So I joined the Dodworth Saxhorn Band based out of Ann Arbor, MI. The play all original saxhorns from around 1860. No replicas. At the moment I have checked out this EEb bass saxhorn, a back'ard blaster. It is pretty weird to have the bell so far from my ears. It plays surprisingly well (compared to what I expected). It has a sweet sound in the mid to upper register. One band member referred to this horn as "the horn that killed Lincoln!"
Instructor of Tuba & Euphonium, Cleveland State University
Principal Tuba, Firelands Symphony Orchestra
President, Variations in Brass http://www.jcsherman.net