Paul Mauriat Saxophones

[Silvio Martin]

Does anyone in the forum has tested Paul Mauriat Saxophones?

[crsbryan]

Yes. Lots of members have.

[wisedude]

I'm not usually one to refer to search, but seriously, use search

[crsbryan]

Now, I'll be more helpful.

Lots of people here have them, or have played them, or have at least (like me) have played one for a few minutes in a store.

My experience was a little limited. An alto, I don't know which one, but sounded good, and felt great in the hands. If I were looking for a new horn at the time, I would have considered it, and played it along with Selmers and Yamahas. I was looking for a vintage Conn, and left that day with a stencil alto, that played with the exact sound and feel I was looking for, and had a great satin silver finish to boot.

What specifically did you want to know? More specific questions will get higher quality answers.

[modman]

Does anyone in the forum has tested Paul Mauriat Saxophones?

I never refer to search either and even though I am not going to do that here either I will cut to the chase right now.

P. Mauriat saxophone company makes professional quality saxophones that are neither from Paris, New York or London as indicated on the logo. They are made in Taiwan by some of the best manufactures in the business.

Mauriat has spent and is continuing to spend big money to promote and sell the brand name of thier company. Does this make it a better saxophone, NO but it does make it more expensive.

Little secret known mostly to Sotw members is that there are P. Mauriat quality saxophones and some that surpass that quality without the hype and salesmanship made in the same town in Taiwan by master saxophone manufacturers and distributors.

These brands are mostly unknown to the European and American sax playing public because they manufacture horns for many companies thoughout the world who have thier names stenciled.

However a few of these fine quality manufacturers have been making headway in both of these markets due to Sotw, and some great websites and many are 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of a P. Mauriat but with as good or better build quality in most cases more options and better set-ups.

The names of these companys or individuals are:
T.K. Melody sold by Viking-Music
Phil Barone sold by Phil Barone
C.E. Winds Omega by Christopher Elliot saxophones or C.E. Winds on ebay
Maxtone (Taiwan) Special Order
P.F. Flier by Tenor Madness
Saxophone.com

...and there are many others.

Before you buy P. Mauriat for the marketing hyped price, do the necessary research about the horns listed above and save yourself the dissapointment of paying full retail and having to buy used due to a limited budget.

Can anyone add something?

B8-)

[djcuba908]

Does anyone in the forum has tested Paul Mauriat Saxophones?

I never refer to search either and even though I am not going to do that here either I will cut to the chase right now.

P. Mauriat saxophone company makes professional quality saxophones that are neither from Paris, New York or London as indicated on the logo. They are made in Taiwan by some of the best manufactures in the business.

Mauriat has spent and is continuing to spend big money to promote and sell the brand name of thier company. Does this make it a better saxophone, NO but it does make it more expensive.

Little secret known mostly to Sotw members is that there are P. Mauriat quality saxophones and some that surpass that quality without the hype and salesmanship made in the same town in Taiwan by master saxophone manufacturers and distributors.

These brands are mostly unknown to the European and American sax playing public because they manufacture horns for many companies thoughout the world who have thier names stenciled.

However a few of these fine quality manufacturers have been making headway in both of these markets due to Sotw, and some great websites and many are 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of a P. Mauriat but with as good or better build quality in most cases more options and better set-ups.

The names of these companys or individuals are:
T.K. Melody sold by Viking-Music
Phil Barone sold by Phil Barone
C.E. Winds Omega by Christopher Elliot saxophones or C.E. Winds on ebay
Maxtone (Taiwan) Special Order
P.F. Flier by Tenor Madness
Saxophone.com

...and there are many others.

Before you buy P. Mauriat for the marketing hyped price, do the necessary research about the horns listed above and save yourself the dissapointment of paying full retail and having to buy used due to a limited budget.

Can anyone add something?

