History of Alexander

In 1782, the musical instrument maker Franz Ambros Alexander arrived in Mainz, the world famous town on the River Rhine, were Johannes Gutenberg had invented the art of printing. Franz Ambros was accepted into the trades guild and he founded a new company for the manufacture of fine musical instruments. Today, more than 220 years later, his company Gebr. Alexander is still owned and directed by the descendants of the founder. Original manufacturing methods for fine orchestral instruments have been modernized over the centuries. Today, modern technology supports traditional methods wherever this improves the quality of an instrument. All improvements on instruments are due to the daily exchange of Alexander with top professional performers worldwide. Latest scientific research in instrument making is regularly evaluated and introduced into the manufacturing process. "Tradition and Progress" are the basis for the top position of Alexander-Instruments in worldwide comparison. Thousands of letters of gratitude from all over the world are witness for the satisfaction of Alexander customers. Alexander Horns meet highest expectations. They are used in the best orchestras, in Schools and Universities and by many enthusiastic individuals.
Excellent Materials
When making musical instruments, careful selection of the finest materials is essential. We are using only the very best raw materials, which we obtain from reliable suppliers with whom we have a long standing relation. Our highest demands for exact measurements are always met without exception. As a result, the tolerances of our materials are much smaller than those laid down in the "German Industrial Norm", the DIN norm.

We use three different alloys. Yellow Brass, made from 70% copper and 30% zinc. Its color is yellow with a light green shine in it. Gold Brass, made from 85% copper and 15% zinc has a yellow color with a slight red shine. For mechanically stressed parts such as moving slides, fortifying supports and stays, we use the more robust Nickle-Silver, which is an alloy made of brass and nickle and has a silver appearance. If required, an instrument can be made entirely from Nickle-Silver. Because of the intense demands on the material of the leadpipe due to influences of acidic moisture, this part is only made from durable Gold Brass or Nickel Silver.

Excellent Workmanship
Permanent controls during the manufacturing process warrant perfect dimensions in all tubing. Our master craftsmen personally select the best materials for the production of our instruments and they carefully check the results of each step through which these fine materials pass in the workshops. Each raw product will be manipulated by hand and checked many times during production while an instrument matures to master class. Each Alexander-Horn will go through continuous controls until we can confidently issue a threefold warranty upon completion: for perfect pitch, for easy and balanced response and for best quality materials and workmanship.

Precision Valves
Alexander-French Horns are fitted with conical rotary valves. The valve-casing and rotors are airtight and work precisely and reliable. Treated with care and competence, our valves will function perfectly over a very long period of time. Easy maintainable and durable Unibal- or Minibal joint mechanisms transfer the pressure from the keys with high accuracy. If required, we offer string action as an alternative.

Proven Design
The bore inside the cylindrical parts of the tubing and inside the valves of all Alexander French Horns is exactly 12.1 mm. The standard dimensions of our instruments are well tried and tested. Exceptions from standards are model 101 with a wider bell and models 99 and 105 with a narrower bell. The standard bell diameter of Alexander French Horns is 310 mm. Exact measurements are warranted by the calibration of each section of a horn in precise calibration forms. Each Alexander French Horn can be fitted with a detachable bell if required. The advantage lies in the ease of transport, either in a rectangular case or in a small gig bag, inside which the instrument should be allowed into the cabin of most airliners. We use precision rings to warrant a firm connection between body and bell. Our rings won't open accidentally nor will they rattle during play. Discussions about the influence of detachable bells on sound-quality are ongoing. Many customers have made their decision in favor of the detachable bell and never looked back.

Perfect Finish
All instruments are supplied in high gloss polished finish. Optional lacquering, silver- or even gold plating will protect the surface and, in the case of lacquering and gold plating, will keep the bright shine for a long time. We use a three component epoxy lacquer which has proven for many years to be very durable and flexible at the same time. The durability in silver- and gold plating is warranted by a high quality galvanic process, where generous layers of gold and silver are applied. Discussions about tonal influences of different finishes are ongoing. Any influence could only be minimal. Surface protection will, however, contribute to the splendid appearance and longevity of your instrument.

Perfect Pitch
Alexander Horns are supplied at A=443 Hz when held in standard position (hand in bell). Other pitch is available on application. Best pitch is only warranted when using a normal Alexander horn mouthpiece. All tuning- and valve-slides are made a little shorter than theoretically correct and may have to be pulled out slightly when playing under normal conditions. This allows the instruments to be kept in tune under all external and atmospheric conditions. with most instruments, pressing the first valve will lower for a full tone, the second valve lowers half a tone and the third valve lowers by a minor third. The exception are instruments which are built according to the so called French System, where the third valve ascends for one full tone.

Test Playing
Before any Alexander-Instrument leaves the workshop and enters the sales department, it will be thoroughly test-played by an experienced professional hornplayer. Each single note is checked carefully. Only orchestra musicians or teachers with many years of experience qualify as a test player for Alexander horns. We make sure that each instrument meets the highest expectations of our professional customers worldwide.

Easy, Balanced Response
The introduction of numerous important developments in acoustic research have been instrumental and contribute to the permanent improvement of response in Alexander French Horns. Improved methodology was introduced into the manufacturing process to ensure that perfect measurements remain a constant feature in each of our instruments. When playing our instruments, you will immediately experience the clean separation of tones and feel the well centered sound.

Desired Color of Sound
The basic cause for a particular color of sound in an instrument is the dimension of its bell flare opening. Model 103 has a romantic soft tone, which is slender but carrying at the same time. In model 200, the carrying capacity is increased with a nickel silver garland, which is attached to the rim of the bell. The garland will delay the appearance of "brassiness" during forceful play. Model 1103 offers a brilliant and bright color of sound. If an instrument is fitted with a larger bell, its color of sound darkens. Model 101 is such an instrument. It matches well the sound characteristics of a horn section where wide dimensional instruments dominate.