Does 103 have similar flow resistance as Conn 6D or 8D? Geyer style horns with low resistance may be easier to blow but leads to faster air depletion from lungs and doesn't have the dark classic horn sound in my opinion. I think Geyers sounds more like a trombone. Alex 103 looks like Kruspe style but not sure. And I wonder how it compares to Geyer style horns.
I find the 103 to be much tighter in resistance compared to the 6D/8D, I attribute it to the tight wrap. Which I think can cause players to struggle in the lower resister. However it CAN be done well. Sarah Willis is a great example of a low horn player on a 103. Geyer horns I think are generally pretty free blowing due to the way in which the horn is wrapped. The 8D is more open due to the larger throat and bell I believe. If you’re running low on air, I suggest trying to use a tool I like to use. It measures lung capacity in liters. I’ve used it during my entire time at Eastman and it definitely helped: Voldyne 5000 Volumetric Exerciser (Each) www.amazon.com/dp/B000PAR7KQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_raibGbZ9FMTZF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
A geyer horn has a smaller bore (medium bore) compared to an 8D (large bore) so it offers more resistance, opposite of what you said. A geyer can have a very warm and mellow sound. It’s just more carrying rather than dark and covered like an 8D. Geyers have been around ~100 years. 8Ds have not. A kruspe is not synonymous with an 8D. Most pros now who play kruspes, even Hollywood recording artists, use a Hans Hoyer. If the 8D best represented the traditional horn sound, then all the prestigious symphonies in Europe would play them. But they don’t. The 8D is a good horn but it is not THE definitive horn like many Americans make it out to be. The 8D was beneficial for older style Hollywood recording where they put a mic right on the bell.
How do you feel about the 103 vs. Elkhart 8D? Would you move from an 8D to a 103? I have an 8D and wondered if it is worth the money to rebuild its valves ...
They’re both very different instruments. I would say if you want a complete different style instrument, try the Alex. If not, the Elkhart is a very well built and well playing instrument that works in a variety of groups all across the US/the world. If you have the money, I would have the valves redone. It will feel like a brand new/different instrument. I personally find the Alex not the right fit for myself. It may take adjusting/getting used to. Best of luck!
Apples and oranges. The Alex 103 is what the top symphony in the world plays. Most will never own one, even used. You’re talking about comparing a $10,000 pretty much pro-only horn to a good but ubiquitous used horn.
@@domepiece11 I've heard players who play on 8D making a switch over to Alex successfully, with the full range of the sound from chamber to orchestral. But not the other way around from Alex to 8D in any given setting.
Wait your telling me you can change your Bb side to and F side by changing the screw. What I mean is I never heard of a F/F, I always thought it was F, F/Bb, F/Bb/(F or Eb)
