Mack Brass Used York Baritone Horn

[tobysimard]

Hello Everyone,
I found a used York baritone horn on Mack Brass for $295. It does not appear compensating to me. For three-valve baritones, is compensating superior? If it is, how so? If there isn't that big of a difference, that will be my lifetime baritone if it doesn't play like crap. But, given that it's a York, I have high expectations.

[davewerden]

Can we see a photo or link? Antique Yorks would not be compensating but about ten years ago a different York made a compensating baritone.

[tobysimard]

http://www.mackbrass.com/Specials.html

[highpitch]

That York is an antique, made in Grand Rapids, Mi, probably back in the very early 1900's. Not the same firm as the recently defunct one in the UK, if that was your thought.

Not a bad looking horn for the $, tho. It is not a comp horn, just a 3-valve American baritone.

Dennis

[davewerden]

You might look at this video for a quick explanation of the compensating advantage:

https://youtu.be/f7vnIEImA6E

[tobysimard]

It doesn't seem like it would make it too stuffy either. I may buy the York, and if I like the sound, I could have it modified.

[tobysimard]

I assumed the same York that made the legendary CSO tubas! Thankfully I was right.

[davewerden]

Ok, those photos show it to be an American style Euphonium. If that is what you want this might be a good deal.

Not sure how you were thinking when you said you might modify it, but FYI making it into a compensating instrument would not be workable.

[tobysimard]

I'm looking for a british style baritone. Figured that's what it was.

[daruby]

This York American baritone is not equivalent to a British style baritone. It also is unlikely to be attractive as a daily player. Even in a regular wind band.

I sold a 1912 York tenor horn to highpitch a few years ago. The Bb American tenor horn (which pretty much disappeared by WW1) is pretty equivalent to a British baritone. Since my 1912 horn was a low pitch, it actually could have been used in a British brass band in a pinch.

If you want a British style baritone, Mack and Wessex sell 3 valve compensating instruments for a pretty reasonable price.

[tobysimard]

I figured that the 4th valve isn't necessary in the slightest since the baritone tends to play up high. I didn't know mack sold one though. The wessex seems like a fine instrument. Is it a besson clone?

[highpitch]

Hi Doug,

My S/n digging on the York tenor shows a birthdate of 1915. Not that it matters over 100 years!

Thanks again for it,

Dennis

[daruby]

I figured that the 4th valve isn't necessary in the slightest since the baritone tends to play up high. I didn't know mack sold one though. The wessex seems like a fine instrument. Is it a besson clone?

My bad on the Mack reference. The 3 valve Wessex at $795 (lacquer) is a Besson approximation. I have not played one so cannot give you an opinion on how they play.

[Sara Hood]

Toby - Were you thinking of something more resembling this https://www.ebay.com/itm/Professiona...QAAOSwPe1Ty80x ? There are a few Ebay sellers for this particular JinBao horn. And JinBao makes several horns that are stenciled under other popular brand names. I have one and it worked just fine blending with the other Bessons in the brass band I played with. The only drawback that I have found is that the nickle silver does not keep the shine as well as silver plate would.
- Sara

[tobysimard]

I was thinking about that type of horn, and that's what I assumed the York was. I am not looking for an American style baritone - they are too similar to euphoniums. I want the different tone that the British baritone brings.