Schmid Horns

"Made in Germany"

Engelbert Schmid

was, after positions with the Radio Symphony Orchestra Berlin and the Berlin Philharmonic, solo-horn with the Munich Radio Orchestra for ten years.

In 1980 Engelbert Schmid exhibited his Horns for the first time.
In 1990 he established his own workshop. As a Master Craftsman he personally trained his present instrument makers.

Knowledge and passion

When looking at the different models you immediately see the influence of an experienced and passionate horn player. There are just the models that are useful and necessary. The combinations with high e-flat deserve special mention.

The b-flat sides of all Engelbert Schmid horns can be lowered to A or raised to B-natural. With the B-natural horn you can play E-horn passages as if they were in E-flat
(Weber Concertino, Danzi Concerto, Fidelio, Thieving Magpie, Cose fan tutti, etc.).

On the A horn you can play technically difficult passages in D as if in E-flat. Pieces in E that were sometimes played on the A-horn are better on the B-natural horn. About the only thing left for the A horn is the third movement of Haydn´s first concerto.

Engelbert Schmid horns are available in four different bell sizes: small, medium, wide and extra-wide. Most choose medium or wide.
The sizes medium, wide and extra-wide differ only in the taper of the bell flare, so that with a screw bell horn it is possible to change from one size to another just by changing the bell. Many decide to take two bell sizes for use with different types of music.

Secret of the sound

Four alloys (brass, goldbrass, nickel-silver and strling silver) plus, when desired, a bell with ring complete the choices and add to the range of sound variations.
You can also choose a bell made in the difficult historical fashion, out of one piece and hammered by hand.

An interesting possibility for small chamber orchestras or high barock pieces is a bell in the Vienna classical diameter of 28 cm or even
25 cm instead of 31 cm.
 

All bores are modeled on good historical precidents, but mathematically corrected to bring the following advantages: the sound is more noble, more radiant, more variable, the instrument is more efficient, speaks more precisely, is more secure, and better in tune. A versatile instrument that entices you to be musically creative. Engelbert Schmid was able, with his special touch, to perfect the secrets of producing a beautiful sound.