Saxophones Which Mauriat Alto?

[Zeus]

And like it was just another day at work, birds still sing, saxes try to, mine that is, awaiting for my order "Taming the Saxophone" and practicing my second song on the sax "And i love her"...here comes the mail, my dream saxes are for a deal of the month.......wooooot?

"Dream" for me, are the easy blowing, dark, warm, but not versatile yet of a sound, i already manage to get even from my Jupiter. I am going to still practise on it, but i don't want to have a nice sax, not a good sax, but a great sax to play the songs i practice, for me and my loved ones, with the best possible mauriat alto, money can buy. I excluded other brands for now, just because this month is the Mauriat month and i credit Mauriat among others as the brand that goes with the sound i like for me and the price range as well, so like fate, answered my deep secret desire call, for a lower price, for if i had the money before, i would not hesitate. Even if i haven't the time to unload the tenor, or the Jupiter, i am looking for the 3rd sax, so it must be the best one, or else it's another wasted effort to get a great sax for the money. I don't know...

I am torn between 1)P.Mauriat Vintage Series PMXA-67RUL, 2) P.Mauriat PMSA- 86UL Unlacquered BRONZE 3)P.Mauriat Vintage Series PMXA-67RX "Influence", ,i ommited two other models, because i value specialist opinions that i read with due respect, and consideration, and as a potential buyer i seek perfection to minimize my beginner imperfections. There is no such anguish and dissapointment when you are a late starter, having to fight your being too young with the sax, and having to fight a mediocre saxophone as well. That's my reason for wanting to upgrade now for my vintage looking, dark, warm, but versatile sounding alto sax for years to come.

A paradeigm why i am torn

Help?

Just digged up a similar thread too:

Saxophones - 66rul - 86ul ???????

 

[aldevis]

They say Jules bought the first 67RUL, let's wait for him.
I didn't like the feel of nickel touches on the RX. I haven't tried the PMSA, but it has PMS in the name, and altos in general tend already to sound like angry spinsters.

I am deeply in love with my endorsee (Sequoia), and I think their lacquered alto is a real bargain (€1150) while their unmentionable €1600 horn is a killer.

I was after a Mauriat myself (probably the best value for money among big names) when I came across Sequoia.

 

[Zeus]

Indeed, wiil do.
In the meantime, can you tell me what the PMS stands for? If alto sounds like a old spinster, then my tenor sounds like an old spinster playing under a wet blanket...then actually i would prefer the alto to kinda resemble a cougar one🙂

Yes i did follow your Sequoia adventure, would probably think to try but not until i exchange/sell both the Jupiter and the Yamaha. I would hate to loose a month of a best deal for a Mauriat, before i find a new owner for both, or either.

Are you still so much happy with the Sequoia? Isn't this deal of the month for the Mauriats, so tempting to go for the kill? Or should i wait, till my Jupiter presents it's true level of craftmanship and ware? I already have lacquer waring off on the octave key that really dissapointed me, and as Mr. Howard would say, you can forgive such things in a below 1 grand saxes, but not for those close to the 2 grand range. I totally agree.

 

[aldevis]

Indeed, wiil do.
In the meantime, can you tell me what the PMS stands for? If alto sounds like a old spinster, then my tenor sounds like an old spinster playing under a wet blanket...then actually i would prefer the alto to kinda resemble a cougar one🙂

Yes i did follow your Sequoia adventure, would probably think to try but not until i exchange/sell both the Jupiter and the Yamaha. I would hate to loose a month of a best deal for a Mauriat, before i find a new owner for both, or either.

Are you still so much happy with the Sequoia? Isn't this deal of the month for the Mauriats, so tempting to go for the kill? Or should i wait, till my Jupiter presents it's true level of craftmanship and ware? I already have lacquer waring off on the octave key that really dissapointed me, and as Mr. Howard would say, you can forgive such things in a below 1 grand saxes, but not for those close to the 2 grand range. I totally agree.

Pre Menstrual Syndrome...

Alto is a weird beast. I love it, but unless the player is Phil Woods, I am not sure I could stand a whole alto-based quartet gig.

