T.J
01-21-2004, 03:13 PM
Just got my SDA low Bb bari overhauled from the shop. It's actually a relaq, but after some repair and tweaks it's playing wonderfully. (It looked more like a chunk of garbage metal when I got it though.)
This is the only bari I've had, and the only bari that I can compare to is a SA80 II Low A bari which sounded so puny compared to the SDA, and my a Buescher 400 (made by Selmer in the 60's), which sounded rather cheap and had sloppy keywork. And get out of the way Yamaha! I tried a YBS 62 and my SDA sounded at least twice bigger and richer.
Man this SDA can roar! But it doesn't just honk and play loud - actually it sounds very dark and sweet but with lots and lots of volume. It doens't sound all that gutsy and groovy as I would expect from a Conn or a Martin, but it's got that unique dark, smooth tone. More on the classical side, but huge volume. The keywork's are ok. It's fast and comfortable, especially for a vintage this old. I wonder if they ever made a transitional model for a bari, but in any case the SDA bari has excellent intonation even in the highs.
The only complaint that I have is the position of the strap hook. It should be at least a half an inch lower because my right arm fall way down to reach the keys and the mouthpiece keeps hitting my face (same problem found on the tenor too - smacks your cheek if you don't watch out).
This is a true gem of the bari horns. I was lucky and used 'Buy it now' on eBay, and that was the only time I saw a SDA bari on eBay except a low A which I saw couple month ago. Keep looking, and if you ever find one, get it. :)
This is the only bari I've had, and the only bari that I can compare to is a SA80 II Low A bari which sounded so puny compared to the SDA, and my a Buescher 400 (made by Selmer in the 60's), which sounded rather cheap and had sloppy keywork. And get out of the way Yamaha! I tried a YBS 62 and my SDA sounded at least twice bigger and richer.
Man this SDA can roar! But it doesn't just honk and play loud - actually it sounds very dark and sweet but with lots and lots of volume. It doens't sound all that gutsy and groovy as I would expect from a Conn or a Martin, but it's got that unique dark, smooth tone. More on the classical side, but huge volume. The keywork's are ok. It's fast and comfortable, especially for a vintage this old. I wonder if they ever made a transitional model for a bari, but in any case the SDA bari has excellent intonation even in the highs.
The only complaint that I have is the position of the strap hook. It should be at least a half an inch lower because my right arm fall way down to reach the keys and the mouthpiece keeps hitting my face (same problem found on the tenor too - smacks your cheek if you don't watch out).
This is a true gem of the bari horns. I was lucky and used 'Buy it now' on eBay, and that was the only time I saw a SDA bari on eBay except a low A which I saw couple month ago. Keep looking, and if you ever find one, get it. :)