B8-)


I would gladly second this advice. There really is no reason to pay the amount of money you would be shelling out for a P. Mauriat when you can have literally the same quality or better from one of these aforementioned companies. I'm getting a Phil Barone PB Mac 8 tenor, and all of Phil's horns are the real deal. I definitely think they are a better value and better playing horns than the 66 or 76 P. Mauriat's.

[JayeSF]

Can anyone add something?

B8-)

I can't add anything at all....but the folks a few doors down probably can:

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/forumdisplay.php?f=232

:TGNCHK:

;)

[EricM]

I recieved a new Phil Barone PB Classic a few days ago. I am very picky about how a horn performs. The Barone plays so good, that I am selling my mint 82Z Tenor which costs twice as much. I played both side by side for hours and gigged with both of them. The Barone responds better and is easier to control. I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. Barones' horns are amazing and so are their prices.

[Manny3]

Does anyone in the forum has tested Paul Mauriat Saxophones?

I never refer to search either and even though I am not going to do that here either I will cut to the chase right now.

P. Mauriat saxophone company makes professional quality saxophones that are neither from Paris, New York or London as indicated on the logo. They are made in Taiwan by some of the best manufactures in the business.

Mauriat has spent and is continuing to spend big money to promote and sell the brand name of thier company. Does this make it a better saxophone, NO but it does make it more expensive.

Little secret known mostly to Sotw members is that there are P. Mauriat quality saxophones and some that surpass that quality without the hype and salesmanship made in the same town in Taiwan by master saxophone manufacturers and distributors.

These brands are mostly unknown to the European and American sax playing public because they manufacture horns for many companies thoughout the world who have thier names stenciled.

However a few of these fine quality manufacturers have been making headway in both of these markets due to Sotw, and some great websites and many are 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of a P. Mauriat but with as good or better build quality in most cases more options and better set-ups.

The names of these companys or individuals are:
T.K. Melody sold by Viking-Music
Phil Barone sold by Phil Barone
C.E. Winds Omega by Christopher Elliot saxophones or C.E. Winds on ebay
Maxtone (Taiwan) Special Order
P.F. Flier by Tenor Madness
Saxophone.com

...and there are many others.

Before you buy P. Mauriat for the marketing hyped price, do the necessary research about the horns listed above and save yourself the dissapointment of paying full retail and having to buy used due to a limited budget.

Can anyone add something?

B8-)


I would gladly second this advice. There really is no reason to pay the amount of money you would be shelling out for a P. Mauriat when you can have literally the same quality or better from one of these aforementioned companies. I'm getting a Phil Barone PB Mac 8 tenor, and all of Phil's horns are the real deal. I definitely think they are a better value and better playing horns than the 66 or 76 P. Mauriat's.

Phil Barone saxes, eh! I've never heard of them, but now I'm curious. What can you tell me about their sound quality, feel, popularity?

[Hi Power]

Only differences I can see from the web, using pictures and reading is:

Phil Barone
Mac 20:
Rolled Tone Holes
Double Braced Low Keys
Under Neck Octave Key


P Mauriat
PMXT-66R
Rolled Tone Holes

SYSTEM 76
Neck: Super VI
Large Bore and Large Bell


I have NOT played any of these, but based on features and list price the Phil Barone MAC 20 is a better deal in my opinion.

The other manufactures listed do not seem to have these features, underslung key, double brace, rolled tone holes, "Super Necks", or Bell/Bore changes.

Engraving
TK Melody seems to have best engraving, however Phil Barone MAC 20 is supposed to have a new engraving, no good pictures to see though.

Sax Gourmet
Sax Gourmet has their own brand Unison. Are these made in Taiwan or in China?

~

[Morry]

Sax Gourmet
Sax Gourmet has their own brand Unison. Are these made in Taiwan or in China?

Ah, the unanswerable question pokes its head up once again.

[Hi Power]

Sax Gourmet
Sax Gourmet has their own brand Unison. Are these made in Taiwan or in China?

Ah, the unanswerable question pokes its head up once again.

Sorry, Sorry, Sorry. Ignore this question, I have done some reading in the forums. Ignore, Ignore, Ignore. Cheers.

