Saxophones Better Sax Session vs. Selmer Signature vs… tenors at NAMM

[PigSquealer]

I am enjoying the personal insights and thoughts on what players saw and played at NAMM and the Wrecking crew.

I have discovered some new electronics that were released at NAMM. As a performer who does a lot of solo and duo gigs this item maybe of interest to those who want to use it as a practice vehicle. I can see some possible use for it in my performances to meet in the moment special requests.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ34yijMFME


I am not sure where I should post electronic equipment information on the site?

I have. reached out to JBL for some specific details on these units. But the long and short is that it will strip vocals or guitars out of a track in the moment allowing you to play with and over a track but only record you not the new mix.

I view Ai as a threat to live musicians, the same was true with DJ's but live saxophone has made a strong comeback since Covid. Those who have adjusted are thriving.

AI is not just a wave but a tsunami I intend to ride it.

@lig toured the electronics section. Soybean toured the guitar section but he’s not here yet. @lukehuang77 visited the (DJ?) area but didn’t stay long “too loud in there”.

 

[Grumps]

The Conn you guys trashed at the Symposium went back to R & D for durability research analysis. Your talents will be in Conn history archives for the 300 year anniversary model release of the ConnBattent .

Well, at least they fixed the neck by the time that Connfirmation got to you. Yeah... Ryan had the one with the loose neck at the Symposium.

 

[PigSquealer]

@lukehuang77 and I visited the P. Mauriat booth.

First was the PM76 2nd edition. I’ve only had my hands on one 76. That was years ago taking it out of a case and onto a stand.
I can’t state the differences between a 1 & 2.
On current review the 76 2nd is a straight forward no thrills tenor. Straight drawn tone holes and old school keywork. The action was smooth with firm feel under my fingers. RH side E,Bb C felt slightly off reach to F,E,D & RH pinky. The fork link on side Bb had a slight bind keeping it slightly off fully open. Minor stuff. The build was solid with quality yellow brass clear lacquer.

System-76(II) Tenor

The hallmark of the System-76 Tenor Saxophone is the traditional bore taper, combined with a flared bell. This facilitates a focused, dark tonal palette reminiscent of vintage saxophones, yet with greater ease of playing. This instrument features deep right and left pinky scoops to minimize...

www.pmauriatmusic.com

I really liked the XT 66R. Large bore, big bell and rolled tone holes. The Cognac color had a rich rose like hue. Funky crook with the dual wire brace.
I didn’t really get my hands on this one. More like I picked it off the stand and handed it off to Luke.
Luke was playing on it and having conversation with the representative…the daughter of PM’s owner. Lucky guy, between being bilingual and a great player. He really had her smiling. Was probably nice not to have a booth thrasher again🤣
Sweetwater has all the P.M. products listed with great information and pictures.

PMXT-66R

Featuring rolled tone-hole construction, an enlarged body tube flair, and large bell design, the PMXT-66R Tenor Saxophone is a free-blowing instrument with a very stable low register and omni-directional sound reminiscent of classic European design. A variety of available finishes allows the...

www.pmauriatmusic.com

Here’s a YT short with the same dual wire neck brace as tested.

View: https://youtu.be/06Hyb3inuHA?si=HK7-zIMmvnUVLsnF

I have an absolutely beautiful P Mauriat Black Pearl that is a stunning looker and a solid player.

What model ??

 

[PigSquealer]

Well, at least they fixed the neck by the time that Connfirmation got to you. Yeah... Ryan had the one with the loose neck at the Symposium.

I’m wondering if it was even the same unit? Any chance you have the number?
I’m also suspicious that they had two at the show here. I distinctly remember the number being 40 something 46? In the show review video. Ryan mentioned number 36 in his hand. So?
Honestly almost every single sax I looked at had an extremely tight neck. A few I couldn’t get off the body. This could be for several reasons. Anti-theft is my first thought. Receiver damage could also be the reason. You don’t really need to tighten the thumb screw.

Crook off and looking down the body tube. I didn’t see any with even the slightest bent body. The bore differences were also more vivid.

 

[Tonehole]

I had a S20 1959 tenor that had a double wire neck brace made by John Weir. So he was ahead of the curve.
It looked kinda cool and definetly would prevent a pull down.

Keep the news flowing!

 

[PigSquealer]

It looked kinda cool and definetly would prevent a pull down.

Come to think of it. I didn’t see any pulled down or damaged crooks.

 

[lig]

​

@lukehuang77 and I visited the P. Mauriat booth.

First was the PM76 2nd edition. I’ve only had my hands on one 76. That was years ago taking it out of a case and onto a stand.
I can’t state the differences between a 1 & 2.
On current review the 76 2nd is a straight forward no thrills tenor. Straight drawn tone holes and old school keywork. The action was smooth with firm feel under my fingers. RH side E,Bb C felt slightly off reach to F,E,D & RH pinky. The fork link on side Bb had a slight bind keeping it slightly off fully open. Minor stuff. The build was solid with quality yellow brass clear lacquer.

