After the cessation of hostilities in 1945, effectively ending WW2 in Europe, Germany, both east and west, began a long path towards reconstruction. The famed brass instrument factory Alexander of Mainz, which was particularly hard hit as in literally bombed. The massive bombs dropped by the british RAF were neither accurate although massively lethal especially the incindiary versions. Although the RAF later claimed they were targeting vital infrastructure, many bombs landed in residential areas and churches where civilians were sheltering. A number of Alexander workers were killed in these assaults.
You can read more about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombing_of_Mainz_in_World_War_II
Slowly but steadily production began again in the late 1940s. There are a number of corraberated stories of U.S. solders trading instruments for food, including one 103 french horn traded for a sack of potatoes which gives you some idea of the situation. Once the general economical situation stabilized, Alexander slowly returned to production of their previous models from before WW2 although the range was considerably reduced to mostly french horns and tubas. Most components were manufactured in house except for the valves which were continued by the Meinlschmidt company, newly located in south Germany after being expelled from Gräslitz by the new Czech government(this is a long story for another blog post). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expulsion_of_Germans_from_Czechoslovakia#:~:text=The%20Potsdam%20Conference%20sanctioned%20the,territory%20within%20the%20historical%20borders.%22
One of the primary ways Alexander was able to reestablish themselves was due to the massive number of orders from various European military windbands. While they are most famous for their 103 french horn orchestra model, the real cash cow was the military sales(although the military did indeed buy 103 horns as well;). In fact they received so many orders that they as a relatively small manufacture, couldn’t produce enough instruments, leading to Alexander contracting with other German companies to fill the production void. Tubas from B&S (in the GDR), Miraphone and Bohm&Meinl all carried an Alexander shield at some point in the 1950s-70s. This is also a topic for another podcast, so without further ado, our featured tuba.
The Alexander 4/4 154 Eb has been around since ca.1900. There were even earlier versions but they are so difference in design that I would consider them a different model. Like most other Alexander tubas, the initial pre 1900 design was likely copied from Cerveny. As the model developed into the 20th century, it grew larger in volume and bore size until reaching it’s final form in the mid 1930s. Along with the massive number of 163 BBb tubas made after WW2, the 154 Eb was also a part of the military program and as such was built in relatively large numbers.
The 1950s Eb featured a four valved 18.50mm cylindrical valve block from Meinlschmidt. One of the features of these valves are the darker red bronze top and bottom backing plates. Even the spring holder barrels are constructed from bronze. Its basically a harder wearing material that extends the life of the valves. Even after 74 years of heavy use, the valves are still air tight. Sharp eyed readers will notice a nod to our modern times, the dependent 5th valve. While not original, it does add quite a bit to the playability. Although 4 valves are enough, the 5th allows are a easier low range and a few potential alternate fingerings as well. The placement of the 5th valve in the 4th valve circuit was a logical one. The tuba is quite a free blowing instrument and opening the valve block to install the fifth would likely disturb that balance, hence the dependent valve.
Without opening that can of cult worms that are Alexander owners and their “worth dying for sound”, it should be said, the tuba sound absolutely gorgeous and even more controversial, I prefer it to the F in some sense. While it sings like the F-Tuba conterpart, it has just a bit more bass in the sound from the extra Eb length and it’s quite wonderful how nice that is. When you compare it to other rotary Ebs from the mid 20th century, I can’t think of another one that I would enjoy this much. A great deal of that famed sound is derived from the 0.5mm thick (thin for a tuba) one piece, gusset form bell. Most if not all modern tubas have moved on to thicker two piece bells and I personally believe a finer aspect of tuba playing has been lost due to this change.
As the 20th century progressed, Alexander produced fewer and fewer of the 154 Eb tubas. I’m not quite sure when the last one was produced, but it was likely in the 1970s. This was mostly like due to the various military bands switching to F-Tuba for the higher tuba parts and due to the cost of the Alexander Eb being more than its competition such as the various models from B&S, Miraphone or Melton. The finer qualities of the Alexander were perhaps not appreciated in a military setting as they should have been…
When stacked up again other tubas especially other Alexander tubas, it shines brightly. The intonation is extremely good for any vintage tuba, not to mention an Alexander and makes playing the tuba a fine experience. It wasn’t perfect when it was new, but thanks to the input from the current owner, it was possible to get it dialed in. While I found the admittedly nice thumb ring uncomfortable, the owner had no such qualms.
As the year 2023 comes to an end, I find myself wishing there were more tubas like this, at least in spirit. The vast majority of most modern tubas, while efficient to play and produce, often leave me somewhast dissappointed. While they are easy to play and are generally in tune, the “character” tends to be lacking. While some of you might poo-poo this, which I also understand, the character can be seen as an extra dimension to the instrument’s compass. Without it, it’s just a nice tool, like a hammer that is comfy to swing. But musical instruments are more than just tools. They are used to express what we can’t always say with words and that previously mentioned character is a part of that. Without it, the message is dulled and less interesting. Something to consider…
Happy New Year everyone and see you in 2024!
Specifications:
ca. 1950s Alexander Eb Tuba Model 154
5 rotary valves (5th dependent) bore 18.50mm
Bell diameter 38cm
Height 92cm
Weight ca. 8kg
Unlacquered
Brass and Pipes 