[rossbu]

For my 2 cents worth:

I have tried on tenor, Maxtone, P. Mauriat, Yamaha, Big B, Kessler, Holton 241,Barone Classic, CE winds - maybe a few more that I can't recall - all within the last 4 months - my personal preference was for a PM UL tenor - all played well, I could have been happy with any of them. Are they all the same - no way!!! Is the extra cost for a P. Mauriat justified - believe me, I tried to prefer one of the less expensive horns BUT for me, the sound was just best on the PM for me and for anyone who heard me on the various choices - the way I figure it, that over time and gigs, the cost is inconsequential versus being satisfied - like I said, just my 2 cents worth.

[Pete Thomas]

Can anyone add something?


I've play tested many Mauriats and other horns from Taiwan that people say are the same quality as Mauriat, and I'm sad to say that I don't think they are. Of course, quality in a saxophone is very subjective, so that's just what I think. But it is important to realise that just because a horn looks the same, is made in the same town or has some shared technology, that it is the same horn.

It is true that in the past I think Mauriat would source instruments or parts from some of the same sources as other manufacturers, but I believe this is not the case now.

[Nobby Keys]

FWIW I tried several PM's at a music shop about an hour away from me. I went to chiefly try the PMXT-66RUL. Thought it was great and bought it, not played my Selmer since. I also bought it interest free over 10 months.

Provided I have it serviced at this shop (with 30% discount) it comes with an extended warranty for 5 years. I thought this was a good deal. Even if it is more expensive than others I feel it is worth it. Not that I knew where I could try any of the others!

[Twombles62]

Can anyone add something?


I've play tested many Mauriats and other horns from Taiwan that people say are the same quality as Mauriat, and I'm sad to say that I don't think they are. Of course, quality in a saxophone is very subjective, so that's just what I think. But it is important to realise that just because a horn looks the same, is made in the same town or has some shared technology, that it is the same horn.

It is true that in the past I think Mauriat would source instruments or parts from some of the same sources as other manufacturers, but I believe this is not the case now.

Sorry Pete, hands on testing in the hands of a pro doesn't compare to information read over the internet. :doubt:

[modman]

No doubt P. Mauriat saxophones and the companies direct marketed System 54 are professional saxophones of high quality and of professional set-up.

What the general public does not have access to is direct comparisons of similar quality saxophones brands from Taiwan.

SOTW member are among the pioneers in doing this and after much personal research including playing the full line of Mauriat at my local dealer decided to purchase two saxophones of one brand, and one of another brand of which I mentioned in my earlier post because I could not find any differences except that P. Mauriat has a better resale value due to its name and reputation built on marketing and THE PRICE.

If I were giving personal advice to a friend I would choose to tell them that if they need a "brand name" Taiwanese saxophone that is well known then P. Mauriat or Cannonball will be your choice in professional level horns.

However, if you plan on keeping your instruments and actually using them and if you could buy the same quality build, and have them work for you professionally AND SAVE MONEY go for these other brands.

B8-)

[Harvey]

Within the last two weeks I've played Selmers , Yamahas, P. Mauriats and a couple other brands I can't recall off the top of my head. I came away with the distinct impression that regardless of the fact I played a couple samples of the exact model of a few of the horns, they aren't exactly alike, even within the same model line. The kicker is that if you played two brands today and had a preference, in a year you might form a different opinion. Because I think it takes time to develop one's own strengths and understanding of one's weaknesses on any given horn.

In a year any of us could be playing completely different music than we do now. It happened to me. Consequently, the horn I now use might not be the best choice for the music I'm currently playing.

What I'm saying is that opinions are subjective. And they change. Just as our needs change.

I'm very lucky to have a horn tech I trust here in the St Cloud MN area. He can get major work done for me in under a week. He sells the Mauriats. But the prices on the other lesser known brands are better. Not the quality, just the price.

