Martin Handcraft bari thoughts/experiences, please...

[MMM]

After being very pleased with both my Alto and Tenor Searchlight models, I am now wondering if anyone owns or has tried a Searchlight bari and would like to share their thoughts on this model. I have never seen one, let alone tried one, but I have heard good things about Martin baris in general.
Also if anyone in SE England knows where there's one for sale (to try out) I would also be interested...

Thanks to all
MMM

[sarge]

Hi,
I just did a total rebuild on a searchlights bari for a customer and was impressed with the saxes warmth, when it was all finished. Martin saxes in general are top notch and a personal favorite. This model bari doesn't turn up all that often, but I would give it a thumbs up.

[soreliprick]

Martin Searchlight bari from 1937, so ugly I just had to call it UG. My first bari and I didn't even have to change pads, even subtones easy. I picked up a Committee bari for cheap and thought I was going to sell off UG, but it just plays too smooth, the THE might have more tone and is sure pretty. Finally, after 3 years, I removed what was left of the original lacquer from the bell and polished it up with some Preservation Wax. Can't call it UG anymore. The main tube is still all rusted, but I like the contrast.

[bruce bailey]

I do a lot of work for a Christian school here and they sent over a bari to fix. when I opened the case it was a 1929 typewriter. I fixed a few minor things and really wanted to call them as say "uhhh, it is beyond repair, I will give you a new one from China even swap". What a great sounding horn with a decent scale. My old VI never was that nice.

[beoheed]

Just got my handcraft in, off the dreaded ebay, but to my suprise althouh the case is really musty and so is the instrument it blasts took a second to reajust after playing modern horns for awile but this thing blasts

[Pinnman]

MMM, there was a Martin bari on eBay UK a few weeks ago for about £1200. Richmond, Surrey, I think. Check out past auctions; it may still be there - and for sale. Later than a searchlight, but could be interesting. VGC.