I play an alto saxaphone and at some point I`d like to get into an old style `big band`. Is one type of sax needed more than the others amoung big bands? I`m wondering if baritone sax players are in relative short supply due to the cost of buying one. Does a typical big band use more tenor sax players than alto?

A typical Big Band will usually have a set-up of something like:

1 Clarinet
2 Alto Sax
3-4 Tenor Sax
1 Bari Sax

It gives a nice balance in the reeds section... (NOTE: Many groups replace the clarinet with a Soprano sax, so you can try that too)

I play both clarinet and Alto Sax in a Big Band and we have 3 Tenors behind me (Sadly, no Baris, but we do have a great Tuba player) and it balances out rather nicely..

Actually, it`s usually 2 tenors... Playing clarinet and sax also adds a nice touch...

I play in two big bands.

Since most Big Band Parts are written this way, this is how the set up is.

I play Lead Tenor, Soprano, and Clarinet.
There`s a 2nd Tenor, Lead Alto, Second Alto (who plays flute) and a Bari.

Mojo- I didn`t mean 3-4 different tenor parts lol... We have 3 tenors in our group - 1 on 1st part and the other two on 2nd part... lol