Harv

[NissanVintageSax]

thestudent, I see you know Al Asmus too! Great guy. He rebuilt my curved soprano, modified my King Bari, and currently tweaking my Vito Special Tenor (mine's the 2nd one he's had in there :) . He gives it very high marks!). That's where I test played some Muariats (he has a Tenor and an Alto he needs to sell w/in the next couple months).

And not all brands are created equal (I used to think, in the recent past, all Taiwan imports were "clones". Not the case any more). P. Muariats are worth every dollar they are being sold for. However, if you are on a limited budget, there are different saxes to fill that. The Muariat is up there with Selmer and Yamaha quality, but with a lower price, and darker, thicker sound (this was my impression). I'm not sure what model I tested, but had I had the money, I would have bought the Tenor on the spot, followed by the curved Soprano!

My Mark VII still kicked the butt of the Mauriat Alto though (but it was a very close call!).

[Harvey]

Hi NissanMarkVII,

Yeah, Al is pretty amazing isn't he? I found that of the couple PM's he had they did share in the quality keywork and action, but they also sounded different enough between them to be distinguishable.

I don't recall playing a VII but I've played some reference models and series II and III's. And quite a few VI's I should have bought over the years haha. (*drat my foolishness)

I like what I heard in the Mauriats. Compounded with the fact they now have an established name recognition and my good fortune to live near someone like Al Asmus.

Horns are highly personal in my opinion. Even though the deals (and legitimate deals they certainly are) are out there, you and I both recognize we would play however many horns as it would take before we could decide upon one over the rest.

The horns I have were gifts as a kid. Now that its my choice, much as the price differences truly are appealing, man I've gotta play before I pay. Its not the price at this stage in life as much as it is the instrument. And that involves the consideration of many things over the long term.

Harv

[ManEast]

Hi
Forgive me asking ...but who exactly Was or Is Paul Mauriat ?? And when did he start making Saxophone's

I have known for a very long time who Phill Barone is !

Please do enlighten me.:?


Cheers

ManEast

[Morry]

Mauriat doesn't make saxes. He never did. In fact, he is dead. He was a French bigband leader who had a few hits back in the 50's, I believe. The name was obviously licensed by someone who wanted a known name to scribe on their horns. Don't read anything into the name, or the names of the cities listed on the bell.

[Harvey]

.........

[modman]

Within the last two weeks I've played Selmers , Yamahas, P. Mauriats and a couple other brands I can't recall off the top of my head. I came away with the distinct impression that regardless of the fact I played a couple samples of the exact model of a few of the horns, they aren't exactly alike, even within the same model line. The kicker is that if you played two brands today and had a preference, in a year you might form a different opinion. Because I think it takes time to develop one's own strengths and understanding of one's weaknesses on any given horn.

In a year any of us could be playing completely different music than we do now. It happened to me. Consequently, the horn I now use might not be the best choice for the music I'm currently playing.

What I'm saying is that opinions are subjective. And they change. Just as our needs change.

I'm very lucky to have a horn tech I trust here in the St Cloud MN area. He can get major work done for me in under a week. He sells the Mauriats. But the prices on the other lesser known brands are better. Not the quality, just the price.

Harv

Well for me I feel confident that I will be playing gigs until I can at least make my current line up of saxes pay for themselves. After that I am setting my sights on a 2nd set of T.K. Melody all in the antique bronze finish.

Many regular sotw members know that I already play and champion:

T.K. Melody Yardbird Tenor (unlacquered)
Maxtone SX-63 Alto (gold plate)
T.K. Melody Ipanema Soprano (gold lacquer)

I chose these in preference to the P. Mauriats sound, and ergos. Opinions are just that, personal choices and personal belief.

There are no magical choices that work for everybody. These work for ME.:)

B8-)

[modman]

and in all fairness I must plug............:)

http://www.tk-melody.com/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx

I am not associated with the above company in any way other than I have purchased two saxophones recently from Terje Odden who solely relies on word-of-mouth referrals.

