The Horn is a beautiful instrument both in tone and looks. It is less piercing than the trumpet or trombone and is actually more akin to the tuba and euphonium in its construction and sound.
One thing that makes a horn or any brass look so beautiful is a coat of clear cellulose acetate laquor. This resiliant outer layer of polymers makes the horn look nice and also protects the metal from scratches and tarnishing. Some silver or silver-plated brass instruments are even coated with a layer of gold-tone laquor to give them the traditional "golden" appearance of a brass instrument.
Yet another aesthetic use of polymers is on the keys of a brass instrument. The nicer ones have keys decorated with mother-of-pearl, but it is often substitued with plastic which looks like the real thing.
