This Alexander BBb tuba dates from circa 1960 and was considered one of the finest of its type at the time it was produced. It was originally acquired by a Native American school in South Dakota in 1961.

The Alexander firm, which is still in existence, dates back to the late 18^th century. That makes it one of the oldest, if not the oldest, continuous brass instrument maker in the world. Alexander was, and still is, known for the high quality of their double horns and their bass and contrabass tubas which were considered some of the finest produced in Germany after World War II.

I had the privilege of visiting the Alexander “factory” in 1994, while I was attending the “Musik Messe” (Music Trade Show) in Frankfurt, Germany which was the largest musical instrument trade show in the World at that time.

The Alexander Company is located in the tiny town of Mainz, which is near Frankfurt. When I got to the address for the Alexander “factory,” there was only a piano store. The Alexander workshop was on the floor above the piano store. It had ten employees and the “Tuba Meister” was the only person designated to produce tubas. When I asked if there were any tubas to try out, he said he did not, and I had to place an order with him a year in advance because it took that long to make a tuba. Needless to say, I was disappointed.

We are pleased to have this fine instrument in our collection. We also have other Alexander tubas in our collection including a CC tuba very similar to this BBb tuba. VS.

Tag #: 200303

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“GEBR. ALEZANDER; MAINZ” on rim of bell.