The baritone is the largest sax and has the lowest range of the saxophones. Its body has several extra curves to make its length more compact. It is about eight feet long and without those curves and loops it would be extremely awkward to play, except by saxophonists who are nine feet tall (of which there are none).

The baritone, or “bari” as it is usually called, is used as the bottom voice in the sax section of big bands. Although it is sometimes implemented in concert band music, it is very rarely found in orchestral pieces. The bari’s low, deep tone is very powerful and has earned it a place in the horn sections of many rock and pop bands. The most famous jazz soloist on the baritone is Gerry Mulligan (1927-1996) who was one of the leaders of the cool jazz style.