2 Comments

1. Kenneth Mark Goins, MD says:

   January 9, 2022 at 5:18 pm

   I use the Accent HR-711L performer series French horn as well as an Alexander 103 MAL professional horn. I can make a comparison between the two instruments. The Accent is a well made instrument with gold brass – very solid and heavy. The Alex 103 is made of yellow brass and is considerably lighter. The resistance is high in both horns. Both horns can be placed into F/Bb or Bb/F modes as needed. Both are more enjoyable to play in the Bb/F mode, IMO. The mechanical linkage in both horns is excellent, with the Alex 103 being slightly superior – faster. The thumb trigger location is ergonomically superior with the Alex 103. Both horns seem to function better with a mouthpiece with a wider diameter to counter the resistance. I like the Laskey 75G for both, as well as the Dennis Wick Paxman 4. Due to weight, I believe that projection of sound is actually superior with the Accent. However, if one has to play either solo or with an orchestra for a long period of time, the Alex 103 is clearly superior – less likely to become tired due the weight. For orchestral playing for long periods of time, I’ve added an ErgoBrass attachment to help with the weight, which is useful, but emptying fluid from the valves is more difficult. In summary, for the money, $3000, the Accent is a very good intermediate French horn – sturdy, reliable, and with excellent sound and projection. The Alex 103 is very expensive, around $9000, and is clearly made for a professional player, who requires precision along with a light-weight instrument. I use the Accent HR-711L as my travel/practice horn, while I perform concerts with the Alex 103. However, both are able to blend and function well in an orchestral setting. Both instruments are worth their value, IMO.

2. Where Is My Saxophone Made? (26 Specific Brand Examples) – jazzwinds.com says:

   July 20, 2022 at 5:16 pm

   […] can check out their model archive to review the different models they have released over the years, from as early as […]