How Big Is a Baritone Sax?

The baritone sax differs from alto and tenor due to its size and extra neck loop.

The baritone saxophone is one of the largest and lowest pitched saxophone types. Its size necessitates extra care in transport, storage and handling. It is a woodwind instrument, commonly made of brass or other metals.

Distributing Weight

The baritone saxophone weighs between 13 and 14 lbs. or 6.5 kg. Baritone saxophone players participating in marching performances often use a special harness, so the instrument's weight is not supported entirely by neck muscles.

Larger Reed

Just as with its larger overall size, the baritone saxophone's reed is also identifiable by its greater size. Its reed is comparatively larger than that of a tenor saxophone and almost twice the size of an alto saxophone's reed.

Easily Damaged

Because of its size, the baritone saxophone is susceptible to key and rod damage, as well as to dents and body twists. It can also exhibit severe intonation issues over time, particularly in the lowest and highest registers.

Two Sizes

The baritone saxophone comes in two sizes. One allows a range to low A, exceeding the normal written range for saxophones by one half-step. The other baritone saxophone size provides a range to low B flat. Baritone saxophone music is written in treble clef.

References

• International Saxophone: Saxophone Basics
• Bargain Saxophones: Used Saxophones

Resources

• Jazz Bari Sax: The Horn
• Virginia Tech Multimedia Music Dictionary: Baritone Saxophone