AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Parforce Horns 2026
The top pick is Kühnl & Hoyer 1309 KL Bb-Parforcehorn ($840). Kühnl & Hoyer 1315 L Eb/Bb-Parforcehorn leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 15 models across 2 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 21, 2026
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All Parforce HornsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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The Kühnl & Hoyer 1309 KL is a surprisingly capable hunting horn, offering a rich, resonant tone and decent playability. It's a fantastic choice for traditional hunts, historical reenactments, or anyone wanting a unique, characterful brass instrument. While it's not a substitute for a full-fledged horn, it’s a great entry point into the world of Parforcehorns.
Pros
- Solid Bb intonation, surprisingly responsive for a hunting horn
- Green artificial leather provides a comfortable, secure grip
- Clear lacquer finish highlights the horn's brass construction beautifully
Cons
- Limited dynamic range compared to modern brass instruments
- The Bb key can feel a little cramped for larger hands
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$840 now$840€749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The 1310 KL is a fantastic entry point into the world of Parforce horns. It's well-made, offers surprisingly good intonation for the style, and looks the part with its green faux leather. Ideal for hunters, historical reenactors, or anyone wanting a unique, traditional sound.
Pros
- Excellent intonation across the range for a hunting horn.
- Kühnl & Hoyer's craftsmanship ensures robust, reliable construction.
- The silver-plated mouthpiece provides a warm, responsive tone.
Cons
- The faux leather covering, while functional, isn't a premium feel.
- Weight can be tiring for extended playing, especially for younger players.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$874 now$874€779 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Kühnl & Hoyer 1309 L is a beautifully crafted hunting horn, perfect for traditional hunts, historical reenactments, or anyone who appreciates a distinctive, resonant sound. Its leather wrap provides a unique look and feel, while the solid construction promises years of reliable use. It’s a premium-priced instrument offering excellent value for a dedicated enthusiast.
Pros
- Genuine leather wrap adds a unique, classic aesthetic appeal.
- Kühnl & Hoyer's quality construction ensures robust, reliable performance.
- Single loop design provides manageable size and ease of handling.
Cons
- Leather wrapping requires careful maintenance to prevent cracking and drying.
- Parforce horns are inherently limited in tonal versatility compared to other brass instruments.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$919 now$919€819 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This Kühnl & Hoyer Parforcehorn is a beautifully crafted instrument, perfect for traditional hunting calls and ceremonial music. The leather wrap feels fantastic, and the sound is rich and resonant. It's a great entry point into the world of hunting horns for those seeking an authentic, premium-priced experience.
Pros
- Genuine leather wrap provides exceptional grip and a classic aesthetic.
- The double loop design offers improved ergonomics for extended playing.
- Silver-plated mouthpiece enhances tone and responsiveness noticeably.
Cons
- The Bb tuning limits versatility compared to horns in other keys.
- Leather wrapping requires occasional conditioning to prevent drying and cracking.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$941 now$941€839 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This Kühnl & Hoyer 1312 KL is a well-made, approachable Parforce horn. It's ideal for hunters, historical reenactors, or anyone wanting to experience the traditional sound of a hunting horn without a huge investment. The double loop design gives it a lovely, resonant character.
Pros
- Excellent intonation for a hunting horn, surprisingly responsive.
- Kühnl & Hoyer’s build quality shines; robust and reliable.
- The green faux leather provides a unique, classic aesthetic.
Cons
- Eb tuning limits versatility compared to other hunting horn keys.
- The weight (around 11 lbs) can be tiring for extended playing.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$975 now$975€869 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This horn feels great to hold thanks to the soft leather wrap and the sturdy double loop. The silver-plated mouthpiece gives you a bright tone right out of the box. It suits players who want a classic look with easy handling, though the missing weight info makes it hard to judge comfort.
Pros
- Genuine leather wrap feels soft on the player's hands
- Double loop design helps with comfortable playing angles
- Silver-plated mouthpiece ensures a bright and clear tone
Cons
- Leather wrap can wear down quickly with heavy use
- No weight listed makes handling feel uncertain
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,109 now$1,109€989 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This Dotzauer 18215 is a beautifully crafted Parforce horn, offering a genuine historical feel and excellent projection. It's perfect for historically informed performance, hunting traditions, or players seeking a unique, focused sound—just be aware it’s not your go-to for standard orchestral repertoire.
Pros
- Excellent intonation for a natural horn design.
- The genuine leather green wrap offers a comfortable, traditional feel.
- Solid brass construction ensures durability and a warm tonal core.
Cons
- The single loop design limits dynamic range compared to double-coil horns.
- Parforce horns are inherently less versatile than modern orchestral horns.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,199 now$1,199€1,069 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This Dotzauer 18315 is a beautifully crafted Parforce horn, ideal for historical re-enactors, hunting enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to experience the unique sound of a traditional hunting horn. The robust build and comfortable leather wrap make it a pleasure to handle, and the tone is surprisingly powerful for its size. It's a premium-priced instrument offering a genuine taste of 19th-century horn playing.
Pros
- Excellent projection for hunting and outdoor calls.
- Green leather wrap offers a traditional, secure grip.
- Double loop design enhances playability and resonance.
Cons
- The large diameter (34 cm) can be unwieldy for smaller players.