My advice about horns...
Start saving money, don't rush things. At some point you will have the opportunity of trying more horns, and if you fall in love with one, buy it.

My love story with Sequoia is continuing unaffected. Since I promised Mr. Buttus a very detailed feedback, I am pushing the horn to the extremes, with very satisfying results.

If you are planning to go to Venice (or the area) I would recommend you to try the whole sequoia lot, if not, wait till your next London holiday and enjoy our local saxophone shops.

 

[Zeus]

Pre Menstrual Syndrome...

If you are planning to go to Venice (or the area) I would recommend you to try the whole sequoia lot, if not, wait till your next London holiday and enjoy our local saxophone shops.

Heh...so the most logical thing would be to try before buy...i know.

 

[gladsaxisme]

My advice would be to get rid of the gas NOW before it's too late Gear Aquisition Syndrome.....John


Ps didn't a JP custom raw get a hell of a good review,Oh that's back to the gas again isn't it

 

[Saxade]

And like it was just another day at work, birds still sing, saxes try to, mine that is, awaiting for my order "Taming the Saxophone" and practicing my second song on the sax "And i love her"...here comes the mail, my dream saxes are for a deal of the month.......wooooot?

"Dream" for me, are the easy blowing, dark, warm, but not versatile yet of a sound, i already manage to get even from my Jupiter. I am going to still practise on it, but i don't want to have a nice sax, not a good sax, but a great sax to play the songs i practice, for me and my loved ones, with the best possible mauriat alto, money can buy. I excluded other brands for now, just because this month is the Mauriat month and i credit Mauriat among others as the brand that goes with the sound i like for me and the price range as well, so like fate, answered my deep secret desire call, for a lower price, for if i had the money before, i would not hesitate. Even if i haven't the time to unload the tenor, or the Jupiter, i am looking for the 3rd sax, so it must be the best one, or else it's another wasted effort to get a great sax for the money. I don't know...

I am torn between 1)P.Mauriat Vintage Series PMXA-67RUL, 2) P.Mauriat PMSA- 86UL Unlacquered BRONZE 3)P.Mauriat Vintage Series PMXA-67RX "Influence", ,i ommited two other models, because i value specialist opinions that i read with due respect, and consideration, and as a potential buyer i seek perfection to minimize my beginner imperfections. There is no such anguish and dissapointment when you are a late starter, having to fight your being too young with the sax, and having to fight a mediocre saxophone as well. That's my reason for wanting to upgrade now for my vintage looking, dark, warm, but versatile sounding alto sax for years to come.

I have had my PMXA - 67RG for 2 years now ... No Regrets ...

It has felt solid ... fingers fell right in place even after playing my MVI Tenor It feels solid .. always responds well, I am confident when I pick it up, what I hear in my head comes out on the horn. I will put up this link of me playing an Art Pepper rendition of Winter Moon to try and represent the sound... Upon listening to it again myself (It is over a year old) and the recording is very straight ( no effects such as reverb) Winter moon Art Pepper Solo part transcribed
I really hope this has'nt put you off :shocked:... I really love this Alto ...really good value.. IMO

Ade

 

[Zeus]

After hearing the solo you linked it is more of a delight for my ears...i consider like Mr. Thomas has also pointed out, that indeed the JodyJazz 6n Mp, is indeed a key ingredient, yet again it sounds like a sax should, which is also in my mind as well.

67RG really catches up the other two in my book now. I can't go wrong i am sure with either of the three.
Thank you Ade!


Ted

 

[Zeus]

My advice would be to get rid of the gas NOW before it's too late Gear Aquisition Syndrome.....John
Ps didn't a JP custom raw get a hell of a good review,Oh that's back to the gas again isn't it

You are right, absolutely right...but for the custom, i did try the tenor one, and i guess having used a large chamber MPC, i am not in any position to say anything, cause i was in the mindset of trying all the TJ altos only. The Horn, and the Rev II sadly i couldn't produce a good sound, whereas with the Jupiter it was,so i got one. Maybe i should have waited then, therefore i should also wait now. It's the Deal of the Month that intrigues GAS symptoms actually. I admit it.

