Martin baris have a lot of punch and fit the description you gave. I'm a fan of the Yani copies (Vito, for instance) because they have the modern keywork. I picked up a Nova (think Solist, as I understand they roll out of the same factory) just to have a Low-A, and was pleasantly surprised by both the intonation and the punch.
Looking for a Bari Sax. Best options that wont cost a fortune
Hi everyone,
I play tenor sax in a ska band, and im looking to purchase a used bari sax. Looking for something that will deliver rich, powerful sound without sacrificing intonation. Im interested to hear recommendations insofar as brands, models, stencils etc.
Ive recently been looking into the Conn 11M as it seems to have what im looking for. Im not opposed to buying something that will need some repairs, provided that its a fair price.
I play tenor sax in a ska band, and im looking to purchase a used bari sax. Looking for something that will deliver rich, powerful sound without sacrificing intonation. Im interested to hear recommendations insofar as brands, models, stencils etc.
Ive recently been looking into the Conn 11M as it seems to have what im looking for. Im not opposed to buying something that will need some repairs, provided that its a fair price.
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Keilwerth Toneking stencils (mine is a King Tempo)
+1. I'm really no expert, but believe that's what my Armstrong bari is, which was an old school instrument that cost like CA$1800 (about US$250) including servicing from a local tech. It has amazingly compact ergos--feels like a big tenor, really, which is what sold me. And it's free blowing and fairly mouthpiece-friendly. The intonation in the upper stack could be better, but that might just be my inexperience at voicing a bari.Keilwerth Toneking stencils
This is assuming you don't need the low A, which will limit your options.
Martins can be great deals but they (as do many baris) have sharp E2/F2. But I've had great success with crescents in those toneholes. I think a later Conn is an interesting possibility if you can find one for cheap and have a tech bring it up to spec. It might not be worth much fixed up than what you pay for it but your total investment could be very low and you might have a very worthy horn.
What is a fortune to you?
The 11M is a fine, inexpensive horn with a good sound. But I never was crazy about the octave mechanism timing, and of course it won't have low A, something you'd probably want in a modern band.Ive recently been looking into the Conn 11M as it seems to have what im looking for. Im not opposed to buying something that will need some repairs, provided that its a fair price.
Ideally, I'd like to find something that I could buy and have repaired with total investment around 1k-1200. However, Under 2k is a possibility.What is a fortune to you?
Thanks for the feedback. I was under the impression that the 11M has the low A, but the 12M does not. Is that not correct? Also, what would you consider a fair price for a refurbished Conn 11M? I see a couple posted online at 1800 and 2000.The 11M is a fine, inexpensive horn with a good sound. But I never was crazy about the octave mechanism timing, and of course it won't have low A, something you'd probably want in a modern band.
Ahh, you're right of course. My mistake.Thanks for the feedback. I was under the impression that the 11M has the low A, but the 12M does not. Is that not correct? Also, what would you consider a fair price for a refurbished Conn 11M? I see a couple posted online at 1800 and 2000.
Price range sounds fair.
Ok, thanks for getting back to me. Tenor is my primary and I haven't played a Bari since high school, so Im not too well versed in all the options out there. Wanted to be sure I wasnt mistaken! thanks againAhh, you're right of course. My mistake.
Price range sounds fair.
Be aware that shipping is EXPENSIVE. If you don’t like the horn in its “as-advertised” condition, and choose to return it, the cost of shipping (both ways) is on you. We’re talking potentially several hundreds of dollars.Thanks for the feedback. I was under the impression that the 11M has the low A, but the 12M does not. Is that not correct? Also, what would you consider a fair price for a refurbished Conn 11M? I see a couple posted online at 1800 and 2000.
What Dr. G. said; bari's also are easy to be damaged in shipping so it's best if you can find something local...
Yes, the Kessler baritone is good. I've had mine since 2015 with no problems. I finally found the mouthpiece for it that lets me play any style, and thats a Jody Jazz Jet. Mine's a #8. Good luck on finding a used one - I don't think I've ever seen a used one for sale. But, the new one only costs $2700 (was $2500 8 years ago). The thing about buying from Kessler is every horn shipped goes through the shop, and this is a quality set-up that lasts.Martin baris have a lot of punch and fit the description you gave. I'm a fan of the Yani copies (Vito, for instance) because they have the modern keywork. I picked up a Nova (think Solist, as I understand they roll out of the same factory) just to have a Low-A, and was pleasantly surprised by both the intonation and the punch.
Worth mentioning, my Nova is for sale (3rd in the Rotation, so I really don't need it), but I'm in NH.
My 11M has low A. That is what makes it not a 12M.
Looking at the cost of a rebuild on my old Martin Handcraft I went with buying a new Antigua Powerbell from Quinn of eBay. I went for the auction which was $100 less than his Buy It Now price, and no one else was bidding against me. $2400 for a brand new horn with all the modern niceties. Paired with a Fusion mpc it's a great playing horn. I'm doing the 6 month 0% interest so it doesn't hurt so bad.
if getting a conn-get a mpc that matches it and plays at a440. conns need a big chamber low baffel mpc.not exactly what ska calls for
There are large chamber mouthpieces with baffle. I've played Lamberson 7SB and 7DD on my Martin bari and am able to tune. RPC's also, the rollover baffle. Something with a big chamber and a rollover or some form of baffle closer to the tip can give you plenty of cut. But YES to the large chamber on these bigger bore horns!if getting a conn-get a mpc that matches it and plays at a440. conns need a big chamber low baffel mpc.not exactly what ska calls for
If you like your tenor you could try to look for the same manufacturer in a baritone,
I have a Conn 12M a friend gave me. It’s not beat up but I need to tinker with it some more to get it to play better.
‘Conns feel like you’re driving a tractor uphill but you can’t argue with the sound. Maybe if I mess around with it more I can make it it a little more comfortable to play and I do mean a little. Conns we’re never known for great ergonomics.
‘if you’re just wanting one to mess around with, I’d look for a decent cheap Asian bari. Some have good feedback on here.
I have a Conn 12M a friend gave me. It’s not beat up but I need to tinker with it some more to get it to play better.
‘Conns feel like you’re driving a tractor uphill but you can’t argue with the sound. Maybe if I mess around with it more I can make it it a little more comfortable to play and I do mean a little. Conns we’re never known for great ergonomics.
‘if you’re just wanting one to mess around with, I’d look for a decent cheap Asian bari. Some have good feedback on here.
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