Sax on the Web

Sax on the Web Forum Archive / Baritone Saxophone / buying a martin

Next 20 Messages

mark m.
User ID: 8973393 Apr 10th 2:44 PM
Well I took the plunge, took:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=855130705

Just closed moments ago...I hope it sounds as good as it looks. Next, maybe off to Steve G?

The Martin
User ID: 0631424 Apr 11th 1:21 AM
Judging by the pictures it's a beauty.

Bari Martin
User ID: 9579203 Apr 11th 11:46 AM
You stole it. Congratulations. Tell them to make sure the sax cannot move in the case and all loose items are individually wrapped and secured in the case. The case should be shipped in a new shipping carton large enough to have at least 4" clear on all sides, with these spaces to be filled with resilient packing material, such as styrofoam 'peanuts'. I bought an even more mint one from a well known dealer in CA a couple years ago, and the bari was not secured in the case, receiving some minor but annoying damage. It never occurred to me to discuss packing with this well-known dealer. That was a bad assumption. It should be wrapped in bubble wrap and the case shaken to make sure it can't move. The case was in an old box with some smaller Fedex boxes to jam it in, but that was ineffective. It's generally safe to ship an old bari, but you must pack it with the assumption that it will be dropped off a 14' high conveyor belt to the concrete floor. Many experts insist on corking down the keys, which doesn't hurt anything if you can get them to do it. If they're not a music store or repair facility, maybe you should forget that part - who knows what they may do to it to immobilze the keys. Anyway, let us know how it sounds and what you do with it. I guess you know that they don't have an aux. side F#. You get used to it.

MusicMan
User ID: 0464054 Apr 11th 12:04 PM
You got a beauty of a horn Mark. Sorry the pics of my Big B dodn't make it with my email. Enjoy your new horn...

Alan G.
User ID: 1348824 Apr 11th 12:44 PM
I concur - it's a beaut!!

If I wasn't saving for a low A Martin Magna - I would've seriously consider this one to replace the crappy re-laq Martin Bari I currently own.

Ya did good :-)

MPL
User ID: 0032624 Apr 11th 2:29 PM
Agreed! If I hadn't found a 12M when I did, I'd still be in the market for a Martin like that one.

manofsteel
User ID: 9084913 Apr 11th 3:22 PM
Wow, that actually sounds like it might be a good ebay bari...

I'm purchasing a Martin Bari from Steve Goodsen that apparently mimics his own...goatskin black pads, oversized Noyeks, special epoxy key risers at Low C, Eb, palm keys, and left hand spatula, polished rods etc. The horn was also chemically stripped.

I'm just waiting for him to get his order of Protec bari cases in 'cause I'm buying one too.

Should be in my hands in a couple weeks. If you want pictures of what these things look like, email Steve or post your email and I'll send them to you.

Also on the packing thing...MAKE SURE THE GUY SENDS IT IN A DOUBLE WALL CARDBOARD BOX. I'm dealing with UPS right now on a claim for damage to a bari sent to me. Thankfully, the guy packed it like a tank so my claim looks like it's gonna get paid. But that was one of the things the claims adjustor asked for in addition to all the other stuff Bari M mentioned.

Congrats!

steve
User ID: 2365684 Apr 11th 5:42 PM
Good Buy Mark! I paid a little less for my 1954 "The Martin" but it was a school horn...ugly but a great horn.The overhaul was about $700. What mouthpiece do you plan on using? I got a 120/3 Berg SS and its a good match.

mark m.
User ID: 9921013 Apr 11th 10:46 PM
Thanks for all the comments - being my first non-Conn, my first bari, and my first major ebay transaction,I've been a bit nervous about this!

MusicMan I'm sorry I didn't get your pics, too, but no worries, just hope with me that this works out, and I'm sure the right person will pick yours up too.

Bari M. thanks for the notes about shipping - this is a definite concern of mine, having read some of the horror stories in some of the forum threads.

I thought I was headed for either a Chu or early 12M, but nice ones are so pricey, I figured it was time to own a non-Conn.

I've read that a couple of you are using Bergs, any other recommends? I saw a 110-1 Berg, I think, on ebay. I want something that will help me a get an edgy, aggressive tone, rather than blendy, section-type sound.

Since this horn needs new pads, I thought I might have the seller send it straight to Steve Goodsen - Man of Steel I look forward to hearing from you about yours - I was of course thinking about that horn too!

I want to hear more about all of your Martin baris! Especially since it will be a few weeks 'til I have mine!

thanks again all.

mark m
User ID: 9921013 Apr 11th 11:21 PM
p.s. man of steel if you have pics you want to forward, I'm at mmmalmberg@attbi.com thanks

George Briscoe
User ID: 8151383 Apr 11th 11:33 PM
Mark M, Steve Goodson uses a really open Runyon Quantum on his "The Martin" for his Rock-N-Roll work.

