SML Paris BA900 - 4-PISTON BARITONE

The BA900: the spirit of the SML Paris PRIME series

The SML Paris BA900 is part of the PRIME series, designed to support players during their first years of practice. Its positioning is that of a student instrument: focusing on the elements that matter in everyday use, from response and ease of speaking to the durability of the mechanism. The aim is to allow students to concentrate on their breath, articulation and musicianship.

With its four-valve configuration and included equipment, this baritone saxhorn provides a well-balanced foundation for continued learning. It meets the needs of lessons, individual practice and ensemble rehearsals, without requiring the immediate purchase of the main transport and maintenance accessories.

A baritone for music schools, conservatoires and wind bands

Tuned in B♭, the BA900 is primarily intended for beginner and intermediate players. Its easy response helps establish a regular lip vibration and gradually develop the sound. The 3+1 layout also provides an opportunity to become familiar with using a fourth valve, a useful step towards developing greater ease in the low register and exploring alternative fingerings.

This brass instrument naturally finds its place in wind bands, fanfares and student ensembles. It allows players to tackle both harmonic supporting lines and lyrical melodic passages. Classical repertoire, marches, film music and popular-music arrangements all provide opportunities to work on listening skills, rhythmic accuracy and balance with the other sections.

An accessible response and carefully crafted construction

The BA900 combines a 12.70 mm bore with a 13.40 mm bore at the fourth valve. These dimensions are part of a design focused on an easy response and controlled playing. The fourth valve provides additional combinations for approaching the low register and adjusting certain notes, complementing breath and ear training.

Its 230 mm bell contributes to projection suited to ensemble playing. The lacquered brass body features classic finishing, while the rose-brass leadpipe adds a subtle visual contrast. The overall design aims for a warm tone and a consistent response, helping players develop continuity of sound between registers without trying to force the volume.

A few vocabulary pointers: the bore refers to the inner diameter of the tube in the sections indicated; the saxhorn belongs to the brass family, with an overall largely conical bore. The bell is the flared end that contributes to sound projection. The leadpipe receives the mouthpiece and directs the air into the main tubing; the valves alter the length of this tubing to produce different notes.

Included equipment for developing good habits

The backpack-style case makes it easier to travel between home, lessons and rehearsals. The BG kit includes accessories for the valve casings, slides and mouthpiece, as well as a universal glove. With valve oil and slide grease also included, students have everything they need to maintain their instrument regularly, following their teacher's advice.

Technical specifications

Level	Student	F-Attachment	No
Category	Saxhorn	Double brace	No
Tone	Bb	Outer tubes	Brass
Body material	Varnished brass	Inner tubes	German silver
Bore	12.7 mm	Tuning slide	Brass
Bell material	Varnished brass	Valve buttons	Pearly appearance
Springs	Steel	Included accessories	Mouthpiece, Backpack Case
Bell engraving	No	Color	Rose Gold
Number of valves	4	Finishing	Varnished
Bell diameter	230 mm

Instrument type	student baritone saxhorn.	Material and finishing	lacquered brass.
Key	B-flat.	Diameter	230 mm.
Material	lacquered brass.	Brand	SML Paris.
Fourth valve bore	13.40 mm.	Model	BA900.
Leadpipe	rose brass.	Series	PRIME.
3+1 configuration	3 front-action valves and 1 side-action valve.	Recommended level	beginner to intermediate.