Buy English horn

Buy an English Horn

The English horn is a musical instrument belonging to the woodwind group, specifically to the oboe family, whose timbre is somewhat sharper, nasal, and covered compared to that of the oboe. After the oboe, it is the most played instrument in this family, especially in concert music and symphonic orchestras. If you are interested in buying an English horn, at La Musa Instrumentos, we offer you the best models.

The English horn likely gets its name from a linguistic deformation that occurred in France, where its modern version was invented. It is presumed that the original term was anglé (in French, curved) due to its particular shape. At some point, this alias became distorted to anglais (in French, English).

Characteristics of the English Horn

The English horn consists of a conical tube that widens at the end opposite the mouthpiece. In this last part, the performer produces an oscillation on a double reed, which vibrates the air contained in the tube, generating its peculiar sound. 

It is made up of a trio of pieces or parts that fit together using types of pins covered in cork. These pieces are:

• Upper body or head, where the left hand is placed and the reed is fitted.
• Lower body or middle part, where the right hand is positioned.
• Bell, which is the widened extension of the previous one.

Unlike the oboe, the English horn is a transposing instrument, meaning that the note read in the score is not the same as what actually sounds. This is because its register is situated five notes below, compared to that of the conventional oboe. Therefore, if the oboe is considered the soprano of this family, the English horn is the alto of this group.

Types of English Horns

English horns are classified into the following categories based on the type of key mechanism used.

• Automatic English horn, which features two octave keys, providing much flexibility in terms of fingering. However, its execution requires greater technical mastery.
• Semi-automatic English horn, which has a single octave key, simplifying its execution but restricting fingering flexibility.

What is the Role of the English Horn in the Orchestra or Band?

Similar to the oboe, the role of the English horn in orchestras is to carry the melody. Depending on the composition of the piece, it can either accompany the oboes or generate a dialogue with the flutes. Outside the orchestral field, this instrument is rarely used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below we share some frequently asked questions that our customers usually ask.

What is the difference between the oboe and the English horn?

The main difference between the oboe and the English horn is that while the former is not a transposing instrument, the latter is. Another difference is the timbre, which in the English horn is sharper and more nasal than that of the oboe.

What is the best English horn for a beginner?

It is recommended to start learning with a semi-automatic English horn, as its fingering technique is much simpler than that of an automatic one.  A good beginner English horn is the Cabart X3 English Horn, which offers a high value for money and is also very robust.

How much does an English horn cost?

The price of an English horn depends on several factors, such as its type, material, finish, and the brand that manufactures it. At La Musa Instrumentos, you can find affordable English horns for learners, priced around €4,800. There are also professional English horns of high quality, such as the Josef EG F2 English Horn, which is priced around €9,500.

Where to Buy an English Horn?

At La Musa Instrumentos, we offer an unbeatable selection of English horns from the best brands on the market, such as Marigaux, Buffet, Rigoutat, Loree, Oscar Adler, and Bulgheroni. In our online store, you can also purchase the accessories you need for your instrument, such as mouthpieces for horns and straps.

Are you worried about buying an English horn online without first trying its sound? With our satisfaction guarantee, you have 14 days after your purchase to return the instrument if it does not meet your expectations.