AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Tenor Horns for Advanced 2026
The top pick is Miraphone 47WL4 11000 G050 Bb-Tenorhorn ($8,192). Melton MAT24 Bb-Tenorhorn gives you the most for the money at $6,508. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 24 models across 7 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 20, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Weight2.76 kg
This Miraphone 47WL4 is a serious instrument, built for professional players or dedicated advanced students seeking a truly refined sound. The gold brass construction and conical rotary valves create a rich, dark tone that's fantastic for orchestral and solo work. It’s a premium-priced horn that delivers a top-tier experience.
Pros
- Gold brass body delivers a rich, warm, and resonant tone.
- Minibal thrust rod valves offer exceptionally smooth and fast action.
- Conical rotary valves provide a darker, more complex harmonic series.
Cons
- The weight (2.76 kg) can be fatiguing for younger or smaller players.
- High-end price point puts it out of reach for many student musicians.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,192 now$8,192€7,298 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight3.14 kg
This Miraphone 47WL4 is a serious instrument built for the seasoned tenor horn player. The gold brass construction and Loimayr design give it a commanding presence and beautiful sound – perfect for soloists and professionals needing a top-tier horn. It's a substantial instrument, both in sound and feel.
Pros
- Gold brass body delivers a rich, resonant, and focused tone.
- Loimayr design provides excellent projection and responsiveness across the range.
- Minibal thrust rod ensures smooth, reliable valve action for fast playing.
Cons
- The weight (3.14 kg) will be fatiguing for younger or less experienced players.
- The premium-priced tag makes it a significant investment for most.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$9,988 now$9,988€8,898 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This Melton is a serious horn – built for professionals and advanced students. The Alexander Wurz design gives it incredible power and a really beautiful, focused sound. If you need a tenor horn that can cut through a large ensemble and handle demanding passages, this is a top contender.
Pros
- Gold brass bell delivers a warm, resonant, and focused tone.
- Alexander Wurz design provides exceptional projection and responsiveness.
- Heavy, black nickel plating offers superior durability and a premium aesthetic.
Cons
- The instrument's weight will be a challenge for younger or smaller players.
- Premium-priced, making it a significant investment for most players.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,192 now$8,192€7,298 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This Miraphone 47WL4 is a serious instrument, built for the professional tenor horn player or dedicated student striving for top-tier performance. The Loimayr design delivers a uniquely responsive feel, and the gold brass body produces a rich, resonant tone that’s immediately captivating. It's an investment, but the sound and playability are truly exceptional.
Pros
- Exceptional projection and warmth thanks to gold brass construction
- Loimayr model offers a remarkably responsive and agile feel
- Minibal linkage and conical rotary valves ensure smooth, precise intonation
Cons
- The wide bell design can be unwieldy for smaller players or tight spaces
- Premium-priced, making it a significant investment for most musicians
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$9,202 now$9,202€8,198 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This Miraphone 47WL4 is a serious instrument for the seasoned tenor hornist. The Loimayr model offers incredible projection and a beautifully warm tone, perfect for solo work and demanding orchestral passages. It’s a top-tier horn built to last, and a true joy to play.
Pros
- Exceptional projection with warm, resonant low register
- Gold brass body delivers rich, complex tonal color
- Loimayr design provides superb responsiveness and intonation
Cons
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most players
- The wide bell design can feel unwieldy for smaller players
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,743 now$7,743€6,898 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Kühnl & Hoyer T13/14 Royal G is a beautifully crafted tenor horn, built for serious players and professionals. The gold brass and unique bore combination yield a rich, focused tone that sits beautifully in an ensemble, and the build quality is simply superb. It's a top-tier instrument ideal for soloists and those seeking a refined, professional sound.
