King 4B-F

[dxhall]

There’s a nice used King 4B-F for sale near me at a good price. Any opinions on the horn? Should I keep looking for a Bach 42?

[RichEKelly]

I never liked the 42 I had in college. Sold it and played king small bores the next 30 years. Until I joined an Orchestra and picked up a 4B-F. It was so easy to play, and easy to hold with the thumb over the brace. I love the horn, but have trouble with the weight of the large bore.

[Kingfan]

I have had my 4B-F since 1973. Still my favorite horn.

[BGuttman]

I wanted a 4B-F when I was in High School. When I bought a trombone I instead bought a 7B (similar setup but a double trigger bass). Love it to death. When my Yamaha 682 was having a bell transplant I played a King 5B. Liked it a lot too. Then I got a silver plated 4B-F. Best concert band horn I ever owned. Sold it to a young lady who played it a lot better than I ever did.

[Burgerbob]

Where do you plan on playing it?

The 4B is a good horn, but doesn't fit in the average section very well.

[Geordie]

I love my 4B/F. Used it as 4th bone in a concert type band set up. Have played bass bone parts on it in 4th section brass band too, not it’s natural role I guess but it was fine. Other people here will have a view about its utility as an orchestral horn. It’s large bore should be suitable but it’s contribution might depend on what it is blending with. Love the sound of it, might be good for receitaks?

[skaskaster]

I have one from mid 70s, with the "Sonorous" engraving on the bell. Very good instrument, not so heavy like bach 42. But remember the golden rule - try before buy.

[Bonearzt]

A WAY underrated horn!! IMHO....

[dxhall]

Thanks for the replies. I'm meeting the seller Saturday morning. Anything I should be looking for? He's asking $1,000, says it's in excellent shape. It looks pristine in the photographs.