Posted by Wade on March 18, 2004 at 19:53:09:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Alex 163 compared to Miraphone what? posted by Only Curiosity on March 18, 2004 at 19:15:57:
The Alex has the larger bore and slightly larger diameter tubing throughout the length of the bugle. It has a smaller bell and a more open wrap. It gets a timbre that is much more meaty than the "usual" Miraphone sound. The larger, newer Miraphones models (1291?) sound less tight than the older ones, but still have a different character than the Alexander instruments. However, older Alexanders were plagued with rotten intonation in most cases. (Not sure about this with the newer ones . . . ) Some open pitches could be off as far as 45 to 50 cents! You must master slide pulls and alternate fingerings to play one well. Many think that the Alex sound is worth the effort. But most want easier results. Miraphones, on the other hand, have (usually) wonderful intonation.
Wade "apples/oranges, boxers/briefs, Miraphones/Alexanders . . . " Rackley