System-76(II) Tenor

The hallmark of the System-76 Tenor Saxophone is the traditional bore taper, combined with a flared bell. This facilitates a focused, dark tonal palette reminiscent of vintage saxophones, yet with greater ease of playing. This instrument features deep right and left pinky scoops to minimize...

www.pmauriatmusic.com

I really liked the XT 66R. Large bore, big bell and rolled tone holes. The Cognac color had a rich rose like hue. Funky crook with the dual wire brace.
I didn’t really get my hands on this one. More like I picked it off the stand and handed it off to Luke.
Luke was playing on it and having conversation with the representative…the daughter of PM’s owner. Lucky guy, between being bilingual and a great player. He really had her smiling. Was probably nice not to have a booth thrasher again🤣
Sweetwater has all the P.M. products listed with great information and pictures.

PMXT-66R

Featuring rolled tone-hole construction, an enlarged body tube flair, and large bell design, the PMXT-66R Tenor Saxophone is a free-blowing instrument with a very stable low register and omni-directional sound reminiscent of classic European design. A variety of available finishes allows the...

www.pmauriatmusic.com

Here’s a YT short with the same dual wire neck brace as tested.

View: https://youtu.be/06Hyb3inuHA?si=HK7-zIMmvnUVLsnF


What model ??

PMSA-500BX

The P. Mauriat Black Pearl Series of saxophones are premiere, artist-level instruments that deliver immense tonal possibilities, yet also possess unparalleled aesthetic refinement. The large bore taper, combined with the enlarged bow and flared bell, enable resistance-free low notes and an...

www.pmauriatmusic.com

PMSA-500BX​

It's a pretty horn. Similar metal (nickel silver) as a Shadow without the pesky rolled tone holes. I'm not normally a fan of them TBH - at least in the upper stack. They work nicely on the Antigua Pro Ones though.

Darker sound than my Yamaha - I quite like it. Not as responsive as an Ishimori but so far - nothing is.


Apparently some were made with gold accents. I really like the silver better.

As to electronics - I'm a big fan of what CloudVocal is doing. They have a new stomp box style wireless kit that is mic agnostic. Cool if that's what you're after and works with their new top shelf mic - the Sonoflex. That mic is built to go after the higher end mics in terms of sound quality.

I'm sticking with my Prime system as I like the all in one nature of having onboard EQ and effects right on the receiver.

If you're looking for the best of the best in stage performance IEMs and need a tax write-off or have a big budget - the Sensaphonic CIEMs were super impressive.

They have a built in mic so you get ambient sound + your sound dialed in exactly the way you like it and you're not dependent upon the sound man to get you a good mix.

3DME Custom Tour Gen2 Music Enhancement IEM System

Technology: Active Ambient in-ear monitors in custom-fit soft silicone, with bodypack mixer and unique app-driven stereo EQ & limiter. Drivers: Choose standard Dual Driver or optional Quad Driver version. Both are balanced armature with embedded 3D ambience mics System includes: Custom Tour...

www.sensaphonics.com

My kit is only $300, not $2,000 and so far I love it. Cloudvocal Eversync. No interference issues with the 5.8ghz which is nice.

Wireless In-Ear Monitor System for Musicians | Cloudvocal

EverSync Wireless IEM by Cloudvocal. A 5.8GHz low-latency in-ear monitoring with stable signal for stage performances and rehearsals.

cloudvocal.com

Have used it a few times now and it's working a treat. I have the NUX B7 and I like the form factor - very tiny. Not as useful as the Cloudvocal and had some dropouts the 2nd time I used it.

Can't beat the price of the NUX though - a bit less than $200 brand new. Small enough receiver that I can clip right to my neck strap or Jazzlab.

 

[lig]

If you ever visit NAMM you'll have a chance to get some pretty attractive buys from some of the vendors. The rules stipulate no selling on the floor but it seems that looking the other way does happen from time to time - particularly with vendors that have to ship gear back home.

Show specials are allowed for future delivery and last year I took advantage of a nice discount to get some custom 3 way IEMs made from 64 Audio. The major IEM companies had audiologists at their booths to take molds of your ears right on the spot.

Kind of like that the optional face plates in Ripple Abalone match my key touches on a couple of my horns.

Shallow, yes. Aesthetics matter and of course "buy once, cry once". 😀

 

[Grumps]

I’m wondering if it was even the same unit? Any chance you have the number?

Didn't think to look. Ryan had one and the vendor next to his table at the Symposium had another. I actually hated holding them. Just didn't fit me right.

 

[skeller047]

Just curious from reading your posts for a few years now— I thought you were fully set and satisfied with your horns. Are you looking for more?

Don’t think I will be buying any new horns, or used ones for that matter. I do like to try them out though. If I were rich I do admit I’d probably own 50…. Or more. I regularly try other folks’ horns, and they mine. It’s a time honored tradition.

Mouthpieces are another story LOL.

 

[PigSquealer]

IMO since the "Wrecking Crew" band name was already assumed by the movie and entertainment industry some time ago, I think with a little imagination one could come up with a similar "themed" but different name band, for which they could be proud of and yet be uniquely theirs, don't you think?

