Posted by Dave on June 27, 2001 at 20:12:03:
At the risk of revealing my ignorance to the masses, I'm gonna ask for a little light to be shed on a personal mystery. I've read numerous references to the classic "Alex sound", as well as some valiant follow-up efforts by posters to put words to a sound. Sorry, but I'm just not getting it.
Specifically, I'm curious about the big CCs. Can anyone recommend a good recorded example of what they feel represents a "benchmark" Alex sound, or perhaps a player who they feel is in the ballpark? I'd like to have a reference in my "ear" when I hear someone talking "Alex this-or-that".
As for my own pathetic attempts at verbalizing acoustics, I've found the sound of piston BATs to be kinda "rubbery" compared to large rotary instruments. Maybe like getting hit with a heavy beach ball as opposed to a brick - oooph, is that a bad analogy? I tend to hear a little more "fire", or perhaps "edge", in the sound of rotary tubas. Would this be an accurate characterization of the Alexanders?
Any and all responses are welcome, and appreciated. Thanx...
...Dave