Pros
- Gold brass construction delivers exceptional tonal warmth and projection
- 13/14mm bore offers a responsive, versatile playing experience
- Royal Line oval design enhances resonance and intonation accuracy
Cons
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most players
- The larger bell (260mm) can feel unwieldy for smaller players
33AudioFu
Index↑ 8.6%since Aug 17$7,235 · Aug 17$7,855 now$7,855€6,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight3.2 kg
The Melton MW139 is a seriously well-made tenor horn, built on a classic design and with quality materials. It’s got that rich, full Egerländer sound you're after, and the mechanics are smooth and responsive. This is a top-tier choice for experienced players in traditional ensembles, or anyone seeking a premium instrument with a distinctive voice.
Pros
- Gold brass construction delivers a warm, resonant tone with excellent projection
- The 14.0mm bore provides a full, powerful sound ideal for Egerländer and orchestral settings
- M-shaft and 3B linkage system enhance ergonomics and playing comfort for extended periods
Cons
- The 3.14 kg weight can be fatiguing for younger or smaller players
- The narrow nickel silver rim might not suit all players' embouchures or preferred tone
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,733 now$6,733€5,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight3.5 kg
The Melton MAT24 is a seriously refined tenor horn – the MeisterArtin line always delivers. It’s got that warm, full German sound, thanks to the gold brass bell and conical bore. If you’re a professional or advanced student looking for top-tier quality and exceptional projection for classical or orchestral work, this horn is worth a close look.
Pros
- Gold brass bell delivers a rich, resonant, and projecting tone.
- MeisterArtin series offers exceptional build quality and refined ergonomics.
- 3B linkage enhances response and intonation accuracy across the range.
Cons
- Premium-priced, making it a significant investment for most players.
- Weight of 3.5 kg can be tiring for younger or smaller players during long sessions.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,508 now$6,508€5,798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This Miraphone 47WL4 is a serious instrument for the discerning tenor horn player—orchestral, solo, or advanced student. The Loimayr design and gold brass construction provide a beautifully resonant and controlled sound, and the Minibal linkage makes it remarkably responsive. It's a top-tier choice for those prioritizing professional-level quality and performance.
Pros
- Gold brass body delivers a rich, warm tonal character.
- Miraphone’s Minibal linkage enhances valve speed and precision.
- Conical rotary valves offer smooth, reliable action and intonation.
Cons
- The weight will be a factor for younger or smaller players.
- The wide design might feel bulky for some players’ hands.
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,396 now$6,396€5,698 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Melton MWT24 is a serious instrument for the discerning tenor hornist. Its robust build, exceptional response, and rich tone make it a joy to play, especially for professionals and advanced students seeking a truly premium experience. It's a workhorse horn built to last.
Pros
- Gold brass construction delivers a warm, resonant, and projecting tone.
- Continuous impetus system provides exceptional response and intonation stability.
- Double Unibal rotary valves ensure incredibly smooth and fast valve action.
Cons
- The 14.5mm bore might feel a little large for smaller players.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most musicians.
40AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,396 now$6,396€5,698 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 24 tenor horns
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Miraphone 47 0700 Bb-TenorhornMiraphone · 2 finishes64Stable$5,274€4,698$5,274€4,698Check ↗
- 12
Thomann EP 1 Bb-TenorhornThomann · 2 finishes61Stable$498€444$498€444Check ↗
- 13
Thomann KEP 314 Kids Bb-TenorhornThomann53Stable$498€444$498€444Check ↗
- 14
Cerveny CTH 521-3 Bb-TenorhornCerveny50Stable$2,554€2,275$2,554€2,275Check ↗
- 15
Miraphone 47WL 11000 Bb-TenorhornMiraphone42Stable$5,835€5,198$5,835€5,198Check ↗
- 16
Miraphone 47WL4 07000 Bb-TenorhornMiraphone42Stable$6,004€5,349$6,004€5,349Check ↗
- 17
B&S 32/2-L Bb-TenorhornB&S39Stable$3,141€2,798$3,141€2,798Check ↗
- 18
B&S 3032/2-L Bb-TenorhornB&S39Stable$3,658€3,259$3,658€3,259Check ↗
- 19
B&S 33/2-L Bb-TenorhornB&S39Stable$4,263€3,798$4,263€3,798Check ↗
- 20
B&S 3033/2-L Bb-TenorhornB&S39Stable$4,488€3,998$4,488€3,998Check ↗
- 21
Josef Lidl Bb-Tenor Horn LTH 721-3Josef Lidl38Stable$3,018€2,689$3,018€2,689Check ↗
- 22
Josef Lidl Bb-Tenor Horn LTH 521-4Josef Lidl38Stable$3,232€2,879$3,232€2,879Check ↗
- 23
Josef Lidl Bb-Tenor Horn LTH 721-4Josef Lidl38Stable$3,501€3,119$3,501€3,119Check ↗
- 24
Kühnl & Hoyer 775/3G Bb-TenorhornKühnl & Hoyer37Stable$5,809€5,175$5,809€5,175Check ↗
Tenor Horns by the numbers
Measured across all 27 models we track, not a sample.
