The
baritone saxophone or "bari sax" (commonly abbreviated
bs or
bars to distinguish it from the less frequently used bass saxophone) is one of the largest members of the
saxophone family, only being smaller than the
bass,
contrabass and
subcontrabass saxophones. It is the lowest-pitched saxophone in common use, and uses a mouthpiece, reed, and ligature that are larger than the
tenor,
alto, and
soprano saxophones, the other commonly found members of the family. The baritone saxophone is commonly used in
classical music (such as
concert bands,
chamber music, and
solo repertoire),
military bands,
marching bands, and
jazz (such as
big bands,
jazz combos, etc.).