Kruspe Gumpert Model Double Horn made by Otto Schmelz

One of the first successful double horn designs was made by Kruspe in 1906, a compensating double called the Gumpert model. It became so popular that when the patent expired in 1912 numerous German makers copied the instrument and made their own horns. This is a wonderful example of a Kruspe Gumpert model made my Otto Schmelz in the 1920’s. It’s in amazing condition for its age. A nice garland/kranz which is rare for the time period!

In our opinion this horn encapsulates the original intent of a double horn – to combine the best attributes of a single F horn and single Bb horn into one instrument. The F side plays like a single F horn, the Bb side plays like a single Bb horn.

Takes a narrow shank mouthpiece, common on horns before World War II. Also plays at late romantic pitch, A=438, but can play at A=440 with both main slides pushed all the way in, again common for the time period.

Part of the Hampson Horns Collection. Dr. James Hampson performed numerous concerts on this horn including works by Tchaikovsky and Mussorgsky.

Collector’s Item!