The use of the name was a pun on the East Coast Contingency of Symposium Trashers.
Are you attending the show in Texas this April ? I have a group name for you.

 

[lukehuang77]

@lig toured the electronics section. Soybean toured the guitar section but he’s not here yet. @lukehuang77 visited the (DJ?) area but didn’t stay long “too loud in there”.

Unbearable loudness. Tommy and I walked through the area and then turned to "drum" area...loud too. But we did watch a cute little 10 year old girl played drum like a pro. She seemed very enjoy seeing 10+ people videotaping her remarkable performance. I should have taken your ear plugs...

 

[lukehuang77]

@lukehuang77 and I visited the P. Mauriat booth.

First was the PM76 2nd edition. I’ve only had my hands on one 76. That was years ago taking it out of a case and onto a stand.
I can’t state the differences between a 1 & 2.
On current review the 76 2nd is a straight forward no thrills tenor. Straight drawn tone holes and old school keywork. The action was smooth with firm feel under my fingers. RH side E,Bb C felt slightly off reach to F,E,D & RH pinky. The fork link on side Bb had a slight bind keeping it slightly off fully open. Minor stuff. The build was solid with quality yellow brass clear lacquer.

System-76(II) Tenor

The hallmark of the System-76 Tenor Saxophone is the traditional bore taper, combined with a flared bell. This facilitates a focused, dark tonal palette reminiscent of vintage saxophones, yet with greater ease of playing. This instrument features deep right and left pinky scoops to minimize...

www.pmauriatmusic.com

I really liked the XT 66R. Large bore, big bell and rolled tone holes. The Cognac color had a rich rose like hue. Funky crook with the dual wire brace.
I didn’t really get my hands on this one. More like I picked it off the stand and handed it off to Luke.
Luke was playing on it and having conversation with the representative…the daughter of PM’s owner. Lucky guy, between being bilingual and a great player. He really had her smiling. Was probably nice not to have a booth thrasher again🤣
Sweetwater has all the P.M. products listed with great information and pictures.

PMXT-66R

Featuring rolled tone-hole construction, an enlarged body tube flair, and large bell design, the PMXT-66R Tenor Saxophone is a free-blowing instrument with a very stable low register and omni-directional sound reminiscent of classic European design. A variety of available finishes allows the...

www.pmauriatmusic.com

Here’s a YT short with the same dual wire neck brace as tested.

1. I was a bit disappointed on this shining expensive PM76 2nd edition, perhaps I'd expected it too much. JK was way better on the keypad positions. Besides, I found it's a bit challenging to get upper G G# right without showing subtones.
2. XT 66R has a warmer tone, and a bit louder. Its resistance was very comfortable to me, similar to JK SX90.
3. It's really a surprise to meet the daughter of PM's owner. I had a plan to visit my relatives and friends early next year; perhaps I'll swing by her shop/company in Taipei, too. Hopefully I could pick up a Gottsu mouthpiece there.

 

[Targa]

Checked synonyms and Demolition crew is taken by a band.
"Thrashing crew" is a possibility not only because they give the equipment a thrashing and trashing but they could do with a good tharshing themselves perhaps at times. I consider the playing I do at times thrashing and it is recognized by the guitar crowd! Though people may think they are just a bunch of farmers. Lol

Perhaps they go the opposite direction and become the "Confirmation crew"? Sounds elitist and very professional so not a great fit for them.

But nick names are best when they are derived spontanious and organic and I think Wrecking crew fits this group well. Maybe they should start a Wrecking Crew thread!

Years ago I saw an interview with one of them who said they took the name from being told the way they played Rock and Roll would wreck the music industry.

 

[Pete Effamy]

I curious if you ever played a gig with one of Crew ?

I played a show with Glen Campbell. Maybe the only time I've ever been starstruck by anybody I worked with. One of those rare musical talents that made some decent films too. Incredible musician.

 

[PigSquealer]

Donna Schwartz has posted a few new videos from NAMM 2026. I haven’t personally met her although she lives just a few miles away. She is a sax educator and pro player. I think her main gig is across the street from NAMM Show at Disneyland.
A great chance to see what the Crew got to experience.
I didn’t know she plays a TJ.

View: https://youtu.be/VuyvMmO_FLc?si=AHr5HShR3Iv_XzvU

View: https://youtu.be/QYq5a6DWLtI?si=ycE55yq1bM58i4h6

 

[Stephen Howard]

Donna Schwartz has posted a few new videos from NAMM 2026. I haven’t personally met her although she lives just a few miles away. She is a sax educator and pro player. I think her main gig is across the street from NAMM Show at Disneyland.
A great chance to see what the Crew got to experience.
I didn’t know she plays a TJ.

Oooh, very interesting! I was very impressed with the new Evo alto I reviewed a little while back - so a soprano and bari version ought to be quite special. And if they're making a RAW version of a soprano, that's going to shake the market up a bit.