I am currently a freshman in college, and I have used this horn since I was in 6th grade. This horn has worked well for me through many problems (mostly with the valves sticking--especially my second valve and the thumb trigger). However, after overcoming the horn's minor nuances, it is a very good instrument. The case is a bit heavy, so I bought a gig bag for it instead, and it cuts the weight of carrying the instrument by more than half while it's in the case. It tends to be a bit finickey in the higher octave (mostly above high C) but over all, a very good horn. This horn is worth your time and money.

This has excellent tonal quality and response. This plays in tune on both the B flat and F sides. The Holton H175 Features three spit valves; each in places where saliva gets trapped, reducing time spent cleaning out horn. It has huge range and plays cleanly in all registers.

1. Valves are terrible, they click soon after you get over the initial gunky stage of all new horns 2. Not as secure in the upper register as everyone seems to imply 3. Sound is warm, but shallow depth of volume 4. Wonderful for Chamber works, but hard to project over full brass section 5. Case is wonderful, but very heavy 6. Bell is thin and easily dented but rings nicely 7. Good price, but after needed valve overhaul, you pay about the same as for upper brand names 8. Valve caps look good at first, but scratch easily, also do not do much of anything for the playing; it is all aesthetic

This horn is amazing. Its sound quality is magnificent. I've just graduated High School, so I may not be quite as experienced as some, but I am a honest to the core. At first the horn does seem heavy compared to others, but the weight fit me well. The lacquer on the keys did rub off after constant use over a three year period, but you cant really tell. It slipped out of my lap once, a week before graduation, the first I had ever damaged a horn. But the bell was strong and you can barely see the slight crinkle. The caps over the rotaries are beautiful and much easier to remover than on other horns. On the back side rather than sting tying the key to the rotary, there are actually metal arms, I guess you would call them. The trigger though does have string, but you certainly don't have to keep buying more string for each key. The octaves were easier to reach. Also this horn produces a very well rounded warm tone that is well suited for basically any type of music. The bell, for the screw bell, is at times hard to put on, but after a while you get used to it. In a concert hall the sound is beautiful, though even in a normal auditorium the sound is quite exceptional. I was the only chair in my High School band for a few years and the horn makes it easier to produce enough sound that I could be heard over the entire band. All-in-all, this is a very, very nice horn, and I would recommend it to anyone.

I bought an H175 in 2000 after owning a King Eroica from the mid 1980's, and have played it in a community band and for church things. I found the Holton to be more secure in ease of playing overall, not only in the middle register, but the whole range. Simply put, it is the finest horn that I had played up until last November (2002). Then the Mercer H176 caught my eye with the Rose bronze bell and it's inherent warm tone. I purchased one and have been playing it since. If it is possible to say that the H176 is better than the Silver H175, I will say yes. It is the finest that I've owned. Valve problems: The only experience that I have had is that my saliva is a little acidic and produces some tarnish or oxidation on the valve rotors and casings, which due to the close tolerance lapped fit of the valves has presented valve sluggishness. I solved this problem by using the Hetman synthetic oils which are not as easily displaced as petroleum based lubricants. I think that this lub makes the valves even faster. This aside, I have played several Conn 8D's, Yamaha's and a couple of Alexanders. Sorry guys, but I'll take my Mercer instead. All others just don't compare. Granted that the Paxman model 25 is a great horn, but the Mercer has the same dual bore, and that sets the Mercer apart from the pack.