Paxman 25L Double Horn in Gold Brass Used

Item Details

This is a classic Paxman 25L double horn made in the UK.  It's been professionally played and professionally maintained.  The instrument is made entirely of gold brass but for the outer slides and rotors, which are nickel.

The Paxman model 25 is based on the model 20 which features the Merewether valve system.  This design routes the air the same direction through the rotors on both the Bb and F sides, reducing turbulence and smoothing the slurs from the turning rotors.  The 25 features a dual bore, where the F side of the horn is a larger bore than the Bb side.  This reduces resistance on the F side, increasing your abilities in the lower range.  On this particular horn the Bb bore is about .472" (12.0mm) and the F bore is about .500" (12.9mm).  Big is good.

This Paxman has a clear lacquer finish and it's in quite good condition, nearly complete.  The outer bows have some scratches, tarnish and lacquer loss from handling, also at the hand grip, but overall it's still a stunning instrument.  The bell flare looks very nice with the only lacquer loss deep inside where the hand goes.  There are no dents, no evidence of repair except around the finger hook which was likely resoldered, and the added mount for the hand rest.  Something was unsoldered form the third valve slide outer tube, I can't say what.

The rotors are all very tight and quiet, restrung with new Yamaha string.  Even better, the valve set was redone by Houghton Horns in 2022 and everything is perfect.  The change rotor linkage is a ball and socket design so the horn quickly be set to stand in Bb or F.  Key levers include a set of dime extensions, not a bad idea for the 25 design, which is taller than most double horns and can feel like a long reach for many players.

This Paxman 25L was built circa 2000, an era of sought-after instruments.  It includes a very sleek Paxman flat case with case key.