Low A or low Bb

[TheMatt]

What difference is there (except for your range), between a Bari with Low A and a bari with low Bb? I tried searching this forum for an answer, but nothing showed up.

[goodsax]

The search function must not be working because the topic has been discussed. I substituted for a baritone player a couple of times with my low Bb vintage Conn and found that low A's were written in some of the pieces. If you don't have a low A horn, you have to fake it. I think I'd rather have a low A bari if given the choice.

[Michael Ward]

There's been a lot of stuff posted about this but if it's gone..?? the low Bb has a lot of advocates mainly because some players feel the response, projection and intonation are superior to the Low A horns however if you want to play modern charts, classical pieces etc you are going to encounter low A's because it's a very handy note for composers and arrangers so they use it all the time and you won't be popular if you keep taking it up. If you please yourself what you play the Bb is fine with the above advantages albeit controversial. Few of the modern makers bother with low Bb's making getting one in good condition also a factor to consider. In my own case Selmer Mk6 Bb vs Low A it was no contest though I'd like a Low A too 'cause it's still a great horn.

[Michael Ward]

I just had a look . Go to page 2 of the Bari threads and scroll down, it's there. Loads of information and opinions.

[TheMatt]

Thanks for the help and directions, They have been most helpful.