[PaulGH]

I'm looking to see how people deal with the disparity in height for the baritone. When I first started on it, it hung considerably slanted. I'm 5'9", so it isn't dramatically oversized, but I hanging it pretty far to the side to get it comfortable. Since then, I've moved it up to the center considerably, just to make certain wrist positions come into line, but to get it comfortable, it still is far from vertical. Right now, it hangs at an estimate 10 degrees off of vertical (down from 15-20 at first). Should I suck it up and hold it vertical?

I find that some articulations, both at my hands and in my throat, are easier when vertical, but I lose the ability to play for extended time. Maybe my harness is too tight...

Anyway, How much variety is there on this subject? Is it just like practically every other subject on saxophones (do what works for you) or should I be worried about bad habits. My teacher's primaries are alto/tenor so he is pretty flexible in his posture, but he admits that bari isn't his primary concern.

 

[Bari Sax Guy]

I think that the first priority is that you place the horn so that the mouthpiece is positioned at the correct angle. Then you can try different postures to get the most comfortable ergs. I would say experiment with the position of the sax and strap/ harness adjustments, making sure that the mouthpiece angle is correct.

 

[bandmommy]

I play with mine pretty far to the side and close to 'horizontal', but I'm 5'2.5" on a tall day.
My bari is an old Buescher 400 and I have to reach really far down with my right hand.
It's best for me to play in a seated position.

I've come to the conclusion that it really doesn't matter where the bari is, as long as you can reach everything and not compromise the sound.

 

[Dr G]

I'm looking to see how people deal with the disparity in height for the baritone. When I first started on it, it hung considerably slanted. I'm 5'9", so it isn't dramatically oversized, but I hanging it pretty far to the side to get it comfortable. Since then, I've moved it up to the center considerably, just to make certain wrist positions come into line, but to get it comfortable, it still is far from vertical. Right now, it hangs at an estimate 10 degrees off of vertical (down from 15-20 at first). Should I suck it up and hold it vertical?

Sitting or standing? If you are "pretty far to the side" because you are leaning the horn against the chair, I'd start by saying sit up and forward on the chair - avoid sitting all the way back where your back is resting against a back rest. Once you're sitting up, you'll be better able to develop good air support so you can fill the horn and get a decent sound out of it. As far as how much to tighten the harness: Does the mouthpiece naturally find your mouth or do you have to move your head up or down to get to the mouthpiece? A "natural" position is usually the best - assuming you naturally have good posture - because it lets you relax your throat and develop a good airstream.

 

[maddenma]

I even go so far as to turn my chair 45-50 degrees, primarily so I'm not banging the horn on it, but this does force me to sit up straight and not lean on the backrest.

That said, I'm 6' and while seated I have the horn so it's comfortable to hold. On a Buescher bari that means the bell is essentially resting slightly on my thigh and the horn's at about a 10 to 15 degree angle. Standing, I hold it to one side and I'm not worried about vertical, however, it's at about 5 degrees or so.

More about what's comfortable, rather than what looks good.

 

[Reedscraper]

I play a lot of bari and I found while sitting, use the front of the chair and let the bari lean on your right hip. You'll need to turn the mp to the right so that it meets your lips dead on. Your chin should be parallel to the floor. I'm 6'3" but I think it it would naturally hang the same way at any height. Good luck.

 

[soybean]

On one baritone, i had the strap ring moved to a better position: a half inch lower and a half inch to the left. Also, experiment with your harness. The shoulder straps can sometimes work better if they are NOT the same length. You can make one slightly longer for more natural hang.

 

[maddenma]

On one baritone, i had the strap ring moved to a better position: a half inch lower and a half inch to the left. Also, experiment with your harness. The shoulder straps can sometimes work better if they are NOT the same length. You can make one slightly longer for more natural hang.

I had my Big B's strap ring and thumb hook moved as well. In my case, the strap ring went right 1/4" and down 1", thumbhook went right 3/8". This can make a big difference in playability and comfort -- particularly on a vintage horn.

+1 on the harness thing too. I keep the strap closest to the horn much looser than the other. Wanted the strap to help twist the bell outward. Might work better the other way around for you, but it's these kinds of small things that make a lot of difference after a couple hours of playing.

 

[saxmusicguy]

Here's one option:

 

[Little Sax]

I'm looking to see how people deal with the disparity in height for the baritone. When I first started on it, it hung considerably slanted. I'm 5'9", so it isn't dramatically oversized, but I hanging it pretty far to the side to get it comfortable. [...]

What kind of bari are you playing (e.g. modern/vintage, if vintage which side are the bell keys on or are they "split", if modern does it have a "peg", Low-Bb or Low-A)?

Do you normally play from a seated position or standing? Do you have a problem with both?

 

[Dr G]

Here's one option:

I wonder whether coupling the horn to the floor is exaggerating the key noise? That right hand stack needs some attention.

 

[maddenma]

Works for him, I guess. Wouldn't work for me.

I do think some felts and key swedging are in that horns future (at least I hope so).

 

[57mkvi]

Either that or he has mastered playing the Bari and castanets at the same time!

 

[maddenma]

A new hair style might help too.

 

[saxmusicguy]

Either that or he has mastered playing the Bari and castanets at the same time!

HA!

 

[PaulGH]

We've diverged a bit, but in that video's comments, he admits that his keys were messed up. He didn't realize how bad it was until he watched his own video and then had a tech fix it up. It is much quieter now.

As for me, I play mostly standing, and for now, I'm sticking with what works. My right strap is tighter than my left, pulling the hook over, and the mouthpiece hits my mouth at about the right spot. I hope other beginners get the same value out of this thread as I did. Thanks everyone!

 

[Finnerski]

Here's one option:

I had no idea that Christopher Walken played the bari.

 

[saxmusicguy]

I had no idea that Christopher Walken played the bari.

Yes he does -- and percussion too (sax keys and cowbell). He's multi-talented.

 

[lhoffman]

Here's one option:

But look at how straight his right hand fingers are. Playing with the horn in that position pretty much requires you to straighten those fingers out. That certainly doesn't help with the fast passages.

 

[HornForHire]

Yes he does -- and percussion too (sax keys and cowbell). He's multi-talented.

Ah, cowbell! We need more cowbell!!! :bluewink: