What a beautiful and easy playing Alex 103!!
The Alexander 103 is one of the most beloved double horns in all of Europe—and for good reason. In Germany, it's practically the go-to sound for professional orchestras. You’ll often hear a full section of 103s in action with the Berlin Philharmonic and many other world-class ensembles.
Originally designed in 1907, the 103 features a unique change valve that was patented just two years later, in 1909. This horn leans toward the lighter side, offering a compact, focused sound that cuts through with ease—especially compared to larger, heavier instruments. There's a distinct energy and brilliance in the Alexander tone that sets it apart.
As for craftsmanship, it doesn’t get much better. The build quality is outstanding-true German precision at its finest. The change valve has just a short 60-degree throw, making thumb action smooth and effortless. You can easily set the horn to stand in Bb or F, whichever you prefer-all it takes is a screwdriver.
The rotors are powered by quiet, maintenance-free Minibal linkages-no need to ever restring them. A little oil now and then keeps things running silently. And thanks to bronze bushings, the rotor action stays smooth and long-lasting.
Handcrafted in a state-of-the-art facility in Mainz, Germany, every Alexander horn is built to order with a variety of customizable options. With updated tooling and refined manufacturing techniques, today’s Alexanders are some of the best-playing and most consistent instruments ever made.
Model 103 Standard Specs:
-
12.1 mm bore (0.480")
-
310 mm bell flare (12.2")
-
Medium brass bell and body
-
Unique 6-port change valve
-
Bb/F switchable
-
Fixed finger hook
-
1 waterkey
-
Gold brass mouthpipe, nickel receiver
Compression:
1st F - .8 Bb - .5
2nd F - .5 Bb - .2
3rd F - 1 Bb - .1
Change F - 1 Bb - 0 Leadpipe 0
Overall compression F - 0 Bb - 0!!
*Does not come with a case
What a beautiful and easy playing Alex 103!!
The Alexander 103 is one of the most beloved double horns in all of Europe—and for good reason. In Germany, it's practically the go-to sound for professional orchestras. You’ll often hear a full section of 103s in action with the Berlin Philharmonic and many other world-class ensembles.
Originally designed in 1907, the 103 features a unique change valve that was patented just two years later, in 1909. This horn leans toward the lighter side, offering a compact, focused sound that cuts through with ease—especially compared to larger, heavier instruments. There's a distinct energy and brilliance in the Alexander tone that sets it apart.
As for craftsmanship, it doesn’t get much better. The build quality is outstanding-true German precision at its finest. The change valve has just a short 60-degree throw, making thumb action smooth and effortless. You can easily set the horn to stand in Bb or F, whichever you prefer-all it takes is a screwdriver.
The rotors are powered by quiet, maintenance-free Minibal linkages-no need to ever restring them. A little oil now and then keeps things running silently. And thanks to bronze bushings, the rotor action stays smooth and long-lasting.
Handcrafted in a state-of-the-art facility in Mainz, Germany, every Alexander horn is built to order with a variety of customizable options. With updated tooling and refined manufacturing techniques, today’s Alexanders are some of the best-playing and most consistent instruments ever made.
Model 103 Standard Specs:
-
12.1 mm bore (0.480")
-
310 mm bell flare (12.2")
-
Medium brass bell and body
-
Unique 6-port change valve
-
Bb/F switchable
-
Fixed finger hook
-
1 waterkey
-
Gold brass mouthpipe, nickel receiver
Compression:
1st F - .8 Bb - .5
2nd F - .5 Bb - .2
3rd F - 1 Bb - .1
Change F - 1 Bb - 0 Leadpipe 0
Overall compression F - 0 Bb - 0!!
*Does not come with a case