Buying a Bari - Reed & Mpc Question

[jimells]

I've been playing a Martin tenor for a few years. My current setup is a metal Meyer 5M and Vandoren blue box 3 1/2. I'm playing in a mostly-brass community band, so I have to work hard to keep up with the baritones and trombones (I looked for a panting smilie, but couldn't find one :wink:)

Now I'm thinking about buying a Martin bari. Last time I played bari was in high school, back when computers used punched cards. I remember nothing about what mpc and reed I used, or how it felt.

My question is, does a tenor 3 1/2 reed feel about the same as a bari 3 1/2 reed?

Would it make sense to start with the same mpc and reed on bari as I use on tenor? I'd rather spend my time practicing instead of the endless search for the perfect mpc/reed.

[hornimprovement]

Would it make sense to start with the same mpc and reed on bari as I use on tenor? I'd rather spend my time practicing instead of the endless search for the perfect mpc/reed.
It may be a starting point, but I find the various members of the sax family to be such different animals. For example, I play a Selmer Soloist on soprano, NY USA Meyer on Alto, Morgan Excaliber on tenor, and a rubber Berg on bari.
I do find the reed strengths to be a similar range, but the facing of your mouthpiece will definitely affect that. I sometimes favor a slightly softer reed on bari to ease low note entrances. -Jeff

[RS]

Face it. It might take some time and experimentation to find your bari set-up. As was said above the bari is a different animal from tenor. Get some pieces on trial from WW&BW. Some good prospects would include Bergs, Links, Runyons, JodyJazz, Vandoren. Lawtons and RIAs I like lot but they're hard to find these days.

[hornimprovement]

Why WWBW?

[bobsax]

I'd go quantity over quality in the beginning and just get a bunch of inexpensive new and used ones . Try a couple Rico Royal plastics . If you can find a nice bari player , they may let you try them out .

[Martinman]

Get some pieces on trial from WW&BW. Some good prospects would include Bergs, Links, Runyons, JodyJazz, Vandoren. Lawtons and RIAs I like lot but they're hard to find these days.

WWBW has squat. I was planning to go up there this weekend to look at bari pieces, and they pretty much have nothing good. The biggest berg they had was a 105. The biggest Link, a 7. They did have all the Rousseaus though...But anyway, I was pretty ticked, and canceled the trip.

[RS]

I've had pretty good luck with WW&BW looking for pieces to try. But their selection seems to have dropped off lately. Still a free phone call might turn up a good prospect or two. And the return policy is good. I think six weeks to try a piece.