When I wrote the pages on the modern B&S saxophones for my website recently, I had tracked down many of the stencil names that VMI made horns under. Of course there was no way to know just how many differently-branded B&S horns were built between 1991-2006, so I suspected more would pop up as time went by. Sure enough, yesterday I noticed a Gerhard Baier alto sax on eBay that is a B&S stencil of their Series 2001.
If you’re looking to see if there is something visually special about this horn, you can stop now. It is a simple lacquer finish alto, with all the typical features we find on the Series 2001 model saxophones from B&S.
The only thing that is different from maybe 98% of other saxes in the world, is a variation on Arnfred Strathmann’s non-stick G# key. BTW, in case you’re wondering, JK is the other saxophone maker who uses a variation on Strathmann’s key mechanism.
B&S introduced their own variation of Strathmann’s non-stick key at some point during its Series 2001 and Medusa production. Since this Gerhard Baier alto sax was built later in the Series 2001 production run, it has the anti-stick G# key that B&S introduced before #011466. (The horn with the lowest confirmed serial number sporting this feature that I have seen to date).
Here is a shot of this Gerhard Baier alto sax’s anti-stick G# mechanism:
The seller is very enthused about this B&S stencil horn, and us offers up the following rather rambling description:
This auction is for an absolutely stunning MINTY B&S “Gerhard Baier” alto saxophone, made in Markneukirchen Klingenthal, Germany. It appears to be a stencil of the B&S Series 2001 model or perhaps the B&S Medusa model, as it is virtually identical to them. Please note that unlike American made stencils, where the stencil was typically a cheapened version of the original, European professional stencils are essentially identical to the original model except for the bell engraving.
This B&S 2001 model was made for the Gerhard Baier Co. of Vogtland, Germany, known primarily for top line professional brass, string and percussion instruments. The “Gerhard Baier” trademark is owned by and was registered to the Provo Music Center of Orem, Utah in 2000. I think it is pretty safe to say that there are more than a few Keilwerth influences visible on this horn – and, given the history of B&S as a company and its associations, that’s not really all that surprising. The body is well made and assembled. Pillars and fitting are are finely crafted, and the horn is finished in a stunning gold lacquer. It has all the usual pro features – adjustable thumb hook, detachable bell, generously sized sling ring and a very pronounced bell stay. It also features a nicely braced bell key pillar arrangement (you can see the bracing arm in between the A and G key cups). The keywork is just as sturdily built and as well finished. There’s an anti-stick mechanism for the G# which also follows the Keilwerth design. The addition of a small spring to the lever that sits over the Aux.F/G# keys adds a little bit of extra weight to the bell key action. As for the bell key spatulas themselves, they’re of the Selmer tilting table type. The front F key is simple, but with its long arm and rounded touchpiece it’s both comfortable and adjustable. Likewise, the use of fork and pin levers on the side Bb/C trill keys is both simple and highly effective.
Simply put, this is an almost flawless killer alto ! The original lacquer is virtually 100%. It’s difficult to find a scuff or scratch, let alone a ding or dent – just some very small areas of spotting. It’s just ridiculous how gorgeous this well made alto is. It’s a very modern design, with the high F# key and phenomenal ergos, yet has a warm lovely lush sound ! The darn thing looks brand new, and it is made by one of the great German sax makers, B&S, around 1999 – 2000 judging by the serial number. It combines the feel of a best made modern pro altos with the warm dark tone of the best vintage pro altos. The photos say it all. The pads, felts, corks and springs are in excellent shape. Awesome is an understatement. Tone is great. Intonation is spot on. Action is fantastic. The sax will be housed in the SKB hardshell alto case in very good condition. This seven day auction starts with a very low starting bid, considering it’s great craftsmanship and condition. Good luck bidders !
Here are the rest of the pics of this Gerhard Baier alto sax:
If you have been tempted to get a B&S-made alto, then this might just be the horn for you. At the time of writing there were 3 bids on the this Gerhard Baier alto sax, with the high bid being $204.00. The auction is scheduled to end on Sunday, May 21.
Make no mistake about this, this is a PRO MODEL saxophone.
