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Sax on the Web Forum Archive / Baritone Saxophone / Couf Superba II

Dr. J
User ID: 1314254 Oct 8th 11:10 AM
How does the Couf Superba II stack up against other pro baris? What would you consider a fair price for one in good condition?

Jeff Brody
User ID: 1759784 Oct 9th 1:19 PM
I've played 2. Sound wise they are
similar to my Mulligan bari due to their
bigger bore. The key set up feels more
like my Selmer. Actually quite a good
combination. Much sturdier construction than
the entry level new baris that are out there.
$1500-2000 depending on condition and need
for repairs.

modre
User ID: 9140763 Oct 9th 2:12 PM
I didn't know they made a 2.
Someone told me the alto/tenor Superba 1 had rolled tone holes, the Superba 2 didn't...they just made a bari without rolled tone holes, and called it Superba 1.

I bought a new Superba 1 w/ low A in 75-ish for $1200.(still have it)...intonation and sound is good. It's similar to a MK VI, but the left hand fits better (VI position is for small hands, I thought it felt cramped)

I didn't like the Couf/Keilwerth alto or tenor particularly, but the bari is a nice horn all around.

Now mouthpiece...a good mp makes a world of difference. Guardala King R&B is the one. I also have a Runyon metal Quantum that sounds raw authentic (good), but I like the K/R&B better overall. Also had a Level Air, Dukoff D, (tried a couple others) but sold them.

Bari sound can get lost in the mix, but with the right mp, you'll not only hang with the section, but dominate at will. You need big chops.

Get a Winter flight case...toss that stock case.

BrianA
User ID: 1564944 Oct 10th 1:50 AM
The Superba II was also made under a few different names and it is the same horn with different engraving. They made some for H&A Selmer Bundy (not at all the student Bundy we all know but a Superba II in disguise) also made under the name "New King Tempo" and a couple of other names. great buys if you know what to look for. They do play well with comfortable keyboard and a huge bell but other than the ones engraved Superba II the others are all to low Bb only .

BrianA
User ID: 1564944 Oct 10th 1:53 AM
Sorry , I forgot to mention, they are also available under the Armstrong Heritage name if you can find them and know which ones were made by Keilwerth, easy to tell from the shape of the high F side key and the shape of the bell key guards and they are usually stamped "Made in Germany".

Bob B
User ID: 1606604 Oct 28th 9:32 PM
I have a Superba II also, had it since 1976ish. Alwys has been VERY good, altho havent used it as much the past few years do to time constraints.

I glad I saw this, i was also toying with the idea of selling, but havent been able to find much info for pricing on it. I dont know if I can give it up tho..

Bob B

super20dan
User ID: 7705853 Oct 29th 7:31 PM
modre i also play bari in the same style as you do.a high baffel mpc is a must if you want to bully the rest of the section.its fun and i always get asked back because for once the bari was heard.

manofsteel
User ID: 9084913 Feb 11th 4:04 PM
Bringing this thread up from the back of the bus!

Could you Superba 2 bari owners tell me whether the left hand and right hand stacks are offset like a Mk VI?

How is the intonation?

What pad/reso set up do you have. Do you know what the stock setup was?

Lastly, I've read that folks with bigger hands like them...unfortunately, I don't know what 'big' means. For example, I use a med/large cadet glove when I golf...will the key spacing be a bit big for someone with my hand size?

Thanks!

Dr. J User ID: 1314254	Oct 8th 11:10 AM How does the Couf Superba II stack up against other pro baris? What would you consider a fair price for one in good condition?
Jeff Brody User ID: 1759784	Oct 9th 1:19 PM I've played 2. Sound wise they are similar to my Mulligan bari due to their bigger bore. The key set up feels more like my Selmer. Actually quite a good combination. Much sturdier construction than the entry level new baris that are out there. $1500-2000 depending on condition and need for repairs.
modre User ID: 9140763	Oct 9th 2:12 PM I didn't know they made a 2. Someone told me the alto/tenor Superba 1 had rolled tone holes, the Superba 2 didn't...they just made a bari without rolled tone holes, and called it Superba 1. I bought a new Superba 1 w/ low A in 75-ish for $1200.(still have it)...intonation and sound is good. It's similar to a MK VI, but the left hand fits better (VI position is for small hands, I thought it felt cramped) I didn't like the Couf/Keilwerth alto or tenor particularly, but the bari is a nice horn all around. Now mouthpiece...a good mp makes a world of difference. Guardala King R&B is the one. I also have a Runyon metal Quantum that sounds raw authentic (good), but I like the K/R&B better overall. Also had a Level Air, Dukoff D, (tried a couple others) but sold them. Bari sound can get lost in the mix, but with the right mp, you'll not only hang with the section, but dominate at will. You need big chops. Get a Winter flight case...toss that stock case.
BrianA User ID: 1564944	Oct 10th 1:50 AM The Superba II was also made under a few different names and it is the same horn with different engraving. They made some for H&A Selmer Bundy (not at all the student Bundy we all know but a Superba II in disguise) also made under the name "New King Tempo" and a couple of other names. great buys if you know what to look for. They do play well with comfortable keyboard and a huge bell but other than the ones engraved Superba II the others are all to low Bb only .
BrianA User ID: 1564944	Oct 10th 1:53 AM Sorry , I forgot to mention, they are also available under the Armstrong Heritage name if you can find them and know which ones were made by Keilwerth, easy to tell from the shape of the high F side key and the shape of the bell key guards and they are usually stamped "Made in Germany".
Bob B User ID: 1606604	Oct 28th 9:32 PM I have a Superba II also, had it since 1976ish. Alwys has been VERY good, altho havent used it as much the past few years do to time constraints. I glad I saw this, i was also toying with the idea of selling, but havent been able to find much info for pricing on it. I dont know if I can give it up tho.. Bob B
super20dan User ID: 7705853	Oct 29th 7:31 PM modre i also play bari in the same style as you do.a high baffel mpc is a must if you want to bully the rest of the section.its fun and i always get asked back because for once the bari was heard.
manofsteel User ID: 9084913	Feb 11th 4:04 PM Bringing this thread up from the back of the bus! Could you Superba 2 bari owners tell me whether the left hand and right hand stacks are offset like a Mk VI? How is the intonation? What pad/reso set up do you have. Do you know what the stock setup was? Lastly, I've read that folks with bigger hands like them...unfortunately, I don't know what 'big' means. For example, I use a med/large cadet glove when I golf...will the key spacing be a bit big for someone with my hand size? Thanks!