bass saxes

griff136 · May 26, 2007

it will most definately have less keys and probably only play as high as Eb or possibly E.

As regards to it being "modernised" to 440 Hz - that would involve moving the tone holes if it was to be correctly in tune. As a compromise, the tubing was probably lengthened at the necK end or a longer crook fitted - this would lower the pitch towards the 440 for somes note but not all.

finn · May 26, 2007

is it possible to bring "in line" with the 440 or is that against the ethos of its origin ??

finn · May 26, 2007

".....probably only play as high as Eb or possibly E".

sorry - as a newcomer to saxes this is a bit "lost " on me !!!!!!!!!!

Bobby G · May 26, 2007

High E is the first two palm keys and the top one of the 3 side (i.e. right hand index finger) keys. Modern horns tend to have another palm key to give you F, then a further key operated by the right hand to open a tone hole near the top of the tube to give you high F#

Cheers, Bob

griff136 · May 27, 2007

finn wrote:
is it possible to bring "in line" with the 440 or is that against the ethos of its origin ??

It is possible but would involve moving tone holes and extending the length of the key work, which would also involve desoldering postsand re positioning them.

Its not a job I would like to undertake.

Pete Thomas · May 27, 2007

finn wrote:
all

more info now in - the bass does have two octave keys but has been 'modernised' to A=440 as previously it was higher pitched

As Griff has said to do this properly would be very tricky. Most likely it has had the neck lengthened, which will maybe make a few notes in tune and the rest out of tune.

This saxophone is sounding like a bit of a lampstand.

finn · Jun 11, 2007

hi

anyone out there familiar with the opening bars of moanin' by mingus ??? can you tell me if its played on a bari / bass sax ??

thanx

(i've also found another possible bass contender - this ones a Selmer)

Bobby G · Jun 11, 2007

finn wrote:
hi

anyone out there familiar with the opening bars of moanin' by mingus ??? can you tell me if its played on a bari / bass sax ??

thanx

(i've also found another possible bass contender - this ones a Selmer)

It's a bari (see elsewhere). If you are thinking of getting a Selmer bass sax I hope your bank balance and your back muscles are both up to it >.<

Cheers, Bob