Hi everyone,
I just wondered what people (well, horn players really) though about Alexander horns. I'm considering buying one but I'm not sure if it's wise as I know some people really dislike their tone, while others think it's beautiful- would it be better to get something a bit more neutral? I have one on trial at the moment and I really like it, though I'm worried my tone is perhaps a little thinner than on my Yamaha (which is disgusting, but has a bigger bore). Anyway, I'd appreciate any advice!

hgirl
xxx

I own two, and love them both, but I understand the problem. They are medium narrow bore, and to play in a big symphony orchestra you might want something to give you more sound. This really depends on where you want to play, how big a sound the other players make, whether you can blend and other such detailed questions. Most of my horn playing is in chamber music, with occasional concerts in a chamber orchestra, so quantity of sound is not a problem.

There was a discussion of similar problems with Schmidt (sp?) horns on a horn mailing list to which I belong. One point that you might bear in mind: a player thought he was too quiet on his new Schmid in a section (pro or semi-pro) in which the others had wide-bore American horns, but was told by someone he trusted that in the hall he blended well, both for dynamic and sound quality.

Another point: the diameter of the throat of your mouthpiece has a big effect on sound (and stamina). The best way to experiment would be with a screw rim behind which you could try different mouthpiece bodies.

When I went to buy my horn from Paxman's I tried an Alex, but because of my small hands I couldnt touch the valves fully!

I've played in sections with a blend of Alexs, Holtons and Paxmans and I've always thought that the Alexs had a gorgeous tone to them, although a little quiet at times. How heavy is the Alex? compare it perhaps to a Paxman maybe, Simon de Souza recommends a Paxman 23 (but he may have a deal with Paxmans over it!)

Out of interest did Jim recommend Alexs to you? His Alex was specially made for him! Its alright for some.

Ask your to- be tutors at Guildhall about it, Im sure Richard will have some wisdom to share.

good luck with the exams!

hornplayer xx

hornplayer

This is a quite good website, and not just for hornplayers, but different articles on aspects of life in the proffession, that we love so much

My father is a professional horn player with a big orchestra and he swears by Alexander horns- he won't play anything else. I don't really know much about the subject, but I just thought I'd add my penny's worth- hope you don't mind!

very funny, where do you think I got the idea for the name from?

thanks for all the help everyone!
I did ask Guildhall- they don't mind at all what instrument you play. The Alex is quite heavy, but not uncomfortably so, and the hand position is fine. I have teeny hands too and on a Paxman 23 I can't reach the valves! They can alter that for you at Paxmans though. Yes Jim did tell me to get an Alex- he said I make an 'Alex sound' (whatever that means ) and his horn is beautiful! I've been playing the Alex lots and I think I'm getting used to it- the sound seems to be opening up a lot more now, hopefully it'll continue improving! I think I probably will get it because it's a good price (it's second hand but in perfect condition).

Cecilia- who's your dad?

hope everyone's exams are going well- I've finished history and music and haven't even started german and english yet!

well I bought it!
don't know if I made the right decision but I had some funding that runs out in 2 weeks so I thought I might as well get it. It's so exciting- I've never had my own horn before! lol