Restored Vintage Alexander 103 in Gold Brass with Cantesanu Leadpipe

This vintage 1968 Alexander 103 is quite the amazing horn. It has been fully restored by Harry Siverly at The Horn Shop from Fresno, CA. Harry did an amazing job on this instrument! It had all dents removed, patches over thin spots and pinholes installed (so well done you barely notice them) and a full lacquer job making this horn shine like brand new. The valves have also been rebuilt, giving them near perfect compression. The horn is made out of a beautiful gold brass, with a double seamed hand-hammered bell that gives the horn a glorious sound. There have also been several upgrades to the horn, including a brand new Alexander logo on the bell tail, a cut bell, an adjustable finger ring, an adjustable duck foot, AND an Alexander hand strap. Wow. Lots of added features! The previous owner of this horn really liked to have everything on it! All of these were added to the horn before the lacquering, so they look like they were put on at the factory. Really fantastic work.

This horn also has a unique feature that is really helpful on the American market scene - a Cantesanu leadpipe with an American shank opening. I am a big fan of Cantesanu leadpipes, so I was excited when I got this horn with one of his pipes on it. This is the perfect leadpipe for this horn. The horn still feels and sounds like an Alexander, but to me I feel like this horn gives me far more support while playing. I could play this horn for a very long time without wearing out. There is just enough resistance to make the horn comfortable. The American shank makes it possible to easily try every mouthpiece I have in my arsenal to find the perfect match (I really liked the stainless steel Houser SF 14-0-2 for this horn). I think this leadpipe has made this horn even more desirable and wonderful.

This horn is an amazing player. I really am having a hard time parting with it because it plays so well! Yes, there are several patches. I think there are like 10 of them. Should this concern a buyer? I don't think so. You should absolutely know about them, but I see this as a sign that this is one of the better horns that Alexander has made. It has been loved, played, and now has been restored and is ready for another full life. I have no doubt that with good care this horn has 20-30 years of fantastic playing life left in it.

The only things, beyond the patches, that the buyer should be aware of is that the hand grip is slightly larger. If you wanted it to fit smaller hands, dimes could easily be added to extend the reach of the finger paddles. Also, I think the three main valves have a fairly heavy action. It is totally workable and easy to use, but compared to more modern horns, it is a heavier feel. I don't think this is anything to be concerned about, but something you should know if you are considering this horn.

Everything on the horn works perfect - screw bell is easy, the slides are all perfectly fit, the valves feel great (albeit a bit heavy of an action) and I have no doubt that this horn will serve its new owner very well!

No case or mouthpiece comes with the horn. The horn should fit well in any Alexander-designed case. If you really want a mouthpiece, I can send a standard (Holton MC or similar) piece upon request with the horn.

Feel free to contact me with any questions you have!