I own the Yardbird tenor, and the Ipanema Soprano. Both of which are fantastic players, and get daily use both in studio and live situations.

B8-)

[johneastman]

Does anyone in the forum has tested Paul Mauriat Saxophones?

I currently play the 66R tenor and 67R alto. I must admit that initially I was sceptical about a Taiwanese horn, having played Yamaha 23s and 62s as well as Selmer SA80s for over 20 years. The P. Mauriat blew away any preconceived ideas I had about Taiwanese horns. After I got the Mauriats, my Yamahas went up for sale immediately. My Yanagisawa S991 will probably be replaced by a PM quite soon.
Just my experience.

[William Bua]

Can anyone add something?


I've play tested many Mauriats and other horns from Taiwan that people say are the same quality as Mauriat, and I'm sad to say that I don't think they are. Of course, quality in a saxophone is very subjective, so that's just what I think. But it is important to realise that just because a horn looks the same, is made in the same town or has some shared technology, that it is the same horn.

It is true that in the past I think Mauriat would source instruments or parts from some of the same sources as other manufacturers, but I believe this is not the case now.

Sorry Pete, hands on testing in the hands of a pro doesn't compare to information read over the internet. :doubt:




Hello all,
Yesterday, I tested all of the Mauriats at a local store, and frankly, they suck. I didn't want to post anything until I played their latest offerings. I played them next to a Yamaha custom Z and my Cannonball Vintage. The Mauriat is stuffy and doesn't vibrate well. That went for all of them. The rolled tone hole model was the best of the bunch, but still nowhere near as good as either the Yamaha or the Cannonball Vintage. I am so glad I didn't buy into the hype.

I know the earlier ones had soft key work. Since the taiwanese horns have come so far so quickly, I thought that maybe they solved the key work problems and they might be good horns now, I was wrong. If you want one of these horns, buy it from Phil Barone. At least he sells them for what they are worth. I would say that the Mauriat compares with a Jupiter or a Unison in tone and quality. It's not worth the bread they charge for them new, that's for sure. I just sold a Selmer super 80 series I to another member and that horn was worlds better than the Mauriat too.

I also played Buffet's latest horns, the 400 series and they were even worse.

[superaction2]

Can anyone add something?


I've play tested many Mauriats and other horns from Taiwan that people say are the same quality as Mauriat, and I'm sad to say that I don't think they are. Of course, quality in a saxophone is very subjective, so that's just what I think. But it is important to realise that just because a horn looks the same, is made in the same town or has some shared technology, that it is the same horn.

It is true that in the past I think Mauriat would source instruments or parts from some of the same sources as other manufacturers, but I believe this is not the case now.

Sorry Pete, hands on testing in the hands of a pro doesn't compare to information read over the internet. :doubt:




Hello all,
Yesterday, I tested all of the Mauriats at a local store, and frankly, they suck. I didn't want to post anything until I played their latest offerings. I played them next to a Yamaha custom Z and my Cannonball Vintage. The Mauriat is stuffy and doesn't vibrate well. That went for all of them. The rolled tone hole model was the best of the bunch, but still nowhere near as good as either the Yamaha or the Cannonball Vintage. I am so glad I didn't buy into the hype.

I know the earlier ones had soft key work. Since the taiwanese horns have come so far so quickly, I thought that maybe they solved the key work problems and they might be good horns now, I was wrong. If you want one of these horns, buy it from Phil Barone. At least he sells them for what they are worth. I would say that the Mauriat compares with a Jupiter or a Unison in tone and quality. It's not worth the bread they charge for them new, that's for sure. I just sold a Selmer super 80 series I to another member and that horn was worlds better than the Mauriat too.

I also played Buffet's latest horns, the 400 series and they were even worse.

Oh really? The only Mauriat that has really impressed me are the 66RUL tenor. I think its comparable to the Jupiter 2089 unlcquered and Cannonball Vintage. Soon I will introduce my own saxophone here on this forum. The saxophone are called RNM Custom Series and comes in different models. More of that later. The system 76 are way behind the 66RUL in terms of build quality, tone, response.