Bari Martin
User ID: 9579203 Apr 12th 12:44 PM
Berg Larsens get a lot of use on Martin baris - mine is a '60s Ebonite 130/1 M. A 110/1 would be a good choice. I tried a Runyon metal Quantum Spoiler on mine (with and without the Spoiler), and while it had a great sound and plenty of power, it exacerbated the horn's tendency to go sharp up high. The Berg played just as well, but is more manageable intonation-wise.

mark m.
User ID: 9921013 Apr 14th 1:42 AM
Any idea of a good price for an ebonite Berg, i.e. on ebay or used in good condition?

Screech
User ID: 0624334 Apr 14th 6:20 AM
MM is that for playing or commuting?:)
Cya on the highway.

Bari Martin
User ID: 0373644 Apr 14th 8:24 AM
Considering that a new one is only $122, the facing you're looking for in a '60s vintage (rounded shank end, silver paint in the writing) should be available for less than $100.

mark m.
User ID: 9921013 Apr 14th 12:02 PM
Screech that would be a playing piece:)

Bari M., is there a benefit to the older Bergs? Else I'd just go for a new one I guess...There's this on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=856008363
At $72. still hasn't hit reserve...

I'm in no hurry, I won't have the horn for a month. Maybe I should look for a commuting piece in the meantime!

manofsteel
User ID: 9084913 Apr 15th 4:52 PM
Hi mm,

I picked up a 70's berg hr off ebay for $143, to George Briscoe's chagrin :^) It's a .110/2 SMS

I just got it today. It's in great shape except the cap is splitting. I can't wait to slap a reed on.

This past Sunday, a 60's HR berg .90/2/M just went for $105. I thought about picking that one up too, but I thought George was gonna pick it up!

mark m.
User ID: 8973393 Apr 15th 5:17 PM
What do the last letter(s) denote?

Bari Martin
User ID: 9286933 Apr 15th 7:55 PM
The first number is tip opening in thousandths of an inch; 110 = .110". The second number is the baffle height - 0 is the highest (closest to the reed), and 3 is the lowest (closest to the roof). The higher baffle has the brighter sound. The letter M or SMS stands for the facing curve design, with M being the so-called 'American' facing, and SMS being the shorter 'French' facing. I like the '60s Ebonite Bergs - I think they're made more carefully with a slimmer design and more hand-finishing. Check out the Berg Larsen site for descriptions of the current models.

mark m.
User ID: 8973393 Apr 15th 9:25 PM
Thanks BariMartin. I'm learning...

