PDA

View Full Version : Martin Baritone

brrrfva
07-31-2003, 03:14 PM
I have the opportunity to purchase a Martin baritone, serial no. 219310. The horn will be used by a high school student, mostly in symphonic band, but also in a jazz band. The gentleman who owns the horn has played it for a long time, and it appears to be in very good playing condition (he used to repair woodwinds as a sideline.) The finish is well worn, but there are no serious dents. He's selling it with a stand, case, and a couple of extra mouthpieces, and asking $1000. Based on what I've seen and read, that seems like a very fair price for a decent horn. But I figured I'd ask the experts if there are any gotchas I should be looking for.
Stencilman
07-31-2003, 07:52 PM
A grand is more than fair for a playing condition Martin bari with extras. If you don't get it, I want it :-)
MPL
07-31-2003, 08:14 PM
Have a pro tech check the soldered tone holes for leaks along with the usual pad & cork check, etc. If the horn is sound, $1000 for that vintage of Martin baritone is a steal!
MonchMan
07-31-2003, 09:07 PM
Boy ... I wish I could find a bargin like that. One of the best baris ever made.
Alan G
07-31-2003, 10:05 PM
By (buy) all means! Buy IT.

These are great sounding horns. Mouthpieces can be a bit touchy - but since the old man includes several, at least one of 'em will probably be OK.

One unfortunate thing about the Martin Bari - it lacks a side F# key. This can be irritating a times. But the sound is so good - I don't really miss it!
brrrfva
08-01-2003, 06:58 PM
Thanks for all the good information and pointers. We're going for it! :D
lawrence bland
08-08-2003, 06:00 PM
If it helps, I bought a Martin Baritone a few months ago, serial number 220xxx for about $1100, and spent about $600 on an overhaul and repad.

It is now marvellous, but I find that it is happiest with a Selmer C* mouthpiece. It is definitely mouthpiece sensitive and does not like a metal Berg Larsen, and prefers the Selmer to an Otto Link.

I found on ebay some #3 reeds which have grooves on the back of the cane (cannot remeber what they are called - French I think) but I seem to get a more rounded sound, when compared to Rico #2.5 or Rico Royal #2.

I love it - just cannot decide whether to keep the Martin or my SML