AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Baritones 2026
The top pick is Thomann MBH-303 L Baritone ($891). Thomann EP 404 Baritone gives you the most for the money at $668. Miraphone 54L 1100 AG 050 Baritone leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 38 models across 10 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
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All BaritonesTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size10"
- Weight2.5 kg
This is a Bb marching baritone with a brass bell, three Perinet valves, and stainless steel valves. It comes with an L-shank mouthpiece and a case, so you have what you need to start right away. It suits a marching band player who wants a ready-to-go baritone.
Pros
- Brass bell, 254 mm (10") in diameter, for a full marching baritone size
- Three Perinet valves with stainless steel valves for the valve action
- Comes with an L-shank mouthpiece and a case included
Cons
- Weighs 2.5 kg, which is heavier to carry during long marching sessions
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$891 now$891€798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight3.44 kg
This is a Bb baritone with four rotary valves and a ball bearing linkage system. It has a brass body, nickel silver lead pipe and slides, and it comes with a mouthpiece and a lightweight backpack case, so you can get started right away. It suits you if you want a ready-to-play baritone, but keep in mind that the stand is not included and the instrument weighs 3.44 kg.
Pros
- Four rotary valves with a ball bearing linkage system
- Lead pipe, inner and outer slides, and valve sleeves made of nickel silver
- Brass body with a lacquer finish
Cons
- Stand is not included
- At 3.44 kg and 750 mm tall, it is a sizable instrument to carry
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$668 now$668€598 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size10"
- Weight2.6 kg
If you are buying for a young child, this baritone is built with them in mind. The thumb rest adjusts in three dimensions, so small hands can reach the valves more easily, and the playing support makes it easier to hold. It comes with a case, a mouthpiece and accessories, so you have what you need to get started.
Pros
- Adjustable thumb rest moves in three dimensions to suit smaller hands
- Ergonomics designed specifically for young children
- Three front action Perinet valves made from stainless steel
Cons
- Weighs approximately 2.6 kg, which may feel heavy for very young players
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$891 now$891€798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight3.48 kg
This is a Bb baritone with a brass body and four rotary valves, with nickel silver mechanisms and slides. It has a 15.2 mm bore, a 260 mm bell, and comes with a mouthpiece and case. It suits you if you want a complete baritone with a brass body and a case to carry it in.
Pros
- Brass body with nickel silver mechanisms and nickel silver leadpipe
- Four rotary valves for the fingering
- MINIBAL joints for the instrument's construction
Cons
- Weighs 3.48 kg, which is on the heavier side for long carrying
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,721 now$3,721€3,333 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight3.58 kg
This is a Bb baritone with four cylinder valves and an ATV system, built with a gold brass body and nickel silver fittings. It comes with a BT06 mouthpiece, but no case, so plan to buy one. It suits you if you want a Loimayr-model baritone with a gold brass build and a clear lacquer finish.
Pros
- Gold brass body and gold brass mouth pipe give it a gold brass build
- Four cylinder valves with conical rotary valves for its valve action
- ATV system and M-shaft are part of the build
Cons
- Case is not included, so you need to buy one separately
- Weighs 3.58 kg and stands 790 mm tall, so it is not a light carry
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,697 now$6,697€5,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight3.52 kg
This is a Bb baritone with four valves, a gold brass body, and a BT06 mouthpiece in the package. The fourth valve button can be used from either side, which helps if you are left-handed or like to switch hands. It suits you if you want a gold brass baritone with a 290 mm bell and an ATV-System, and you are ready for its 3.52 kg weight.
Pros
- Gold brass body with a lacquer finish, brushed up to the bell end
- Lead pipe made of gold brass for the tubing
- Cylinder valve mechanism with conical rotary valves
Cons
- Weighs 3.52 kg, which is heavy to hold for long sessions
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,595 now$8,595€7,698 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight3.96 kg
If you want a Bb baritone with four valves, this one is made of brass and comes with a mouthpiece and case. It has a fixed bell of 300 mm on an L-shaped body, so it is a practical choice if you want everything in one package. Keep its 3.96 kg weight in mind if you plan to carry it for a long time.