Next 20 Messages

mark m. User ID: 8973393	Apr 10th 2:44 PM Well I took the plunge, took: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=855130705 Just closed moments ago...I hope it sounds as good as it looks. Next, maybe off to Steve G?
The Martin User ID: 0631424	Apr 11th 1:21 AM Judging by the pictures it's a beauty.
Bari Martin User ID: 9579203	Apr 11th 11:46 AM You stole it. Congratulations. Tell them to make sure the sax cannot move in the case and all loose items are individually wrapped and secured in the case. The case should be shipped in a new shipping carton large enough to have at least 4" clear on all sides, with these spaces to be filled with resilient packing material, such as styrofoam 'peanuts'. I bought an even more mint one from a well known dealer in CA a couple years ago, and the bari was not secured in the case, receiving some minor but annoying damage. It never occurred to me to discuss packing with this well-known dealer. That was a bad assumption. It should be wrapped in bubble wrap and the case shaken to make sure it can't move. The case was in an old box with some smaller Fedex boxes to jam it in, but that was ineffective. It's generally safe to ship an old bari, but you must pack it with the assumption that it will be dropped off a 14' high conveyor belt to the concrete floor. Many experts insist on corking down the keys, which doesn't hurt anything if you can get them to do it. If they're not a music store or repair facility, maybe you should forget that part - who knows what they may do to it to immobilze the keys. Anyway, let us know how it sounds and what you do with it. I guess you know that they don't have an aux. side F#. You get used to it.
MusicMan User ID: 0464054	Apr 11th 12:04 PM You got a beauty of a horn Mark. Sorry the pics of my Big B dodn't make it with my email. Enjoy your new horn...
Alan G. User ID: 1348824	Apr 11th 12:44 PM I concur - it's a beaut!! If I wasn't saving for a low A Martin Magna - I would've seriously consider this one to replace the crappy re-laq Martin Bari I currently own. Ya did good :-)
MPL User ID: 0032624	Apr 11th 2:29 PM Agreed! If I hadn't found a 12M when I did, I'd still be in the market for a Martin like that one.
manofsteel User ID: 9084913	Apr 11th 3:22 PM Wow, that actually sounds like it might be a good ebay bari... I'm purchasing a Martin Bari from Steve Goodsen that apparently mimics his own...goatskin black pads, oversized Noyeks, special epoxy key risers at Low C, Eb, palm keys, and left hand spatula, polished rods etc. The horn was also chemically stripped. I'm just waiting for him to get his order of Protec bari cases in 'cause I'm buying one too. Should be in my hands in a couple weeks. If you want pictures of what these things look like, email Steve or post your email and I'll send them to you. Also on the packing thing...MAKE SURE THE GUY SENDS IT IN A DOUBLE WALL CARDBOARD BOX. I'm dealing with UPS right now on a claim for damage to a bari sent to me. Thankfully, the guy packed it like a tank so my claim looks like it's gonna get paid. But that was one of the things the claims adjustor asked for in addition to all the other stuff Bari M mentioned. Congrats!
steve User ID: 2365684	Apr 11th 5:42 PM Good Buy Mark! I paid a little less for my 1954 "The Martin" but it was a school horn...ugly but a great horn.The overhaul was about $700. What mouthpiece do you plan on using? I got a 120/3 Berg SS and its a good match.
mark m. User ID: 9921013	Apr 11th 10:46 PM Thanks for all the comments - being my first non-Conn, my first bari, and my first major ebay transaction,I've been a bit nervous about this! MusicMan I'm sorry I didn't get your pics, too, but no worries, just hope with me that this works out, and I'm sure the right person will pick yours up too. Bari M. thanks for the notes about shipping - this is a definite concern of mine, having read some of the horror stories in some of the forum threads. I thought I was headed for either a Chu or early 12M, but nice ones are so pricey, I figured it was time to own a non-Conn. I've read that a couple of you are using Bergs, any other recommends? I saw a 110-1 Berg, I think, on ebay. I want something that will help me a get an edgy, aggressive tone, rather than blendy, section-type sound. Since this horn needs new pads, I thought I might have the seller send it straight to Steve Goodsen - Man of Steel I look forward to hearing from you about yours - I was of course thinking about that horn too! I want to hear more about all of your Martin baris! Especially since it will be a few weeks 'til I have mine! thanks again all.
mark m User ID: 9921013	Apr 11th 11:21 PM p.s. man of steel if you have pics you want to forward, I'm at mmmalmberg@attbi.com thanks
George Briscoe User ID: 8151383	Apr 11th 11:33 PM Mark M, Steve Goodson uses a really open Runyon Quantum on his "The Martin" for his Rock-N-Roll work.
Bari Martin User ID: 9579203	Apr 12th 12:44 PM Berg Larsens get a lot of use on Martin baris - mine is a '60s Ebonite 130/1 M. A 110/1 would be a good choice. I tried a Runyon metal Quantum Spoiler on mine (with and without the Spoiler), and while it had a great sound and plenty of power, it exacerbated the horn's tendency to go sharp up high. The Berg played just as well, but is more manageable intonation-wise.
mark m. User ID: 9921013	Apr 14th 1:42 AM Any idea of a good price for an ebonite Berg, i.e. on ebay or used in good condition?
Screech User ID: 0624334	Apr 14th 6:20 AM MM is that for playing or commuting?:) Cya on the highway.
Bari Martin User ID: 0373644	Apr 14th 8:24 AM Considering that a new one is only $122, the facing you're looking for in a '60s vintage (rounded shank end, silver paint in the writing) should be available for less than $100.
mark m. User ID: 9921013	Apr 14th 12:02 PM Screech that would be a playing piece:) Bari M., is there a benefit to the older Bergs? Else I'd just go for a new one I guess...There's this on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=856008363 At $72. still hasn't hit reserve... I'm in no hurry, I won't have the horn for a month. Maybe I should look for a commuting piece in the meantime!
manofsteel User ID: 9084913	Apr 15th 4:52 PM Hi mm, I picked up a 70's berg hr off ebay for $143, to George Briscoe's chagrin :^) It's a .110/2 SMS I just got it today. It's in great shape except the cap is splitting. I can't wait to slap a reed on. This past Sunday, a 60's HR berg .90/2/M just went for $105. I thought about picking that one up too, but I thought George was gonna pick it up!
mark m. User ID: 8973393	Apr 15th 5:17 PM What do the last letter(s) denote?
Bari Martin User ID: 9286933	Apr 15th 7:55 PM The first number is tip opening in thousandths of an inch; 110 = .110". The second number is the baffle height - 0 is the highest (closest to the reed), and 3 is the lowest (closest to the roof). The higher baffle has the brighter sound. The letter M or SMS stands for the facing curve design, with M being the so-called 'American' facing, and SMS being the shorter 'French' facing. I like the '60s Ebonite Bergs - I think they're made more carefully with a slimmer design and more hand-finishing. Check out the Berg Larsen site for descriptions of the current models.
mark m. User ID: 8973393	Apr 15th 9:25 PM Thanks BariMartin. I'm learning...