Sax on the Web Forum

Sax on the Web Forum Archive / Baritone Saxophone / value of Big B

curious
User ID: 8346323 Jan 7th 11:50 AM
How much would you pay for a Big B Bari that has all the snap-in pads and Norton springs, but...

It doesn't have much lacquer (and has some red oxidation(?)), some dents, and has clearly had the bell and the middle part of the curvy section on top resoldered (not sloppily done, but the lacquer is burned)?

It doesn't leak, and has a HUGE sound.

Saxgourmet.com lists these as being worth $2500, but that only seems realistic for a totally mint closet horn.

MusicMan
User ID: 0108854 Jan 7th 3:05 PM
I had been wrestling with the same question myself, at least until my wife decided to let me keep my Big B bari instead of selling it, as a Christmas present.

Mine had a bit over a year old overhaul by Steve and although it needed a few minor treeks, was in good playing condition. Lacquer is about 80% with typical dents at the crook and bow.

I'd had some nibbles and interest at the $1800 level before my wife relented. I was going to go to the 1650-1700 range next without the ProTec coffin that I was including at the $1800 mark.

I've seen these go for $900 to $1200 on eBay, but every one I'd seen needed an overhaul.

I'll definately agree that it is one big and mellow sounding horn. I've just finished a record transcription of Charlie Fowlkes and the Basie band doing "Spring is Here". I plan on using the Big B for that solo.

George Briscoe
User ID: 9161143 Jan 8th 3:57 AM
Which album is that on?

SAXGOURMET
User ID: 0534004 Jan 8th 6:36 AM
If you're using my value guide, PLEASE read the preface first.

MusicMan
User ID: 0108854 Jan 8th 8:42 AM
George...Corner Pocket

curious User ID: 8346323	Jan 7th 11:50 AM How much would you pay for a Big B Bari that has all the snap-in pads and Norton springs, but... It doesn't have much lacquer (and has some red oxidation(?)), some dents, and has clearly had the bell and the middle part of the curvy section on top resoldered (not sloppily done, but the lacquer is burned)? It doesn't leak, and has a HUGE sound. Saxgourmet.com lists these as being worth $2500, but that only seems realistic for a totally mint closet horn.
MusicMan User ID: 0108854	Jan 7th 3:05 PM I had been wrestling with the same question myself, at least until my wife decided to let me keep my Big B bari instead of selling it, as a Christmas present. Mine had a bit over a year old overhaul by Steve and although it needed a few minor treeks, was in good playing condition. Lacquer is about 80% with typical dents at the crook and bow. I'd had some nibbles and interest at the $1800 level before my wife relented. I was going to go to the 1650-1700 range next without the ProTec coffin that I was including at the $1800 mark. I've seen these go for $900 to $1200 on eBay, but every one I'd seen needed an overhaul. I'll definately agree that it is one big and mellow sounding horn. I've just finished a record transcription of Charlie Fowlkes and the Basie band doing "Spring is Here". I plan on using the Big B for that solo.
George Briscoe User ID: 9161143	Jan 8th 3:57 AM Which album is that on?
SAXGOURMET User ID: 0534004	Jan 8th 6:36 AM If you're using my value guide, PLEASE read the preface first.
MusicMan User ID: 0108854	Jan 8th 8:42 AM George...Corner Pocket