The original sales receipt with this horn tells it was bought new at the Alexander factory in December 2002. The horn is in nice condition with typical signs of use for a horn approaching 24 years. There are wear spots in the lacquer and some minor signs of dent work and solder repair. The horn has just been cleaned and service with the bearings tightened and the end play removed. It is working smoothly and quietly.
This horn comes with the original Marcus Bonna MB-5 case in fair condition.
About th Alexander 503:
Model 503 has already been awarded the German Musical Instrument Prize twice (1995 & 2005).
The double horn has established itself as a universal instrument in the orchestra. The fully developed combination of the B-flat horn and the F horn offers the musician great flexibility in intonation and sound. Furthermore, there is a certain degree of correlation between mass and carrying power. On fully developed double horns, the thumb valve switches between the shorter B-flat horn and the longer F horn.
The changeover valve on model 503 – unlike on most other double horns – rotates a quarter turn (90°).
Characteristics:
Mood: |
F/B or B/F |
Bore: |
12.1 mm |
Sound diameter: |
310 mm |
Mensur: |
Medium large |
Body size: |
Large |
Material: |
Brass |
Number of valves: |
4 |
Number of thumb levers: |
1 |
Miscellaneous: |
- Valve cables for B and F sections independent of each other |