suggestions on a bari and mouthpiece for my son

[otomah]

All - I'd appreciate some advice. I'm looking for a bari for my son (2nd year of high school) been playing alto a year and wants a bari.

Two horns I'm looking at: a "the martin" from 1961 being sold by a tech I use and respect.

A post - top hat (likely post selmer) buescher, still waiting for the serial number from the seller.

I understand the advantages of buying from my tech and will likely go that way unless I'm told that "the martin's" are not good horns for a beginner to start on. I have seen some notes on the board that indicate that they tend to play sharp. Can I expect the same sort of tonal characters that I love from my martin (indiana) tenor?

Also need advice on a good mouthpiece for young student.

Thanks in advance
otomah

[Alan G]

Hi -

I'm a Martin Bari player -

The mouthpiece is an important consideration on Martin Bari's. I'm having good luck with older Brilhart Levelairs - try a 5* if ya can find one. The first one I used was a Selmer C* - which plays well, but didn't have enough guts for me. That may be a good choice for your son, though. A "normal" MP - such as a Rico Metalite - will have to be pulled out too far to be useful.

The sound of the Martin Bari is marvelous - and you (and your son) would be happy with it.

ONE MAJOR PROBLEM!! the darn thing doesn't have a side F# key. While inconvenient - it hasn't caused me to want a different horn.

I too play an Indiana Tenor. The sound of the Martin Bari is, I think - BETTER - and my wife thinks so too.

Best bet - let the kid play both and see what he likes!

Regards - ALAN

[Anji]

Your Bari search...

Is it possible to rent an instrument for some time while searching?
I particularly like the value represented by the B&S line, but would hold out for a Vito VSP (Yanagisawa in LeBlanc stencil) - for an all around horn.

Nothing wrong with the Martin, but it is an older design, and like an older car, will need more service - sooner.

******

Vandoren B35 is a nice mouthpiece, without too high a baffle.
Easy enough to play, and readily available.

If he sticks to Bari for a year - then get the killer horn.

Try Rodney Marsh at www.marshwoodwinds.com