Saxophones Switching from Bari to Tenor - Coming back to the Sax

[Lazz]

Hi there folks. I'm a new member who's just managed to get my old Bari sax across the country from my childhood home to Calgary where I've been living for the past few years.

I was quite into the sax in my teens and early 20's, however I haven't really played at all in about ten years.

Now that I've got my sax moved here, I'm starting to play again and having a blast. This forum and site have been indispensable in getting me back into playing again! However, I'm seriously considering switching from Bari sax to a Tenor.

My current sax is a Keilwerth ST90 baritone, I think series 3, that I purchased in 2001 or so. I love it, and it's been a wonderful friend, even though I left it abandoned for five or six years .

It's going to be hard to let go of, but I don't have the budget, space, or inclination to have multiple horns (my level of ability is above a beginner, with 8-9 years of playing, but that was a long time ago and I'm incredibly rusty), so the Keilwerth is going to have to go if I want to start playing Tenor.

I'm feeling like a tenor would provide considerably more opportunity to play in groups, as well has having far more in the way of available recordings to listen to and sheet music to purchase. Also, all my jazz heroes (especially Dexter Gordon, whose sound I have always adored) seem to be primarily tenor players.

So.. long story short, I guess I'm looking for any advice any of you fonts of knowledge would care to share regarding ideas on this progression, instrument choices, and the technical aspects of selling my Keilwerth.

Thanks very much for reading and replying!

 

[Justin Chune]

Hi Lazz, welcome to the cafe. I think that you should not rush into this change. All of the sheet music available for the alto sax can be played on the baritone and the baritone may open more doors for you than the tenor. Also there is no shortage of recorded music to listen to. I play the baritone sax in a sax quartet, a choir and a dance band. It's magic.

Jim.

 

[Colin the Bear]

I play Sop alto tenor and bari.

I'd give it some serious thought before you abandon the baritone.

There's lots of tenor players out there but not so many Baritone players. As has been said any alto music will fit straight on Bari for your practice or entertaiment.


Listen closely to popular music, adverts, reggae, soul etc and there's the Bari holding the whole thing together and setting the mood. There's some nice Bari work on some Amy Winehouse tracks. The big fat one in wish you were here is a classic

I'm still exploring an 8 album Gerry Mulligan set I bought recently.

I wouldn't part with mine, but having said that I wouldn't part with any of them.

If you're stuck for space , what about adding a soprano. You can store a straight one in the baritones bell.

 

[Brendan]

I'll drive to Calgary and trade you my YTS-23, straight up for that unwanted Keilworth !

 

[Jeanette]

Think long and hard before parting with a sax you love

Most people wind up with more than one sax, it may be worth waiting a while if you could find the space;}

Jx

 

[MandyH]

I'm with all the others....don't get rid of the bari.....I play Bari in 5 different bands.

I have a tenor, alto and sop. but I am only in demand on the bari.

as for playing on your own, the bari is what you make of it.

 

[alto andy]

I love listening to Gerry mulligan and Paul Desmond together great Bari playing . I must say most that I have talked to have said how nice it would be to have a Bari in there band I think you would be better keeping it and getting a soprano . But I love people who like being a bit different

 

[Lazz]

Wow, there seems to be a consensus that keeping my Keilwerth is the way to go. I'll admit, I've been at my compy with pics uploaded and ready to put it up for sale three times now, and haven't been able to go through with it.

I do love this horn, and it's been with me a long time. But I do still want to wail on a tsax; is it worth looking for a used/ultra-cheap tenor?

 

[Colin the Bear]

Get a new one.

http://www.gear4music.com/Woodwind-Brass-Strings/Tenor-Saxophone-by-Gear4music-Gold/58G

 

[Jeanette]

Wow, there seems to be a consensus that keeping my Keilwerth is the way to go. I'll admit, I've been at my compy with pics uploaded and ready to put it up for sale three times now, and haven't been able to go through with it.

I think you know keeping is it the right thing;}

I do love this horn, and it's been with me a long time. But I do still want to wail on a tsax; is it worth looking for a used/ultra-cheap tenor?

I'm sure you will find something keep looking.

Jx

 

[Lazz]

Get a new one.

:shocked:

Seems too good to be true! Oh, shipping to Canada is half the price of the blasted sax. It doesn't seem like I have any options even remotely in that ballpark on this side of the pond, although you've inspired me to keep looking!