 

[old git]

YC's Mauriat impressed me and I don't like altos.

 

[Zeus]

YC's Mauriat impressed me and I don't like altos.

YC is? Sorry for my ignorance

 

[gladsaxisme]

I think that will be young col one of our estimed members.....John

 

[Zeus]

I think that will be young col one of our estimed members.....John

Thanks, it was indeed correct after i googled it, the case.

In another note, i hope this deal of the month, and overstovking unload, isn't by any chance a prelude for newer models, or not?
Does this happen often?

 

[aldevis]

Thanks, it was indeed correct after i googled it, the case.

In another note, i hope this deal of the month, and overstovking unload, isn't by any chance a prelude for newer models, or not?
Does this happen often?

They often have interesting offers.
As an (interested) advice, I would recommend you to set a rough price range: 1k, 2k, 3k+ then see what is available for the decided price.
Mauriat is in that intermediate price range, where you could find some good 2nd hand stuff (i.e.YTS82z, sa80II) or other good new horns. If you are ready to shell €2000, a second hand sa80II could be a choice that doesn't loose value if you decide to resell it.

 

[Zeus]

They often have interesting offers.
As an (interested) advice, I would recommend you to set a rough price range: 1k, 2k, 3k+ then see what is available for the decided price.
Mauriat is in that intermediate price range, where you could find some good 2nd hand stuff (i.e.YTS82z, sa80II) or other good new horns. If you are ready to shell €2000, a second hand sa80II could be a choice that doesn't loose value if you decide to resell it.

I would part with the Jupiter and the Yamaha, in an instant for a Selmer, SA 80 II could as well be a better alternative indeed...S III is more of a classic one i think i read, and as newbie, all the fame is taken by the mark VI, and references nowadays.
Interestingly, i was in fact, drinking coffee and while browsing 86ul vs 67 rul, and some other brands too, i did listen again the Sa80 III. I will check the II series now. No i didn't drool on the Dragonbird, no,...well a little.

Man, why should Sussex be so far away....when will they make a department let's say in Thessaloniki? 🙁

 

[aldevis]

Man, why should Sussex be so far away....when will they make a department let's say in Thessaloniki? 🙁

Because they are mostly English: they could not cope with the relaxed Mediterranean attitude. The shop would be mostly closed and they would spend most of their time cooking souvlaky and drinking retzina.

To let you panic a bit, here is another reputable London shop. I can try the Cigar Cutter for you, if you want....
http://www.howarth.uk.com/wo/manuals/2hsaxes.htm

 

[Zeus]

Because they are mostly English: they could not cope with the relaxed Mediterranean attitude. The shop would be mostly closed and they would spend most of their time cooking souvlaky and drinking retzina.

To let you panic a bit, here is another reputable London shop. I can try the Cigar Cutter for you, if you want....
http://www.howarth.uk.com/wo/manuals/2hsaxes.htm

I'll check it right away, and you are mostly right, we even corrupted the troika people, during their first visits they always ate some salads and that's all, now on the news they say, they ordered souvlaki, and beers, that's it, we will be saved afterall🙂

Yea one cigar cutter please!

 

[aldevis]

Yea one cigar cutter please!

Disclaimer: I have been owning a Cigar Cutter for years, and almost bought another one last year, when I was saved by an ultra cheap SML. Their keywork is not modern at all, but they are usually well built.
Side effetcs: drooling, Brilhart related GAS, extensive Charlie Parker cravings, drooling again, omnipotence delirium, sudden use of glissando.....

 

[gladsaxisme]

I believe the S III is one to give a miss I am told they changed some of the mechanics and made the action all clunky...john

 

[Zeus]

I believe the S III is one to give a miss I am told they changed some of the mechanics and made the action all clunky...john

I have listened as much as i can, and will continue, i liked the Buescher 400 Top Hat and Cane, i greatly value the Martins, so many great saxes, so little time and money...
Now you do understand why i came close to the Mauriat solution in between for now.