Intonation Tips on Baritone octave playing flat

[Digger2054]

The link will be staying.

I'm happy to accept that my woes weren't entirely down to the Berg, so thanks for the advice on shoving air through it, voicing & air support, that has undoubtedly improved things.

Why am I keeping the link?

I can play softer & quieter with ease, very 'tenor' like. I found the Berg was very on/off, it certainly packed a punch. The link feels more responsive too.

It plays top to bottom with ease, where I'd struggle getting the Berg to speak, especially if trying to play quietly.

Intonation is improved, that could also be air support and shoving air through it. The voicing is less extreme than on the Berg, there's still work to do but I don't feel like I'm fighting against it.

Reeds - Cane's a no go on the Berg for me, resorted to Legere. All those 'duff' cane reeds played great on the Link.

I haven't got the inclination to go trying other pieces, I feel like I can work with the Link and it'll do what I need. That's not to say others won't work.

I really just want to play the sodding things and enjoy it. I still sound like me, the timing still sucks.

Most importantly I'm enjoying playing the horn. 👍

 

[Dr G]

The link will be staying.

I'm happy to accept that my woes weren't entirely down to the Berg, so thanks for the advice on shoving air through it, voicing & air support, that has undoubtedly improved things.

Why am I keeping the link?

I can play softer & quieter with ease, very 'tenor' like. I found the Berg was very on/off, it certainly packed a punch. The link feels more responsive too.

It plays top to bottom with ease, where I'd struggle getting the Berg to speak, especially if trying to play quietly.

Intonation is improved, that could also be air support and shoving air through it. The voicing is less extreme than on the Berg, there's still work to do but I don't feel like I'm fighting against it.

Reeds - Cane's a no go on the Berg for me, resorted to Legere. All those 'duff' cane reeds played great on the Link.

I haven't got the inclination to go trying other pieces, I feel like I can work with the Link and it'll do what I need. That's not to say others won't work.

I really just want to play the sodding things and enjoy it. I still sound like me, the timing still sucks.

Most importantly I'm enjoying playing the horn. 👍

Your experience underscores the probability that your Berg needs to be refaced. If you choose not to reface it, you may find that a baritone Berg makes a great doorstop. Just add a thin sheet of techcork to its table to prevent it from sliding or marring your floor.

 

[Digger2054]

The proof is in the pudding, my first time playing with the orchestra tonight on the Link, found myself sight reading a solo.

Lots of positive feedback on the sound, from across the orchestra, even the conductor was pleased.

I was a lot more relaxed in my playing, with more dynamics, really enjoyed it 👍