Median $5,809 — half of all tenor horns here cost less.
median of 9 models · 2.45 kg–3.2 kg
How to choose the best tenor horns
Valve Action
Advanced players need buttery smooth valve action with minimal slop. Stiff valves kill articulation and make complex passages feel like a fight. We're talking about valves that respond instantly to the slightest pressure - crucial for fast runs and subtle dynamic shifts.
Bell Profile & Material
The bell isn't just for show. A wider, more open bell generally produces a darker, richer tone with more low-end thump, great for cutting through a rock mix. Brass alloys like yellow brass or red brass influence the tone's brightness and projection; you want something that complements your playing style.
Leadpipe Design
The leadpipe is a huge factor in response and tone color. A well-designed leadpipe will offer a more immediate response and better airflow, leading to increased projection and a more centered tone. It's often a subtle difference, but it's the difference between a horn that feels like an extension of your breath and one that fights you.
Tuning Stability & Intonation
Let's be honest, cheap horns are often a tuning nightmare. Advanced players demand consistent intonation across the range, especially when playing with other musicians. This means careful attention to bore design and key placement.
Overall Ergonomics & Neck Profile
Comfort matters, especially during long gigs. The neck profile needs to feel natural in your hands, allowing for comfortable finger placement and easy access to all the registers. A poorly designed neck can lead to fatigue and hinder your playing.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're past the beginner horn and chasing something more. You want that effortless response, the ability to really sing a line, and a horn that can handle the dynamic range of a gig - whether it's a smoky jazz club or a brass band on a parade route. Finding the right tenor horn at that level isn't about flashy marketing; it's about nailing the feel and the tonal character that'll let you do what you need to do. Let's break down what's worth considering.
Don't get swayed by fancy finishes or marketing buzzwords. Pay attention to the feel - try before you buy if you can. A slightly darker, more complex tone often translates better than a bright, piercing sound that fatiguing to play and harsh to listen to.
Be prepared to invest; a truly responsive horn with excellent intonation isn't cheap, and corners get cut on valve quality and material to save money - and you'll feel it.
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 27 tenor 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 tenor horn and a baritone horn?
Technically, they're the same instrument, just different naming conventions. In the UK and Europe, it's a tenor horn; in the US, it's usually a baritone horn. The tuning is the same (Bb), but the mouthpiece size and sometimes the bell size can vary slightly.
I'm used to a student model horn. What should I expect in the transition?
The biggest difference will be the increased complexity and responsiveness. It will require a more controlled embouchure and breath support. You'll also likely notice a wider range of tonal possibilities - both good and bad; you'll need to learn to dial them in.
What mouthpiece should I use with a new tenor horn?
That's entirely dependent on your playing style and the horn itself. Start with a medium-facing mouthpiece (around 3C or 4C) and experiment. Don't be afraid to try different sizes and shapes to find what works best for you.
Are there any horns that are particularly good for recording?
Generally, horns with a darker, more focused tone are better for recording - you want to avoid anything overly bright or harsh. Horns with a more controlled breakup and a good amount of sustain can really shine in a studio setting.
Is it worth having a horn professionally serviced before buying?
Absolutely. Even a well-maintained horn can benefit from a checkup - valve alignment, cleaning, and minor adjustments can make a huge difference in playability and intonation. It's an investment that'll pay off in the long run.
