This is a rare bird indeed:  the Knopf brothers are famed for their excellent, 100% handmade horns. Their old house in Markneukirchen in the former GDR - where they made their horns in a small, private workshop - boasts a plaque displaying their names (Herbert Fritz and August) and describing them as master-craftsmen brass instrument makers.  And this fantastic instrument does not disappoint.

It's made in unlacquered yellow brass, but a richer, more copper-coloured yellow brass than one usually encounters.  It's got a fixed bell (with one small, very well fitted patch on the hoop) and an A/(+) valve with a manual rotary valve to switch between 'A' and '+' functions without removing and refitting the slide.  There is also an in-built F extension operated by a second thumb trigger.

The horn plays just superbly - of course - as one would expect of an instrument with such pedigree, and produces THE most beautiful sound...

This is a sophisticated horn for an advanced, sophisticated player.  It will be ideal for a player in an opera orchestra, or any committed hornist, amateur or professional.

£POA