As a former owner of one of the earliest 2155's, and a current owner of a 2000, I don't recall any differences in the wrap, though I don't have the two horns side by side. The biggest difference, in my opinon, are 3 things: thinner, handmade bows (contributing to a much lighter-weight horn overall); a different 5th-valve wrap; a smaller leadpipe that enters the valve block from the top, not the side.
I agree that the 2000 plays more in tune than the 2155, but I think much of this is due to the greater flexibility of the 2000, both in pitch and timbre.
For a while, I had Warren Deck's prototype 2155 in my possesion. This horn had been tweaked and modified to eventually resemble the 2000. The 5th valve had the newer wrap, there was a Culbertson-style inner-outer sleave main tuning-slide, and most significantly a long, small leadpipe that entered the block from the top. This leadpipe appeared to be smaller than even the current 2000 pipe, and made to horn play MUCH "smaller" and tighter than any 2155 or 2000 I've ever played (a true 4/4, with no intent of imitating something larger). It also played more in tune than stock 2155's. Again, I believe the inner wraps were the same size as 2155's and 2000's.
I've long believed that MW would be doing everyone a service if they upgraded the 2155 to the 2000 leadpipe.
My experiences, FWTW...
2155 question
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Jonathan Fowler
- pro musician
- Posts: 233
- Joined: Wed Mar 24, 2004 8:32 am
- Location: West Chester, PA
The 2155 is close wrapped in the back with a triple wrap instead of the standard double. This may account for their explanation of the horn having an Alex-like sound. While I'm not sure I know what that means, many say they find the 2155 a bit stuffy.
I'm not sure that the 2000 is as tightly wrapped in the back as is the 2155 but the 5th valve is the biggest difference in overall construction between the two (aside from the obvious cosmetic and handmade differences).
I'm sure this doesn't help at all though
jon
I'm not sure that the 2000 is as tightly wrapped in the back as is the 2155 but the 5th valve is the biggest difference in overall construction between the two (aside from the obvious cosmetic and handmade differences).
I'm sure this doesn't help at all though
jon
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Jonathan Fowler
- pro musician
- Posts: 233
- Joined: Wed Mar 24, 2004 8:32 am
- Location: West Chester, PA
I think the lack of resistance does not affect the playing of the Alex horns because the thinner metal is more responsiveand doesn't take as long to vibrate as do the thicker walls of the 2155.
(I have both a 2155 and an Alex 155).
the only similarity I see is that you blow in the small end of both of them.
jon
(I have both a 2155 and an Alex 155).
the only similarity I see is that you blow in the small end of both of them.
jon