Jupiter 893SG Artist Baritone Saxophone

This is a superior horn; it out does my super action 80. The only complaint I have is the brightness. If you want to get a really dark rich bari sound, you need to use at least a C* (I use an old Conn bass sax mouthpiece that really kicks the low notes). This is by far the most flexible horn I've ever played.

I have owned this horn for over a month and just can't put it down. It looks great and sounds great with a nicely rounded bell-like tone. One of the reviewers complained about the fragility of the keywork. This is a consideration that can be overcome by placing the horn on a stand first, then attaching the strap to the horn, and finally lifting from the strap. The light keywork also makes for ease of playing. Recently I used the horn in recording for a Ray Charles tribute album. The sound of this horn was easily the equal of the original section bari! It was well worth the price.

I found the Jupiter to have a good jazz tone when equipped with a metal mouthpiece, but I could never get the mellow concert tone out of it that I wanted. Overall I wasn't too disappointed because I have always been more of a jazz player. It was only after a month or two of owning one that I realized the inherent problem with the Jupiter. It is made out of far weaker metals than other comparable saxes. Do not get fooled into believing that this is a pro horn. It is comparable with intermediate horns from larger companies, Selmer, Yamaha, etc. As long as this is kept in mind, the Jupiter isn't a bad horn for someone who plans on playing mostly jazz, expects only an intermediate tone, and is expecting to pay more when repair time comes around not only because of weak structure but also because of cheaper overall build quality. This horn is OK for the price and is, no doubt, beautiful, but for the price there are better horns available. The YBS-52 (Yamaha) has far better concert tone, almost as good jazz tone, and is built with much more quality. When buying this horn, you are paying a hefty pricey for a pretty horn.

When I first saw the horn I thought it was just a flash piece of work. When I talked to my private teacher he suggested it. Thanks to him I have an amazing sounding Bari. The notes come out with ease on the whole range of the horn. The silver body and neck real help the sound project in a nice crisp tone. A great but for any player.

I don't know what other people say about having to repair this sax all the time (they must be complaining about accidentally dropping it), but this sax has always held up with a little bit of polishing which really makes it look fine. I've played a pro Selmer for a year and the neck piece wasn't that nice and it was quite a bit harder to pop the notes. I can get used to any figuring but the lightness of the keys always surprises me. Of course people say that it is more of an intermediate sax but it plays like pro. I would give six stars if I could.