Boosey & Hawkes Baritone Horns

[AnorakHorn]

Does anyone have any particularly strong opinions on the old Boosey & Hawkes Imperial baritones (with the wrap going over the valves, rather than flush with it)?

I used to play an example of one when I first started learning music and I am hoping to return to playing baritone at some point. From what I can tell, the compensating system and hardware on them is not hugely different from the old and new Sovereigns. Other than the bell size increasing and the aforementioned wrap, were any other changes made with them and the name?

There is very little information about baritone horns about, which I find rather sad. They have their own unique place in the musical world.

[imperialbari]

I have a very good sample bought from new in 1967.

The 1st, 3rd, and main slides had to be trimmed.

The best mouthpiece I have used for it was a Bach 3 with an opened up backbore. Which I loaned to a student, who in turn sold it without asking me. Hurrah!

But then the Denis Wick 4AY with an opened up backbore also works well.

This model isn’t quite as smooth/flexible to play as are the newer Sovereigns, but it carries well and has no lack in projection or dynamic bandwidth.

Klaus

[AnorakHorn]

Does yours have a large shank receiver? The ones I have played has all been small shank instruments.

[imperialbari]

Never came by any British style baritone with anything but a small shank.

Klaus

[AnorakHorn]

I have the same experience there. Just curious as you mentioned the 4AY. I have usually used a Denis Wick 6BS playing baritone.

[AnorakHorn]

Now that makes more sense. Thank you for clearing that up for me!