Pros
- Four valves cover the range of a Bb baritone
- Includes a mouthpiece and a case, so you get everything needed to start playing
- L-shaft design with a fixed bell of 300 mm
Cons
- Weighs 3.96 kg, so it may feel heavy during long rehearsals or marching
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$779 now$779€698 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a Bb baritone horn with four rotary valves and a brass body. The slides and valve casing are nickel silver, and you get a mouthpiece and a light case with backpack straps. If you want a baritone with a solid brass build and a case you can carry on your back, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Brass body with nickel silver inner and outer slides for a sturdy build
- Four rotary valves with ball joints
- Adjustable thumb ring so you can set the hold to suit your hand
Cons
- Clear lacquer finish leaves the brass surface exposed rather than painted
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$891 now$891€798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight3.48 kg
The Cerveny CEP 731-4R is a seriously well-built baritone. The gold brass bell gives it a beautiful, rich tone, and the MINIBAL joints make it comfortable to play. It's a great option for advanced students and professionals looking for a reliable, high-quality instrument without the absolute top-tier price tag.
Pros
- MINIBAL joints enhance ergonomics and intonation consistency.
- Gold brass bell delivers a warm, resonant, and powerful low register.
- Nickel silver mechanisms ensure smooth, reliable valve action and responsiveness.
Cons
- The 3.48 kg weight might be fatiguing for younger or smaller players.
- The 15.2 mm bore, while versatile, might lack extreme projection for some.
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,240 now$4,240€3,798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight3.6 kg
You get a Bb baritone with four valves, a brass body, and a gold brass leadpipe. It comes with a mouthpiece and case, and it is made in Germany. It suits you if you want a well-built baritone from a German maker and you are comfortable carrying a 3.6 kg instrument.
Pros
- Brass body with a gold brass leadpipe
- Inner and outer slides made of nickel silver
- Double ball joint in the construction
Cons
- Weighs 3.6 kg, which is heavy to hold for long periods
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,610 now$4,610€4,129 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 38 baritones
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
B&S 3046-L BaritoneB&S45Stable$4,910€4,398$4,910€4,398Check ↗
- 12
Melton MAB34 BaritoneMelton44Stable$7,011€6,279$7,011€6,279Check ↗
- 13
Thomann BF-303 Bellfront BaritoneThomann42Stable$668€598$668€598Check ↗
- 14
ZO ZBH-800L Bb-Travel BaritoneZO42Stable$1,205€1,079$1,205€1,079Check ↗
- 15
Thomann TBH 700 GMThomann42Stable$1,673€1,498$1,673€1,498Check ↗
- 16
Miraphone 53 N 0700 A BaritoneMiraphone42Stable$5,861€5,249$5,861€5,249Check ↗
- 17
Miraphone 54L 0700 A BaritoneMiraphone42Stable$6,250€5,598$6,250€5,598Check ↗
- 18
Miraphone 53 N 1100 A BaritoneMiraphone42Stable$6,362€5,698$6,362€5,698Check ↗
- 19
Miraphone 56L 11000 Kaiser BaritoneMiraphone42Stable$7,032€6,298$7,032€6,298Check ↗
- 20
Miraphone 54L 1100 A100 Baritone TriggerMiraphone42Stable$7,478€6,698$7,478€6,698Check ↗
- 21
Miraphone 54L 1100 AG 010 BaritoneMiraphone42Stable$7,813€6,998$7,813€6,998Check ↗
- 22
Miraphone 54L 1102 AE10 BaritoneMiraphone42Stable$10,046€8,998$10,046€8,998Check ↗
- 23
Miraphone 54L 1102 AE30 BaritoneMiraphone42Stable$10,773€9,649$10,773€9,649Check ↗
- 24
Miraphone 54L 1102 AE40 BaritoneMiraphone42Stable$11,944€10,698$11,944€10,698Check ↗
- 25
Josef Lidl Baritone LEP 731-3Josef Lidl39Stable$3,516€3,149$3,516€3,149Check ↗
- 26
Josef Lidl Baritone LEP 531-4Josef Lidl39Stable$3,794€3,398$3,794€3,398Check ↗
- 27
Josef Lidl Baritone LEP 731-4Josef Lidl39Stable$4,341€3,888$4,341€3,888Check ↗
- 28
Josef Lidl Baritone LEP 536-4Josef Lidl39Stable$4,464€3,998$4,464€3,998Check ↗
- 29
Josef Lidl Baritone LEP 736-4 RJosef Lidl39Stable$5,101€4,569$5,101€4,569Check ↗
- 30
Kühnl & Hoyer 79/4G Baritone GoldbrassKühnl & Hoyer39Stable$7,335€6,570$7,335€6,570Check ↗
- 31
Kühnl & Hoyer 78/4G Baritone GoldbrassKühnl & Hoyer39Stable$7,702€6,898$7,702€6,898Check ↗
- 32
Kühnl & Hoyer B14/15 Bariton Royal GKühnl & Hoyer39Stable$8,372€7,498$8,372€7,498Check ↗
- 33
Kühnl & Hoyer B15/16 Bariton Royal GKühnl & Hoyer39Stable$9,153€8,198$9,153€8,198Check ↗
- 34
Kühnl & Hoyer Royal Open Flow G BaritoneKühnl & Hoyer39Stable$9,923€8,888$9,923€8,888Check ↗
- 35
Melton MWB34-L BaritoneMelton37Stable$6,697€5,998$6,697€5,998Check ↗
- 36
Yamaha YEP-211 Bellfront BaritoneYamaha35Stable$3,236€2,898$3,236€2,898Check ↗
- 37
Peter Oberrauch Machlast BaritonePeter Oberrauch35Stable$7,478€6,698$7,478€6,698Check ↗
- 38
B&S 46-L Baritone SetB&S27Stable$4,687€4,198$4,687€4,198Check ↗
Baritones by the numbers
Measured across all 42 models we track, not a sample.
