (8")Bore: Large 11.94 mm...

⭐ 4.7/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 423572
$626
Buy at Thomann View Details
Thomann AH-704GP Alto Horn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Thomann AH-704GP Alto Horn

by Thomann
Community Groups Educational Brass Ensemble
Key Feature:
• Traditional band sound
✓ PROS
  • • Good for intermediate players
  • • Educational value
✗ CONS
  • • Limited versatility
  • • Basic instrument category

Thomann AH-704GP Alto HornAlto HornSuperior modelTuning: E flatBell Ø: 203.2 mm (8")Bore: Large 11.94 mm...

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 423573
$878
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YBH-621 S Bb- Baritonhorn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Yamaha YBH-621 S Bb- Baritonhorn

by Yamaha
Brass Ensemble Traditional Ensemble Supporting Voice
Key Feature:
• Educational value
✓ PROS
  • • Educational value
  • • Affordable option
✗ CONS
  • • Limited solo repertoire
  • • May lack professional applications

Yamaha YBH-621 S Bb- BaritonhornBb Baritone Horn4 Valves4th valve on the sideBore Ø 12.80 - 13.50 mmBell Ø 211.4...

⭐ 5.0/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 137800
$5,026
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YAH-203 S Eb- Althorn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Yamaha YAH-203 S Eb- Althorn

by Yamaha
Supporting Voice Brass Ensemble Traditional Ensemble
Key Feature:
• Traditional band sound
✓ PROS
  • • Traditional band sound
  • • Educational value
✗ CONS
  • • May lack professional applications
  • • Basic instrument category

Yamaha YAH-203 S Eb- AlthornEb Alto HornStraight build type3 ValvesTop actionBell Ø: 204.7 mmBore Ø: 11.73...

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 137796
$2,056
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Alto-/Baritone Horns

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced alto-/baritone horns typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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