Unusual Alex


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Posted by Dave Erickson on October 22, 2002 at 12:22:05:

There is an unusual Alexander tuba for sale on ebay, being sold by a German seller who has sold quite a few interesting tubas during the last six months. The most unusual aspect is the pitch of this horn. The length of the tubing is 177" (the listing says 175", but I emailed the seller and he remeasured the horn), which puts the pitch about midway between Eb and CC. i.e. if my math is right:

Eb: 15" too long
CC: 15" too short
D: 4" too long
Db: 5" too short

So, I guess it could be a "high pitch" Db tuba.

The engraving is also of interest:

Gebr. Alexander Mainz a/Rh. gegr.1782" and "Kgl. Berginspektion Friedrichsthal" (this means something like `royal mining inspection office`), according to the seller.

So, inquiring minds would like to know, what is the history behind this instrument???

-Dave



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