.: About Lawson Horns

Lawson Horns, founded in 1952 by Walter Lawson, started as a humble shop in the garage of his house in Boonseboro, MD. Walter had a successful career as a professional horn player and teacher in the Baltimore area, but unfortunately suffered a career-ending injury in 1979. As a result, Walter continued his love of the horn by dedicating his energy and efforts through study and research of the horn from an engineering perspective.

After beginning his repair work, he sought to build a horn crafted from the strengths of horns he observed through his research while minimizing imperfections. His sons, Duane, Paul, and Bruce also joined their father in the production of true custom horns built from scratch in the hills of Western Maryland. As a result, Lawson Horns can now be found in the hands of many active professional players, teachers, and amateurs throughout the United States and abroad.

With advancing technology, Lawson Horns began to use computer aided drafting and audio sampling to assist in further developments in the acoustic tapers and alloy research. Using his connections in the metallurgical world, Lawson and his sons began to experiment with heat treatment and various alloys. As a result of their works, Lawson Horns use a unique pattern-annealing process with all their metals, giving characteristic sound quality in all dynamic ranges. Lawson Horns also offer unique alloys - beyond the standard alloys of yellow brass, rose brass, and nickel-silver - including Ambronze and Nickel-Bronze.

In 2007, after over 50 years of service, Lawson Horns was sold to Kendall Betts and relocated to bucolic Littleton, New Hampshire. Lawson Horns continues in the proud traditions of providing world-class custom horns, mouthpieces, and lead-pipes under new ownership.

.: Walter Lawson, Founder (1923-2007)