Code: 101629
The JP044 Eb Baritone Saxophone is ideal for both new learners and existing players looking for a good quality instrument at an affordable price. It is designed to perform well in various groups or ensembles and provide introduction to the bari sax repertoire.
With the player in mind, the JP044 offers a rich and warm tone, created by the large flare rose brass bell. Durability is generated by strong keywork.
The JP044 has a full range including the low A which will allow the player to continue on the instrument for longer. A sling ring also provides the opportunity to make the instrument lighter with the use of the provided sling or the purchase of a harness.
I thought I’d give you a report of my experience with my new JP044 baritone sax. Firstly, it arrived exactly when I was advised it would, many thanks for that. And thank you also for the Christmas card, very kind of you.
I bought the JP044 principally as a backup for my Yamaha bari. I’m not a professional player but play enough bari sax to be seriously inconvenienced should anything nasty happen to my main instrument.
The first thing that struck me is that it isn’t equipped with a floor spike as shown in the photo on the JP website. This may prove a disappointment to some purchasers. However, for me, it’s a benefit as the absence of a spike fitting means it fits perfectly in my BAM case. Incidentally, the case for the JP044 is fine, it’s sturdy and robust, more than adequate for its purpose, but the BAM case is less bulky and a touch lighter to carry.
Unlike tenor and alto saxes (whose players generally like to avoid the low range!) the baritone sax is often required to lurk about in the notes below the stave so it’s essential that note production in this range is easy. I’m pleased to say the JP044 is excellent in this respect, anything from a roar to a whisper comes easily without forcing. Furthermore, as notes in this range involve a lot of action from the pinkies of both hands, the key action is no heavier than found on more expensive instruments.
Tone production was uniform throughout the instrument’s range without the stuffiness in the middle upper register which blights some student baritones. Intonation is good but I initially found I had to humour notes in the high (palm keys) register a little, however, a little bit of mouthpiece readjustment and increased familiarity with the instrument resolved that.
In fact, the only fault I found was that, after several hours play, some of the screws securing the rollers in the pinky keys had worked loose, almost ready to drop out. Fortunately this was spotted before the screws were irretrievably lost and they’ve remained secure since retightening.
So, all in all, I’m satisfied with my new instrument, it feels and performs well, I’m happy to alternate it with my Yamaha at any time. The rose brass bell section is attractive without being ostentatiously different.
Supplied with the JP044 is a hard fabric covered case that is wheeled for ease of transportation. There is also an outside pocket for storing small accessories. Also included is a JP mouthpiece, cap, ligature, neck sling and reed.