[milandro]

Hi
Forgive me asking ...but who exactly Was or Is Paul Mauriat ?? And when did he start making Saxophone's

I have known for a very long time who Phill Barone is !

Please do enlighten me.:?


Cheers

ManEast

this is Paul Mauriat conducting his immortal classic ;) " Love is blue"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9FYD1dlw4E

I think they are among the best made saxophones on the market.

The fact that they are sold by real shopkeepers who will advise, guarantee them and do so for some time, service them at a shop not far away from where you live for sure accounts for part of their price.........exactly as it happens for your groceries, most of us buy them in a shop where the shopkeepers work and earn a livelihood, maybe you are yourself a shopkeeper and you sell shoes..........how would you like that your customers cut the middleman (you) and go directly to the company which makes the shoes?

[Tenortones]

Hello all,
Yesterday, I tested all of the Mauriats at a local store, and frankly, they suck...

you should post recordings of you playing the Mark VI or whatever you have in comparison to the Mauriat. When reading this type of statement, a student can have some perpective playing wise as to whether or not they want to take this statement into consideration or disregard it entirely.

I would tell a student to "consider the source"-but in this case, it's just somebody typing over the internet, or a dealer who competes w/Mauriats, or who knows, a guy who showed up to a jam session and got his *** handed to him by a guy w/ a Mauriat! hahahahahahahahahahahaha

[jbtsax]

Hear, hear. My peeve in every thread about Mauriat or Cannonball saxes that ends up being morphed into a pitch to buy a Barone instead is that those people giving that advice don't consider anything beyond the initial price.

The fact is that once the actual costs of the services and accessories that come with the other saxes are added to the purchase price of the Barone, the difference gets smaller and smaller.

In my experience one needs to look at the value received and not just the initial cost when making these types of comparisons.

John

[Dr G]

When the mark up is due only to the fact that it is in a store, that's not sufficient justification to push that line of reasoning. Sure, it's nice to see, feel, and play a horn, but these days I see more and more young players do all their shopping on the internet and deciding what horn they are going to buy before they even heft a horn. Why else are companies like Cannonball, P. Mauriat, and similar putting such energy into their websites? When are service technicians are created equal and are all good, then you have a convincing agenda, er, argument, for buying a horn from a shop - but hey, that's another thread, isn't it? ;)

As to the comparo to a grocery store, Milandro, if you get a bad can o' beans, you don't expect the grocery store to fix it - just throw it away or get it replace. Or are you making the case for a disposable saxophone that isn't worth repairing? :evil:

[jbtsax]

When the mark up is due only to the fact that it is in a store, that's not sufficient justification to push that line of reasoning.:evil:The crux of my argument is that a good part of the mark up goes to pay for the added value of the benefits and convenience not to mention the long term stability of the brand and a supply of repair parts.

I can't think of an instance where the "mark up" is due only to the fact that it is in a store---especially when comparing Barone and Mauriat or Cannonball saxophones. The added neck that comes with the Cannonballs adds at least $350 to the value that should be part of the equation.

Don't misunderstand, the Barone saxes are great but you pay for what you get, which is basically an out the door cash price for a sax you have never seen or played with no pre sale service and only post service that is hundreds of miles away depending on where you live.

John

[Henry D]

[The crux of my argument is that a good part of the mark up goes to pay for the added value of the benefits and convenience not to mention the long term stability of the brand and a supply of repair parts.

I can't think of an instance where the "mark up" is due only to the fact that it is in a store---especially when comparing Barone and Mauriat or Cannonball saxophones. The added neck that comes with the Cannonballs adds at least $350 to the value that should be part of the equation.

John

The value of these "extras" varies greatly from user player to player. The value of the store in terms of service varies wildly from store to store.... and also according to the predelictions and abilities of the player involved. Many more experienced players would do their own set ups or have a preferred tech already.

