| Picture this: You are in beautiful Switzerland | | | | produces a soft and smooth sound. These types |
| surrounded by the mountains and you hear a | | | | are wrapped in birch bark for durability and |
| distinct sound coming from afar. You are probably | | | | protection.o Buchel alphorn - a buchel alphorn is |
| hearing the sound of an alphorn - the most | | | | also made from the truck of a fir tree that has |
| famous musical instrument in this country. | | | | been straightened and hollowed out. It features a |
| Alphorns have been around as far back as 500 | | | | smaller horn with a coiled shape. It produces |
| years ago, initially used as a means of | | | | higher pitches and faster tempos. |
| communication among the Swiss. In modern | | | | Buying tips |
| times, the alphorn has been converted as a | | | | When looking to buy alphorns, look for two things: |
| musical instrument, being used in both orchestra | | | | durability and length. |
| and solo performances. | | | | Choose an alphorn that is made from solid, |
| Anatomy | | | | high-quality hardwood such as maple or cocobola. |
| An alphorn consists of a wooden horn, a conical | | | | Maintenance is also key in keeping your alphorn |
| bore, a cup-shaped lead pipe or mouthpiece, and | | | | looking good. Always polish and clean it to extend |
| curved bells. Typically, an alphorn is carved from | | | | its life. |
| solid wood and has no lateral opening. It can | | | | Also, choose an alphorn that has a length that is |
| measure up to 10 meters in length, making it a | | | | proportional to your height and handling ability. If |
| local attraction for visitors. | | | | you are someone with an average height, look |
| Kindso Grada buchel alphorn - this is made from | | | | for a six- to seven-meter alphorn. Longer ones |
| the trunk of a fir tree. It is usually straight and | | | | are heavier and may be difficult to handle. |
| hollow with a wide, curved bell at the end and | | | | |