Filigree technique for the sound of the mountains

Wood from the region

Since then, Alois Biermaier has experimented with various methods and woods and perfected the manufacture of this traditional hunting instrument. He only uses finely textured local fir, which creates the best sound in the final instrument. The trunk of the tree has to demonstrate the natural curve that will later form the funnel-shaped bell at the bottom end of the Alphorn.

Once he has located a suitable tree, it is felled, cut through and hollowed out. Biermaier has to work with total concentration: The internal section of the resonance tube must be even from top to bottom and the walls of the instrument cannot be more than 5-6 mm thick at any point. This is delicate work, because it is what gives the instrument its rich, vibrant tone.

Hobby becomes a profession

What began as a hobby has now been a big part of Alois Biermaier’s life for more than 30 years. He estimates that he has produced 700 Alphorns. Most of these have been sold in the Alpine region, but some have also been shipped to America and Japan. He has now retired from work as a joiner, but he is adamant that he will be making Alphorns for a long time to come.