Model Review
Alexander 103 Review
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Editor Review
Alex 103
Pros
- Distinctive fat, dark tone that brightens with volume
- Widely used in Europe, especially Germany
- Good resale value
Cons
- Older models inconsistent
- Can sound stuffy to American horn players
- Relatively expensive
Summary
Alexander's most popular French horn designed over 100 years ago, the 103 is the de-facto standard horn used in Germany and many other European orchestras. Typically produced in either yellow or gold brass, its rich sound has a dark center that warms up to a brassy tone when played at full volume. It is built with a Kruspe-style wrap, but the sound's focus and brassy edge at high volume distinguish it from the popular American Kruspe Conn 8D, a horn critics may consider "tubby" sounding by comparison. The quality of Alexander horns can vary significantly for those produced >10 years ago. Some are absolute gems while others are stuffy and out of tune. The newer horns are much more consistent thanks to improvements in manufacturing processes at their new factory in Mainz, Germany. Check out this video of the Berlin Philharmonic's Sarah Willis trying different Alexander horns in their Berlin shop -- you'll see that even the new horns each of a unique character: some brighter, others darker. Less popular in American orchestras historically, the Alex 103 may not be the ideal choice for US players because the effort of blending in to a section of typical American horns may limit your flexibility. But even for some US pro horn players, the Alex sound is enough of a draw to overcome such hurdles. The new principal horn of the National Symphony, Abel Pereira, plays a 103 while his section play other horns. To hear the 103 for yourself in concert, view this video of Szabolcs Zempleni playing Strauss 2 on a 103. The 103 is an especially good choice for players in larger orchestras where a combined projection and precision are critical.
Also consider: Paxman's 23 model is a different design, but share's the Alexander's rich tonal core and professional build standards.
Player Reviews
16 published reviews
- 4.6
Best Horn
I have played many horns but this has been the best horn with the best tone I have ever played. I tested dozens of new horns and the older Alex horn was the perfect one.
Was this review helpful? - 4.5
Best horn ever
Best horn ever, hard to play, sure. Thus only for the best for best results.
Was this review helpful? - 4.8
amazing horn
Beautifull distinguished focussed tone (the real horn sound in my opinion). Beautifull slurring. I placed a review below and it says tone quality 3, that should be tone quality 5. (something went wrong).
Was this review helpful? - 4.3
amazing horn
Beautifull distinguished focussed tone (the real horn sound) Beautifull slurring.
Was this review helpful? - 4.9
Marvelous horn
Best ever made horn, although a bit hard to adapt to
Was this review helpful? - 4.4
The European Standard
A beautiful sounding instrument with impeccable build quality and handling. Compared to more modern Geyer horns, the 103 tends to be much heavier and also considerably more difficult to play. The horn has a lot of resistance, especially when broken in, which can sometimes be a good thing, and sometimes a bad thing. But nonetheless, the Alexander sound is quite magnificent. The projection of the 103 and the complex colour in the tone is quite unique. Almost everyone in Germany and the vast majority of Europe prefer the 103.
Was this review helpful? - 4.9
Best horn
The best horn ever made, but a little bit difficult to play
Was this review helpful? - 4.4
A wonderful instrument
This Horn has a very "rich" sound, this is a great pleasure to work with it ! However it isdifficult to have in the first year of play the best sound and precision.
Was this review helpful? - 4.1
Beautiful but not easy
I've played ca. 5 diffrent Alexes so far, currently using 103 and 301 (triple 103). Alexander has a really unique sound, but at the same time it is much harder to play than Schmid or American instruments. You have to really blow through the horn but it rewards you!
Was this review helpful? - 4.6
Alex 103
There is no better horn
Was this review helpful? - 4.3
Alex 103 un beatable but be patient
Changed to a 1970 s built Alex 103 about 18 months ago. I love playing it and the sound is second to none...so rich and sonorous! If you buy one give it time though. It has taken me over a year to get to grips with it, the main problem being accurate pitching. I changed my mouthpiece from a Paxman 4b to a 4a and that has really helped. If you're not sure, get one and work hard to tame it!
Was this review helpful? - 5.0
Best Horn
Great flawless intonation but need time to adapt its high note range. Once you can fully control this horn it will be the only best horn for you. The mouthpiece is deeper than those for intermediate level players. The design is also great, soldered perfectly. I used to have a Holton H378.
Was this review helpful? - 3.8
Borrowed Alex 103
I borrowed my friends Alex 103 from like 1989 or so, and played it for about 4 months while my horn was getting a valve rebuild. It sounded phenomenal but was quite difficult to play. I enjoyed it enough that i looked into trading my horn to buy one, but the cheapest one i found was $6000 and needed work.
Was this review helpful? - 4.5
103
Just changed to a 1960's built 103 - not easy to play BUT the tone quality is magical.
Was this review helpful? - 5.0
Best Horn ever, but
not for amateurs
Was this review helpful? - 4.9
103
Love my Alex, which I've played since 1984. Has a magical quality that you don't hear from other horns, at least those I've tested. Really zings!
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