Question about value of Alexander Mainz

[SackbutGuy]

Hello,

I have a vintage horn a friend of mine gave me years ago. The manufacturer is "Alexander mainz." Apparently they are made by a reputable company in Germany. However, I have only seen french horns for sale. I cannot seem to find out the value that it might have. Can anyone fill me in on what they are worth. It has a European shank and no attachment.

[Carolus]

Based on what I see on German sites I assume that if it's in good condition you would be looking at a few hundred euros. But as the liquidity of the market for obscure horns is small there really isn't any predictable market price. You could try to contact Alexander to see if you can find more information about the age etc. I have only once seen an Alexander trombone live, would be cool to see some pictures.

[Doug Elliott]

I have tried a few Alexander trombones over the years and they were all pretty bad. Kind of strange since they made great horns and tubas.

[LeTromboniste]

Yeah, Alexander always specialized in conical valved instruments. Their venture into trombone making was not very successful and I think their trombones never got close to being as good as those of the best German makers. They're well built but they sound and play...not very good. Basically traditional German design but heavier, more modern and industrial construction, which tends to give them less character and flexibility than older German trombones while keeping all the downsides. It also means they are not so desirable for modern players because they play too different, and also not desirable for historical instruments specialists because they're too late and not close enough to romantic era trombones. So probably not much demand.

[SackbutGuy]

Here is a pic

[Tooloud]

Alexander was never really serious about their trombones.
They build horns. Many horns.
Rumour is, that you get no job in any top orchestra (US exempt) if you don't bring an Alexander 103 to the audition.

But their trombones are more or less decorative - there is actually one in the staircase at Alexander's, but only to make jokes about it.

So, sorry to say: It might be more decorative than a treasure - neither on stage nor on ebay...

[paulyg]

Agree with Tooloud.

I can't believe the bell taper I'm looking at- that horn looks like it plays like a bootcamp PA.