- Parforce horns are inherently limited in tonal range compared to modern horns.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,255 now$1,255€1,119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This horn lets you switch keys fast with its special valve. The big loop helps the sound travel far. It comes with a silver mouthpiece and straps, but you buy the cover extra. It looks nice with its clear finish and fake leather wrap.
Pros
- Quick switch valve changes keys instantly.
- Large 430 mm inner loop aids projection.
- Faux leather wrapping protects the horn well.
Cons
- No specific weight listed for the horn.
- Water keys are only two, not four.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,535 now$1,535€1,369 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This Kühnl & Hoyer Parforcehorn is a beautifully crafted instrument, offering a unique blend of traditional hunting horn sound and modern playing conveniences. It's perfect for hunters, historical reenactors, or anyone seeking a distinctive and characterful brass instrument – especially those who appreciate a warmer, more intimate tone than a full-sized horn provides.
Pros
- Genuine leather wrap adds warmth and comfortable feel.
- Quick-switch valves offer surprisingly agile response for a hunting horn.
- Eb/Bb configuration expands tonal possibilities beyond typical horns.
Cons
- The 430mm inner loop makes it somewhat unwieldy for smaller players.
- Parforce horns inherently lack the dynamic range of orchestral horns.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,568 now$1,568€1,398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 15 parforce horns
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Dotzauer Parforce Horn in Bb 18216Dotzauer58Stable$1,603€1,429$1,603€1,429Check ↗
- 12
Dotzauer Parforce Horn in Bb 18220Dotzauer58Stable$1,973€1,759$1,973€1,759Check ↗
- 13
Dotzauer Parforce Horn Eb/Bb 18260Dotzauer58Stable$2,051€1,829$2,051€1,829Check ↗
- 14
Dotzauer Parforce Horn Eb/Bb 18265Dotzauer58Stable$2,163€1,929$2,163€1,929Check ↗
- 15
Dotzauer Parforce Horn Bb/Eb 18270Dotzauer58Stable$2,982€2,659$2,982€2,659Check ↗
Parforce Horns by the numbers
Measured across all 15 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,255 — half of all parforce horns here cost less.
How to choose the best parforce horns
Material (Brass vs. Nickel Silver)
Brass tends to offer a warmer, more mellow tone - great for softer passages and that classic hunting feel. Nickel silver gives you a brighter, more projecting sound, which can be useful for cutting through a louder ensemble, but it can also be a bit harsher if you're not careful. The material fundamentally shapes the horn's response.
Bore Size & Taper
A wider bore generally produces a bigger, rounder sound with more low-end thump. A tighter bore will be more focused and agile, but might lack that resonant depth. The taper, how the bore gradually widens, is crucial for articulation and sustain - a poorly designed taper will sound choked and uneven.
Valve Action & Feel
Parforce horns often use piston or rotary valves, and the smoothness of the action significantly impacts playability. Stiff valves create unnecessary fatigue, especially during long passages. A sloppy action introduces unwanted noise and affects intonation - you want something that feels precise and responsive.
Bell Size & Flare
The bell is the horn's megaphone. A larger bell projects more sound, but can also create a more diffused tone. The flare, the bell's outward angle, influences the horn's projection and tonal color; a wider flare generally adds warmth and depth.
Finish & Lacquer/Protective Coating
The finish isn't just about looks. A thicker lacquer can dampen the horn's vibrations, subtly altering the tone. Some players prefer raw brass for its perceived openness, but it's more susceptible to wear and corrosion. Consider your environment and playing habits when choosing a finish.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're diving into the world of Parforce horns. It's a niche, for sure, but a seriously rewarding one if you're after that authentic, hunting-horn vibe - whether you're scoring film, adding a unique texture to your orchestral work, or just want something cool to blow in the woods. These aren't your standard brass instruments; they're built for a specific sound and feel, and knowing what to look for makes all the difference. Let's break down what matters when choosing a Parforce horn.
Don't get seduced by the history or the aesthetics alone. A cheap Parforce horn will almost certainly cut corners on valve quality and bore finishing, resulting in a sluggish response and intonation issues. Spending a bit more gets you better valve action, a more consistent bore, and a finish that'll last.
Ultimately, prioritize playability and tone - it's about finding a horn that feels comfortable and inspires you to play.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 15 parforce horns from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a Parforce horn and a traditional hunting horn?
Traditional hunting horns are often simpler, single-coil instruments. Parforce horns are more complex, with valves that allow for a wider range of notes and more nuanced expression. They're essentially a refined version for musical use.
Are Parforce horns difficult to play?
They require a different embouchure and air support than a standard trumpet or horn. The larger bore and different harmonic series demand more control and breath management. It's a learning curve, but a rewarding one.
Can I use a Parforce horn for recording?
Absolutely! Their unique timbre adds a lot of character to orchestral, film, or experimental music. Just be mindful of the projection - a little goes a long way in a close-miked recording environment.
What maintenance do Parforce horns require?
Regular cleaning is essential to prevent corrosion, especially with raw brass finishes. Valve oil is crucial for smooth valve action. A good horn tech can perform more extensive maintenance like valve replacement and bore cleaning.
Are vintage Parforce horns better than modern ones?
Vintage horns can be fantastic, but they often come with issues like wear and tear, dented bells, and leaky valves. Modern horns benefit from improved manufacturing techniques, but the best vintage examples often have a unique character that's hard to replicate.
