FS: Alexander F
Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2026 6:27 pm
Up for sale is a one-of-a-kind tuba.
An all-gold brass Alexander F with 6 valves from the early 1960s. It saddens me deeply to let it go, but expenses need to be paid.
What makes it special isn’t just its playability, but its history. Yes, there’s the beautiful and classical sound of an Alex! The intonation is incredible as there isn’t much slide pulling or alternate fingerings at all. Tom McGrady, an Alex enthusiast, has described it as “plug and play.”
I am the 4th owner of this horn; others include Tom McGrady, Gary Ofenloch, and, of course, the original owner for whom it was custom-made: Chester Schmitz.
This Alex was picked up from Germany by Chester in 1965, and soon he won that BSO audition just a year later. It had been used for about 20 years in Boston until he sold it to Gary in 1985.
My friend and teacher (retired MET) Chris Hall LOVES this horn. If you know him, go ask him about it!
For its age, the cosmetic condition is outstanding, normally you’ll see old Alexs in raw brass or re-lacquered years later, but this one still has its original lacquer since it was professionally stored. There are some spots where it’s gone and some small dents, nothing big. It’s pretty silent with the S-linkages, so there’s no need to convert it!
Tom has also converted the 5th valve to be a whole step, so it will look different compared to the older pics (attached in drive).
I will include a Protec gig bag and the documentation of Gary Ofenloch purchasing it from Chester in this sale.
I’m looking for a straight sale of $12,000. Please do not offer me a trade!
Located in Northern NJ, and shipping will not be considered during this time.
I encourage you to reach out to docacc2370@gmail.com or simply pm me.
pics: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... drive_link
An all-gold brass Alexander F with 6 valves from the early 1960s. It saddens me deeply to let it go, but expenses need to be paid.
What makes it special isn’t just its playability, but its history. Yes, there’s the beautiful and classical sound of an Alex! The intonation is incredible as there isn’t much slide pulling or alternate fingerings at all. Tom McGrady, an Alex enthusiast, has described it as “plug and play.”
I am the 4th owner of this horn; others include Tom McGrady, Gary Ofenloch, and, of course, the original owner for whom it was custom-made: Chester Schmitz.
This Alex was picked up from Germany by Chester in 1965, and soon he won that BSO audition just a year later. It had been used for about 20 years in Boston until he sold it to Gary in 1985.
My friend and teacher (retired MET) Chris Hall LOVES this horn. If you know him, go ask him about it!
For its age, the cosmetic condition is outstanding, normally you’ll see old Alexs in raw brass or re-lacquered years later, but this one still has its original lacquer since it was professionally stored. There are some spots where it’s gone and some small dents, nothing big. It’s pretty silent with the S-linkages, so there’s no need to convert it!
Tom has also converted the 5th valve to be a whole step, so it will look different compared to the older pics (attached in drive).
I will include a Protec gig bag and the documentation of Gary Ofenloch purchasing it from Chester in this sale.
I’m looking for a straight sale of $12,000. Please do not offer me a trade!
Located in Northern NJ, and shipping will not be considered during this time.
I encourage you to reach out to docacc2370@gmail.com or simply pm me.
pics: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... drive_link
