My only observation is that the intonation on the BA alto I repadded for a former student was not as good as the SBA that I play. I found myself making playing adjustments to play in tune.
I agree fully about that wonderful sweet tone my '36 BA alto has. Mine sounds like I'm singing through it. A totally classy sound. I've apparently gotten used to any of the pitch issues people talk about because I don't notice any when I play mine. I seem to adjust to all my saxes as non have perfect intonation. The BA is the favorite of all my altos.I have been playing a BA alto as my only alto for a long time (25 plus years) and when I first got it, I had to get used to the intonation problems. Once I understood the horn, I realized that it was that intonation "problem" that made the horn special. It becomes a very flexible sound and once you "get it", there is nothing that comes close to it. I have tried to find something "better" because I am just a curious guy but nothing out there allows me the control to shape the tone as well as my BA. I guess the answer to the question is that my BA alto has been called "too sweet" and "not brash enough" by others that have played it. As far as I'm concerned, that means nothing is wrong with the BA altos.
👏👏👏👏I have been playing a BA alto as my only alto for a long time (25 plus years) and when I first got it, I had to get used to the intonation problems. Once I understood the horn, I realized that it was that intonation "problem" that made the horn special. It becomes a very flexible sound and once you "get it", there is nothing that comes close to it. I have tried to find something "better" because I am just a curious guy but nothing out there allows me the control to shape the tone as well as my BA. I guess the answer to the question is that my BA alto has been called "too sweet" and "not brash enough" by others that have played it. As far as I'm concerned, that means nothing is wrong with the BA altos.