Posted by Mark E. Chachich on July 07, 1999 at 18:06:14:
In Reply to: alexander BBb posted by Paul Posada on July 05, 1999 at 21:43:59:
Alexander leadpipes have a long section of cylindrical pipe before the valve section. I think that Alexander was also willing to do what you wanted when they built a tuba for someone (within reason). When I bought my 163, Alexander would only build tubas as they were ordered (it was about a 2 year waiting period from order to delivery). So, it is very possible that someone either ordered a 5 valve BB flat or added a fifth valve to a BB flat.
There are more than one model of Alexander BB flat. The only BB flat Alexander that I have tried was a huge nickle-silver tuba (Kaiser type) that I thought was excellent (wonderful sound, wow!!!!!!!!). My opinion is that you should try this tuba. Be aware that Alexanders usually have quirky intonation, usually cured with some alternate fingerings. However, those of us that play them put up with the flaws for the sound.
Feel free to e-mail me to talk at more length about Alexander tubas.
good luck,
Mark E. Chachich
t570466(AT)vm.sc.edu