Changing the leadpipe on a horn is the most cost effective investment towards a better instrument. Bent to fit properly on each particular make of horn, the Cantesanu Leadpipe has been installed on various horn models from makers such as Alexander, Yamaha, Conn, Rauch, Paxman, Schmid,  Holton, Hoyer, Kuhn, Lawson, Otto, etc. with exceptional results.

Extensive research and trials have been used for making the Leadpipe, a component I believe to be most important on a french horn. Originally designed for the Cantesanu Double, this leadpipe has turned out to be an improvement not only for similar Geyer style horns, but also for other designs, notably so for the Conn 8D and Alexander 103.

Along with the carefully studied taper and venturi point, the leadpipe shares the quality of brass material that is used in making the custom horn. Processed in the same way as for the horns I make (more information about this is available on the horn page), the brass of the leadpipe is Alive.

Benefits to your horn: a clean and focused sound core, excellent attack response and evenly spaced pitch slots. It has a full range of harmonics that provides a rich, projecting sound. The leadpipe is free blowing and even throughout registers. 

Templates for various models are available, please check the list below to see if one is available for your horn. A template will be required if it is one not available, or if it is a custom horn. If a template is not yet available for your horn, it can be easily made, please contact me for more details.

The leadpipe comes with an Amado water-key. Permanent installation of a leadpipe is a simple, straightforward procedure for your local repair technician. A leadpipe can be made with either an American or a European shank receiver, please specify which you prefer along with the order or by sending a separate e-mail.

Order a Leadpipe

Custom Leadpipe

Templates are available for these models (alphabetical order):

  • Alexander 103 (older, newer), 200, 503

  • Briz 2000

  • Conn 8D (28D), 10D (11D)

  • Cornford 28

  • CF Schmid

  • Durk D4, D5

  • Holton 180, 178, 179, 190, 286

  • Hoyer 6802, 7802, K10, G10

  • Kalison A2000

  • Kuhn (Ricco) 293

  • Lawson Fourier

  • Otto (Dieter) 180K

  • Paxman 20, 23, 25

  • Schmid Double

  • Yamaha 662, 667 (87), 667V, 668,671, 861, 862, 867, 871, Schmid Model

  • Willson (CS)

  • Rauch, Hill, Berg, Lewis, Medlin, Sorley, Hatch etc. are available, however a new template is usually needed for a custom horn as they are not all identical from horn to horn.