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This instrument was purchased 1962; it could be a year or two older. It is a model 156 with six valves. John Richards, the former tubist with the Oregon Symphony bought this tuba in Mainz, Germany in 1962. I purchased it from Tony Clements over three years ago in 2012. Tony converted the original Viennese valve system to a more conventional system – first, second, and third valves on the right hand and valves four, five, and six on the left hand. Whoever did the work did a wonderful job using Alexander parts. The only difference from a six valve model 157 is the fourth valve is on the left index finger. Other than that, everything is exactly the same. I found the fourth valve on the left hand convenient and easier to use in many instances.
The price for the instrument is $5,795, which does not include a bag or a case. The condition of the instrument is truly remarkable – it looks almost new and still has the original lacquer. The valves are quick, smooth, and quiet with the original linkage. Because this instrument has six valves, I am able to play every note in tune. I will include a fingering chart for the instrument which will save the buyer a lot of time in figuring out the horn. I’ve used this instrument many times in the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. The reason I am selling the horn is because I found a slightly older Alexander F tuba I like a little better.
Alexander tubas are not “point and shoot” – they take time to learn, but the pay off in sound is well worth the effort. The Alex F is requires a lot of air – the bore size is exactly the same as the Rudy Meinl ¾ CC tubas. They can really make some sound and the projection is amazing. The vintage and condition of this instrument is a rare find. Interested buyers can contact me at ted@spirithouseyoga.com" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank I’ll be happy to answer serious questions.

UGH!!!! This horn is my favorite F tuba.

I learned to play F tuba from Dr. John on this horn back when it had its original valve set up. I was gonna buy it and convert but Tony wanted it "as is". Ugh I should have bought this horn. Seriously a really good playing horn. Other than using the weird fingering set up, I don't remember having to do much with this horn pitch wise and I dont remember the low end being hard to play. Ugh the timing never works out. Shouldn't have let Tony take it.

Someone will enjoy this horn a lot. I have many fond memories playing this for Dr. John. In a lesson he handed me a old wood case and said "Chuck this here is an F tuba. Go home and learn it. I wanna hear the first movement of the Vaughn Williams next week." I didnt even see the horn until I got home and 17 year old me was very confused for a few days. I still miss him.

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There are a couple of things to consider with this interesting Alex tuba that you may not have thought of. Tony Clements who owned this horn before me thought enough of this instrument to invest a good deal of money into converting 5 of the 6 valves to a more conventional system. If you ordered an F tuba from Alexander today with 6 valves, you would easily pay 15K and you would not have quicker or more quiet valves if they were brand new. This instrument makes that gorgeous Alexander sound that no other instrument makes. The color is pure Alexander. I thought enough of this instrument to sell my PT-15 that I bought from Jeff Anderson and recorded my CD on. I learned F tuba on an Alex F at Indiana University and I had the good fortune to study with Michael Lind, who made an Alex F sing like few others have.

I just bought Kevin Ladd's Alex F that he owned for 44 years! Anyone who hangs on to a tuba for 44 years must have a really good reason for doing so. He also at some point had it silver plated. The fact that such great player as Kevin and the fact that he owned this tuba for 44 years made buying it a safe bet. It may be the best F tuba I've ever played. I don't need two Alex F tubas - so I'm selling one, but I didn't expect to have to sell it. Someone needs to buy this tuba - it's good and in amazing condition. I can work with you on the price and what I've listed is less than I paid Tony for it, but I'm keeping the hard case that came with the horn - so I'm asking a little less. When I first brought it to play in the orchestra, heads turned - in a positive way. I used the horn to perform Mahler 1, Benvenutto Cellini, Verdi Requiem, and Brahms Requiem - a few other works as well, (those just come to mind). I know there are a ton of choices now for equipment and an Alex F may not be very sexy, but for me it's all about the sound.

Hello how are you? How much would you want for this Alexander Mainz F tuba?.

Fortunately for me, this Alex F sold quickly - maybe within 10 days of the original post.

Ted