Posted by hard core big rotary honker on April 14, 2001 at 08:03:20:
In Reply to: Trip to the Midwest posted by SD on April 12, 2001 at 09:56:24:
I'll second your opinion.
I took my Alexander CC down to BW in February to compare it with the new horns.
Of all of the large CC horns in the show room, including the Willson, R. Meinl & Cherveny,
the rotary Neptune comes closest to the Alexander sound, but with much better intonation.
Its far bigger, bulkier, heavier and harder to transport than the Alex but quite responsive and agile. It could be used for most orchestra, band and quintet work in my opinion, and it's a good value. I did not care for the piston valve version, it seems
awkward to hold and not as responsive. Only lack of cash prevented me from buying one on the spot. I also like the Miraphone 191 BBb, a great value with those fast and quiet Miraphone rotary valves and great response.
Im amazed at the quantity and quality of the selection avialable to players now versus thirty years ago. These new horns are not only cheaper, they are also far better.