AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Parforce Horns Under $2,000 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 12 models across 2 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 21, 2026
Top 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 12 parforce horns
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
Parforce Horns by the numbers
Measured across all 12 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,199 — half of all parforce horns here cost less.
How to choose the best parforce horns
Material & Construction
Most under $2000 will be brass (typically a nickel-silver alloy), but the quality of the brazing and overall construction matters. Look for consistent seams and a solid feel - cheap horns can feel flimsy and prone to leaks.
Tuning & Intonation
Parforce horns aren't about pinpoint accuracy like a modern trumpet, but wild intonation problems will make them unplayable. We're looking for something reasonably close to the intended pitch across the range, even if it's a bit 'rustic'.
Tone & Projection
That characteristic 'fat midrange honk' is what you're after. Lower-priced horns can be thin or overly bright, lacking the depth and sustain to really cut through the mix. Projection is key for outdoor use; a horn that sounds great in your living room won't do you much good in a field.
Valve Action & Response
Valves should be relatively smooth and responsive. Stiff valves will fight you and impact articulation, especially when trying to play those hunting calls. Sloppy valves will introduce unwanted noise and compromise the horn's reliability.
Finish & Durability
Let's be honest, these horns are often used outdoors, so a durable finish is a plus. Cheap chrome plating can flake off quickly, so look for something that seems reasonably well-protected - even if it's just a clear coat over the brass.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're chasing that authentic Parforce horn vibe - that resonant, almost primal sound - but you're not looking to mortgage the house to get it. Finding a genuinely good Parforce horn under $2000 takes some digging, because a lot of what's out there is either cheap plastic or wildly overpriced. This isn't about collecting museum pieces; it's about getting something that'll sound decent in a field setting or add some character to a studio recording without breaking the bank.
At this price point, you're trading off something somewhere. Don't expect a hand-hammered masterpiece; you're looking for a well-made, playable horn. Valve quality is often the first thing to suffer - stiff valves are a common complaint.
Also, be realistic about the finish; expect some minor cosmetic blemishes. Focus on the fundamental tone and playability - those are the things that will matter when you're actually using the horn.
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 12 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 hunting horn?
Historically, 'Parforce horn' is a specific type of hunting horn used in 18th and 19th century European hunts, often longer and with a more complex bore. 'Hunting horn' is a broader term. Most horns sold today marketed as Parforce horns are replicas or inspired by the originals, and the distinction is often blurred.
Can I use a Parforce horn for marching band?
Probably not. The tone is too 'characterful' and the tuning is too loose for precision marching. They're designed for outdoor signaling, not tight ensemble work.
Are used horns a good option?
Absolutely. You can often find better-quality horns for less money on the used market. Just be sure to inspect the valves and bore for damage before buying.
What's the deal with different bore sizes?
Bore size affects the horn's tone and projection. Larger bores generally produce a darker, more powerful sound, while smaller bores tend to be brighter and more focused. Experiment to see what suits your style and playing environment.
Are there any brands I should specifically look for?
Brands like Kunert and Schilke sometimes offer models that dip below $2000, but availability fluctuates. Otherwise, research specific models and read reviews; there are smaller manufacturers producing decent horns in this price range, but consistency can be an issue.
