Sax on the Web

Sax on the Web Forum Archive / Baritone Saxophone / Resources?

kiloton
User ID: 9488873 Oct 15th 10:42 AM
It seems that there aren't that many resources available to bari players around. Perhaps I'm wrong and someone can point me to the right places.

I haven't been able to find a teacher within a two-hour drive, so I've resigned myself to learning this beast on my own. I haven't found any books on the subject (most are really geared for alto and tenor players); the method music that I've found is either way to easy or way too hard. It seems that there are a limited number of real bari recordings....

Anyone have suggestions?

Thanks!

MBushaw
User ID: 1167284 Oct 15th 11:29 AM
If this is your first sax, then any sax teacher can give you guidance for at least a few months. The common mistakes are common for all the saxes. If you already play sax and are adding the bari to your collection, yes it is hard to find bari specific education.

Linda
User ID: 0645514 Oct 15th 8:34 PM
As a beginner, I find that the books I use (Rubank series) tend to work the upper range of the horn more than than the lower. Not a problem, I guess, but as a bari player I want to be sure to develop my low notes. Sometimes I transpose the little etudes to lower keys.

Gary Hartle
User ID: 1529574 Oct 16th 6:10 PM
Whatever it takes to learn to play it well will be worth it, particularly if you develop the skill to take 'rides' (improvise solos in jazz, blues, etc.). People love the bari as a solo instrument rather than just the anchor of a horn section, and are always surprised and pleased when the bari turns loose with a strong ride. For jazz bari inspiration, check out Nick Brignola. Simply the best. Try to settle on a mouthpiece that has projection while delivering a deep, boomy bottom end and a strong, but not thin, high register. You want to be able to cover the typical bari situations without being too 'edgy', but you want lots of reserve punch when needed. I have found that a Berg Larsen Ebonite piece in 130/1 M works for me. A milder example could be a 110 or 120/2 M. I play a 1955 Martin bari as a seldom-used double, but I really look forward to taking it out when I get the chance. I only take it on jobs where I'm the only sax (I get hired as a tenor man), so I get plenty of solo ops with it.

kiloton User ID: 9488873	Oct 15th 10:42 AM It seems that there aren't that many resources available to bari players around. Perhaps I'm wrong and someone can point me to the right places. I haven't been able to find a teacher within a two-hour drive, so I've resigned myself to learning this beast on my own. I haven't found any books on the subject (most are really geared for alto and tenor players); the method music that I've found is either way to easy or way too hard. It seems that there are a limited number of real bari recordings.... Anyone have suggestions? Thanks!
MBushaw User ID: 1167284	Oct 15th 11:29 AM If this is your first sax, then any sax teacher can give you guidance for at least a few months. The common mistakes are common for all the saxes. If you already play sax and are adding the bari to your collection, yes it is hard to find bari specific education.
Linda User ID: 0645514	Oct 15th 8:34 PM As a beginner, I find that the books I use (Rubank series) tend to work the upper range of the horn more than than the lower. Not a problem, I guess, but as a bari player I want to be sure to develop my low notes. Sometimes I transpose the little etudes to lower keys.
Gary Hartle User ID: 1529574	Oct 16th 6:10 PM Whatever it takes to learn to play it well will be worth it, particularly if you develop the skill to take 'rides' (improvise solos in jazz, blues, etc.). People love the bari as a solo instrument rather than just the anchor of a horn section, and are always surprised and pleased when the bari turns loose with a strong ride. For jazz bari inspiration, check out Nick Brignola. Simply the best. Try to settle on a mouthpiece that has projection while delivering a deep, boomy bottom end and a strong, but not thin, high register. You want to be able to cover the typical bari situations without being too 'edgy', but you want lots of reserve punch when needed. I have found that a Berg Larsen Ebonite piece in 130/1 M works for me. A milder example could be a 110 or 120/2 M. I play a 1955 Martin bari as a seldom-used double, but I really look forward to taking it out when I get the chance. I only take it on jobs where I'm the only sax (I get hired as a tenor man), so I get plenty of solo ops with it.