This collection/package of horns from the workshop of Rick Seraphinoff is quite amazing. You get a Halari French Orchestral Horn AND a Raoux French classical horn. There's a huge bag-o-crooks covering all the keys (minus A). I know a lot about horns, but less so about Natural horns other than the fact that Rick's horns are works of art which are sought after worldwide by early music performers. This entire package would sell for more than 12,500 with all the goodies listed here.
Both horns are in yellow brass with minor dings here and there - but nothing that impedes the way they play.
The Raoux orchestra horn has been designed after an original in excellent condition in the instrument collection at Schloß Kremsegg in Kremsmunster Austria, and using information from an original Raoux orchestra horn of the same period owned by Seraphinoff Historical Instruments. The bore lies midway between the Halari and Courtois orchestra horns. Crooks are made with the original tapers and smaller sized mouthpiece inlet for use with historical mouthpieces. If using a modern mouthpiece with this instrument, it is recommended to turn down the shank to fit properly into the smaller inlet.
The larger bell throat of this model gives it a warm sound, but it is quite centered and agile.
Bell diameter, 28cm (11 1/32") Bore, 11.18mm (.440")
The Halari French orchestra horn is the most popular and versatile of the classical models. Based on an original from the private collection of Mr. Charles Valenza of Rochester, NY, this instrument is suitable for music throughout the classical period, from the mid 18th century to the end of the handhorn period late in the 19th century.
Its relatively small bell throat gives the Halari model a quick response and light sound, and helps to minimize the difference between open and stopped notes, making it a good choice for classical solo and chamber music from Mozart and Haydn, to the 19th century French school of Dauprat and Gallay. The bell diameter is 28.5cm, (11 7/32”) and the bore is 11.4mm (.450”). Crooks are made with the original smaller sized mouthpiece inlet for use with historical mouthpieces. When using a modern mouthpiece with this instrument, it is recommended to turn down the shank to fit properly into the smaller inlet.
The crooks come in a carrying case. (No case for the bodies of the horns).