Alexander 102 professional compensating double horn
This is an example of an Alexander 102, compensating F/B flat horn, which was produced in the 1950's. It seems to have had very little use, as the valves are in excellent order.
The horn has been fully cleaned, including full valve service. The original mouth pipe was damaged and not viable for repair, I therefore replaced this with my own nickel brass pipe.
The horn produces the distinguishable beautiful Alexander tone,even slotting throughout all registers, but also surprisingly open and secure lower register.
Being a compensating double horn, it is also a great deal lighter than a full double instrument
Artisan Horns custom rebuild – Yamaha 561
Yamaha 561 was the ‘student’ version of the 666 design, which (along with the 666) was produced for only a short few years.
The instrument arrived from the US and was on the face of it OK, but the valves had been mistreated and were very worn. The bell was serviceable, but not ideal and other parts had worn through with player’s sweat. Armen therefore proceeded to completely dismantle the instrument and began to rebuild with what is the pinnacle ideology of Artisan Horns. “New life for old horns”
With this in mind, the following works were carried out:
The valve block itself was in very good condition (including the slide bows, but not legs) Armen has close links with UK engineer; therefore a brand new set of valves were CNC machined and hand lapped in, for exact tolerance and all slide legs replaced, to allow smooth and secure fit.
Brand new hand made US bell, cut and fitted with Alexander ring. The bell and flare were then hand thinned and polished to allow better resonance.
Bell branch, internal tubing and Armen’s AH3 mouth-pipe were hand bent to replace all the worn parts.
The result of this work, is an instrument that plays with a clear bright sound; all notes are centered and focused.
CONN 28D custom double horn
This instrument is a CONN 28D, created by the company as a prototype horn, which incorporates different bracing ideas. It has a hand made custom yellow brass bell, coupled with the traditional CONN 8D chassis. It was trialed by one of our BBC orchestra principals some years ago, but had remained unused thereafter, due to section preferences in using German instruments.
It is 'as new' with excellent valve pressure.
Thumb lever is reversible - F/B flat - B flat/F
The instrument is supplied with a case