Median $4,910 — half of all baritones here cost less.
median of 15 models · 2 kg–3.74 kg
How to choose the best baritones
Material (Brass vs. Nickel Silver)
Brass generally offers a warmer, more mellow tone, good for classic jazz and a smoother feel. Nickel silver tends to be brighter and more responsive, useful for cutting through a louder ensemble and can handle more aggressive playing. It's a tone thing, not a 'better' thing.
Bell Size & Shape
A larger bell (220mm+) usually means more volume and a deeper low-end, but can also make the horn more cumbersome. The shape influences the tonal color - a flared bell adds warmth, while a more conical shape can give you a darker, rounder sound. Think about the spaces you'll be playing in.
Valve System (Piston vs. Rotary)
Piston valves are more common and generally easier for beginners. Rotary valves offer a slightly faster action and can sometimes provide a more consistent response across the registers, but they take some getting used to. It's mostly a preference thing.
Tuning Slide Design
Look for smooth, consistent slide action. Sticky slides kill articulation and make playing a chore. Undercut slides are a plus - they allow for quicker tuning adjustments on the fly, which is crucial when you're gigging.
Ergonomics & Neck Profile
Let's be real - baritones are heavy. A comfortable neck profile and well-balanced design can make a huge difference over long gigs. Try before you buy, if possible, and pay attention to how the horn feels in your hands and against your body.
Buying guide
So, you're looking for a bari, huh? They're not just big horns; they're the foundation of a lot of great sounds, from classic jazz to modern funk. Finding the right one can be a journey - too bright, too dark, not enough 'oomph' - and let's be honest, a bad bari can bury your band. This guide will help you navigate the world of baritones and find one that actually delivers.
Don't chase the flashiest lacquer or the most endorsements. Focus on the core tone and playability. Cheap baritones often skimp on valve quality and slide finishing, leading to frustrating maintenance and a muffled sound.
Spending a bit more on a reputable brand often means a horn that will last and actually deliver the sound you're after - a bari's low-end thump needs to be solid, not just a bunch of fizz.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 42 baritones from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a tenor and a bari?
Tenors are tuned in B♭, baritones in E♭. That means a bari plays a full step lower, giving it that characteristic deep, resonant sound. They're also physically larger and heavier.
I'm a beginner, should I get a student model?
Student models are a good starting point, but be aware they often have limitations in intonation and tone. They're fine for learning the basics, but you'll likely want to upgrade sooner rather than later.
What about baritone saxophones with pickups?
Pickups can be useful for amplification, especially in loud band settings or for recording. However, the quality of the pickup and preamp can vary greatly - a cheap pickup can add more noise than it solves.
How important is mouthpiece choice?
Mouthpiece choice is HUGE. It dramatically affects the tone, response, and overall feel of the horn. Experiment with different mouthpieces to find what complements your playing style and the horn's natural characteristics.
What's the deal with 'vintage' baritones?
Vintage horns (especially Conn, King, and Selmer) can be fantastic, but they often require significant maintenance and can be expensive. Make sure you have a qualified technician inspect any vintage bari before you buy it - leaks and worn valves are common issues.





