Forum of the Saxes

wolfmaiden · Joined: 15 Sep 2005 Posts: 13

Hi Everyone.....looking for advice here on how to transition from tenor to bari.......
I've messed with my tenor set-up for about a year now, trying different mpc's/reeds/ligs and am now very happy with my set-up (Selmer SA80 serII, OL Tone Edge HR 6, DC 2.5 reeds, EDII lig - playing/working with an SR Tech Pro metal mpc too)
- I hope to get my hands on a bari as our local concert band is desperate - but, I won't have the time to mess with my set-up initially as I need to basically set my embouchure, practice long tones then play and go in a two week period.
Does anyone have any recommendations based on my tenor set up which would give me the same sound?.....I love the sound/tone from my Link HR and can moderate it enough for concert band (I abjectly refuse to play a Selmer C* or Couf!!) yet still cut through enough to be heard, and enough 'guts' to 'honk' when necessary!!
I've probably got around 2 weeks to iron this out, and order a mouthpiece if necessary from the US. I'm not lazy - as I fully intend to experiment when time allows! - basically need a 'quick-fix'...LOL!
thanks in advance!!

JPSaxMan · Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 6:46 pm Post subject:

Tenor and bari are two different animals so you naturally won't have the same type of phonic sound. I don't know how you sound at the moment (bright, warm, edgy, dark, mellow, etc) so I could not recommend a setup to you to match the desired type of sound.

Just put air through the *##! thing and I guarantee you won't be disappointed at what you hear Cool

_________________
JP
Student of Saxophone
Music Education (BME) Major-2011
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

Bariman

JPSaxMan · Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 10:58 pm Post subject:

Bariman,

Says she's playing on an Otto HR Confused

??:
_________________
JP
Student of Saxophone
Music Education (BME) Major-2011
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

wolfmaiden · Joined: 15 Sep 2005 Posts: 13

Hi All,

Yep - that's what I figured - stick with a HR Link - good idea about the tip opening though........and I can easily get some #2 reeds.
I don't like the Link lig though - I'll get an EDII for Bari (well worth the $35)........hope it's a modern horn........been put off the low A ones though - intonation problems and extra weight?? Would it be better to look out for a Bb model?

Bariman · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 3:15 pm Post subject:

Joel,
I was referring to the quoted remark that she had been working a little with a metal tenor piece, and was advising against it's initial use on baritone.

Depends what you're playing, and If you have a commitment to that venue. Modern stuff needs the Low A, but some of the older stuff, you can get by without it.

Bariman
_________________
Resident Conn Aficionado, Baritone Saxophonist
Currently Moderating 'Vintage Horns', and the Usergroup for Bari Saxophonists!

wolfmaiden · Joined: 15 Sep 2005 Posts: 13

Hey Guys.......I got my Bari!!! It's a loaner from a school that I do volunteer work at - and it's a Selmer Ser II..........it's gorgeous - in fantastic condition - a couple of minor dings, but awesome for a school instrument.......but I can see why not many people want to play it - it weighs a TON (the case, that is!!).

Got a Meyer 7M mouthpiece with it, and a Selmer S90 190, and a Selmer E - not a lot to choose between them - bought a Rovner dark lig as the stock metal ligs suck! Plus, my EDII from my tenor mpc fits the Meyer - too cool!! Using Rico Jazz Select reeds - 2 soft

I've been playing the beast for most of the day and, compared to my tenor, it's easy! - not a lot more air required at all, and real easy to get the low notes, even low A! The only issue I'm having is with the palm keys for Eb, E, F & F#, but I'm assuming that is an embouchure problem, and should clear up in a few days with more long tone work. But, all in all - VERY pleased!!.....not a bad transition at all!! Plus, I sound a heck of a lot better on it than I do on my tenor.....which is weird!! A definite bonus is that I'll be able to play in two bands now, instead of just the one - tenors are ten a penny around here!

Probably the coolest feature is the spit valve!!.....and I know where I'll be targeting it!! LOL!!

Problem with the Meyer piece though - it's remarkably FLAT (and I do play quite sharp on my tenor) by half a tone! - in all registers.....even when pushed on all the way......hmmm.......any ideas????? The Selmer mpc's are easy to get in tune though.

BariSax37 · Joined: 24 Dec 2005 Posts: 70 Location: Warren MI

well with all due respect Ive always hated the tenors sound. But I cant believe you think its easier than the tenor! I thought it would be much harder going from a b flat instrument like the tenor to an E flat instrument like the bari lol. but hey I have to say congrats on being a bari. and yes it does weigh a TON, thats why we have a harness lol but yeah with the whole embochure thing: it takes time to get used to the 3 foot 4 giant compared to the 2 foot something tenor lol. You need more air which effects how big the difference you need in the embochure. oh and the spit valve is cool when you first get it, but wait till it starts dripping all over your hands and pants after you played it for hours lol. and for the mouth piece, I would use a selmer s-90 with a 3 and a half reed to give it a smooth rich tone. But of course it depends on your bari of course. they arent all the same lol. oh and congrats and good luck!

wolfmaiden · Joined: 15 Sep 2005 Posts: 13

Thanks for that!! LOL!
Yep - constant wet patch on thigh.......good job I'm female! LOL!
But, it's pretty cool for intimidating the flutes in front with - once they've seen the projectile-spit valve, they move further, so I don't have to hear 'em!
But, despite all the fun it's been, I've just handed it back - moving to Toronto pretty quick after New Year - whole new scene......hope I get the chance to get a loaner again - I know an R&B band there who's desperate for a bari player! Playing for 3 months on bari has really helped shape my tone on tenor - big time!!
You're right on the mouthpiece - S90 worked for me - had a Meyer HR7 too, but it was terribly flat! - even pushed on way past the cork (and I play sharp, I know this because I still bite too much, and sporadically check with the tuner) - but the Meyer had a beautiful resonance to it.........but, used Rico Jazz Select #3 on both mpc's - worked great (still bugs me that they just don't 'do it' for me on tenor......so I'll be sticking with Superial DC 2.5 for now - even though they cost a small fortune here in Canada!