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Forum » General Discussions » General question to the Bari Players out there


by historicsaxwhisperer
(644 posts)
5 years ago

General question to the Bari Players out there

So, I have been on this Forum for a number of years. I think this is my first posting asking a playing question.

 It to the Bari players out there.

 

 I am back out playing after a number of years, due to bad eyesight being surgically corrected($$$$$)  and I now am able to read charts again, keeping up. There seems to be a giant void and the need for a commited Bari player wherever I go?

EXAMPLE: Does a Mark VI Bari with a low A play differently than one keyed to low B flat? As a doubling instrument, is the extra horn/weight room taken up in the sax section worth it for the occasional low A written into charts?

My tenor is a 1964 Mark VI that I have had since 1980 (My user Photo). Well, I have a number of horns in my collection, but my 64 is my perfect fit.  I am thinking I would be most comfortable on a Mark VI Bari from the similar vintage and keyed to low B flat. I am just starting my search, so I will play first whatever I buy.

I would love to hear comments.

Every Player is different.

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  2. by GFC
    (842 posts)
    5 years ago

    Re: General question to the Bari Players out there

    Not a bari player myself, but here's a link to an article by one fellow very opinionated on the low A issue:

    http://jazzbarisax.com/articles/brands-and-horns/

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    1. by historicsaxwhisperer
      (644 posts)
      5 years ago

      Re: General question to the Bari Players out there

      Thanks for the link. It was directly on my thought pattern.

      I had already decided on Selmer, or Conn, keyed to low B flat.

      As it is obvious, I am a CONNoisseur.

      The Conn keywork I am very familiar with, yet the Selmer keywork, after 40 yr, is second nature. My thoughts on the low A is right on this info, the opinions from jazzbarisax.com

      Since I do my own work, I'm looking for an old highly worn Mark VI, Perferably in the early 60s production.

      Still looking for other input from players, but this was quite helpful.

       

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      1. by historicsaxwhisperer
        (644 posts)
        5 years ago

        Re: General question to the Bari Players out there

        I have been watching a 1964 Selmer Baritone keyed to B flat on ebay that needs some work. I think it has a week or 5 days so till it ends.

        I have been considering breaking my "golden rule" of purchasing a horn before I play it.

        Worse yet, I have been considering buying this unplayable horn that needs work site unseen.

        I think the best rule is always to ask questions ahead of time, so you are not side swipped by a horn with unmentioned damage, such as crushed tone holes that may end up being a big issue. Also, stick with the solid feedback sellers.

        I think I will pass on this one. It is only at 1700, but if its the wrong horn, its 1700 too much.

        If it wasn't a RELACQUERED horn, I probably would still be considering it.

        Still Looking if anyone has a Selmer in the early 60s original finish, keyed to B flat.

        I may just pick up a 12M for now. They always hold their value.

         

         

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        1. by GFC
          (842 posts)
          5 years ago

          Re: General question to the Bari Players out there

          If you'd consider a Conn, might you also consider a Martin?  They have their fans and you might find a better deal.


           "I’ve used a The Martin baritone for years. They are the best of the vintage baritones."

          https://www.saxgourmet.com/vintage-saxophone-value-guide/

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        2. by historicsaxwhisperer
          (644 posts)
          5 years ago

          Re: General question to the Bari Players out there

          Yes I would definitely consider a Martin. I play a Martin stencil alto in silver plate with a front F and the forked E flat around the front. Awesome horn. I still play it regularly and it was the horn I started on back in elementary school. I have it set up playing perfect.

           I knew a Bari player that had a beautiful dark lacquered horn back in the mid 90s. I think a nice vintage  Martin Baritone is just such a rarely I'd never find one. I am definitely not afraid of the soldered on tone holes and the fact they are made like a tank.

          In fact I'm watching a "The Martin Baritone" on Ebay right now. It is a bit overpriced. Has some custom alterations. Will need a fresh setup to be a real work horse. So a very worn and played horn, but probably just what I need. At 899.00 it will never be a collectors horn, but a players horn. Any return value if I decided to pass it on, would only be possible with a local sale. 899 is a bit high for a horn with so much stage wear as I call it.

          A 12M and Mark VI, are just more plentiful.

          Finding a real nice Martin Bari will not be easy.

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        3. by historicsaxwhisperer
          (644 posts)
          5 years ago

          Re: General question to the Bari Players out there

          It took me 3 months, but I settled on a 1954 Buescher Aristicrat Big B with a front F and keyed to B flat.

          Local Sale, Original Lacquer, snap in resonators all intact, original neck, a new case with wheels, original mouthpiece, physically in above average condition. From a professional player and priced where I could not say no.

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