best bass sax within reasonable price

[Mark_vi]

Ok, I just want everyone's opinions and reasoning on what they think is the best bass sax

I have no clue, that is why i am asking, From what has been said in other posts the mark vi basses are not that good, so what do you play???

[Merlin]

Find a Conn or Buescher, or one of their many stencils. You'll have to do some research to learn to identify them.

[tensopbass]

If its sound you are after, then Conn and Buescher,(my Conn leaves ripples on the wallpaper!) but the key position and action generally is hard work. Selmer (and Keilwerth, etc) have better ergonomics, but the sound is like a bari, not a bass. nicko

[saxman06]

I'm playing a 1926-28 Buescher Aristocrat bass sax right now, and it will also, as tensopbass said, leave ripples on the wallpaper. . . It's all in how you play. If you have smaller hands, I would suggest you stay away from the Buescher, the key layout is very wide. I love vintage horns now, nobody will ever convince me that they are in any way inferior to the modern horns. The only horns I play right now are both older than 1945. I'm not too experienced with newer bass saxes, it's all up to you. I didn't think very many companies still made them anymore, but I'm probably wrong. Good luck with your hunt!

[Bootman]

Definitely Conn or Buescher or if you have a lot of cash then get the Eppelsheim. There are Brazillian Basses beign made now but I haven't played or tested one out.

[Hardy]

Best bass? Eppelsheim. Big bassy sound, good ergonomics. Only drawback is the price.

[Bar-Ron]

I play Merlin's Old Conn. Love it!
We helped the school get a new Bass, they went to a Selmer so children could play it. It handles nice plays easy and sounds like a dot compared to a Bass LINE!
Plays the same note but with a thin focused boop.
I like the Conn big round wide sound of thunder better.
Of course the draw back being intonation work and mouthpiece discovery but that's part of the fun of it.
Vintage on Bass more than any other horn for sure.
I would like to play a Keilwerth or an Epplesheim someday though, you know, should any one be driving around with one in their trunk in the immediate area and feel like leaving it for a few months.....har har.

[legato]

Bootman,

You mentioned Brazilian bass sax. What brand did you have in mind? I asked Mr. Google and he gave me Weril. Try weril.com. Looks like an interesting company. They sell instruments all over the world with a dealer in Florida, but they stop at baritone, I don't see a bass. Maybe they are working on a prototype?

Brian

[Single_Reed]

Those are all great choices, I just wish Yanagisawa would come out with a bass sax, hopefuly the BS991??? Any takers??? I would buy one for sure, I love the yani baris!!!!!