Repair parts availability may well be an issue for horns purchased for middle school kids. I doubt Bandmommy (EG) emulates Pete Townshend on a regular basis; it's probably a non issue to most of the over 16 players involved.

Necks are: A: A very high mark up item in any case and B: The Vintage horns from Cannonball itself only come with one. The 350 bucks is a bit of a red herring to this line of discourse.

That said- there are clearly cases where the purchase from a decent music store makes absolute sense and the value added is well beyond the additional price. There are also cases where there is no value added and it's just money down the sewer.

To each his own.

(Those who take advantage of a music store through play testing ETC with no intention of buying are still swine no matter how you cut it- though one may browse the inventory and legitimately decide that there's nothing there for them...)

[milandro]

Yes the shop argument is another thread but since it has been brought up that Mauriat are overpriced :shock: because they are sold by a shop as opposed to a mail order competitor.



:) Dr.G, yes you can throw out a bad can of beans (and never return to the shop.....) but what I meant by that is that we buy thousands of different items in shops where we expect service, advise, and guarantee, that's what we are paying for. All shops make a living in proportion, out of what they sell, some shop keepers , if they are good make even a very good living..........selling saxophones in not exactly like selling hot buns though, it takes time knowledge, investment and a lot of perseverance.

The shoes example is a fitting one (pun intended....) the mark up on your sneakers is probably in the region of 100%, are you, or anyone, holding a grudge towards a shoe shop because they make this kind of money?

My point is that buying from a shop is what people mostly do. In certain countries, you can buy a car not from the official dealers, you save a lot of money (several thousands sometimes) on the guarantee, to which, you are not entitled anymore because you are a parallel importer and the dealer belongs to the regular importer network. The great majority of the people still buy their cars from regular dealers, I think there is a rationale and an example there.

[Harvey]

Each of us have different reasons for buying the way we do. Ultimately, internet stores and sites like Ebay provide a venue for people who, for their own personal reasons, want to be able to buy the same items (or similar) for a lower price. Some people enjoy knowing they spent less money than others for the same or similar items. Others want a certain thing, again for their own reasons, and will either save up or find other means to get the one item they know they really want.

If a player gets the horn the player really wants then what it costs doesn't matter much to the player. Even a year after the sale, chances are the player won't be talking about price, but how the player really enjoys how the horn plays. So if a Barone playes as well as a Mauriat (or better), then let the owner enjoy it. And let the price be part of that enjoyment. Conversely, if the buyer's decision leads toward a locally owned shop selling much more costly Mauriats, let That person enjoy their choice equally. Price is not the only reason for the sales one way or another. We're on this thread mainly because there are many reasons. I'm not going to convince the next person [all] my reasons are better than the theirs and the next person isn't going to convince me [all] their reasons are better than mine.

I'll listen to just about anyone's opinion and compare it to my own thoughts. But if someone ridicules me for deciding what I will do with my own money? Since price has been proven not to be the only determinate factor in a purchase, I can think of a few pretty good reasons why someone might choose to say things like that to another person. And some of those reasons might be fair, but its a good bet that both the seller and the pontential customer aren't telling the other person everything they're considering regarding the prospective sale. Nor should they.

Harv

[magical pig]

Why do some people feel the need to spread their opinion on a particular subject on every thread in the forum to make their point heard? [Impnt]

Victor.

[Harvey]

In my case its because I bought a Mauriat after considering and playing other saxes. You're right that people who don't own or haven't played at least a PM or two really don't have much to contribute to threads about Mauriats.

Harv

[milandro]

Why do some people feel the need to spread their opinion on a particular subject on every thread in the forum to make their point heard? [Impnt]

Victor.

if you are referring to me, I already explained that my comment was originated by the comment of Phil Barone to bypass the shops.

By the way if I remember well, before Phil Barone pitched his horns this was a topic on Paul Mauriat.

I think that was a particularly unfair hijack of this topic. I would like to know how Phil Barone would like it if in a topic on his horns, necks and not to forget, mouthpieces someone else would suggest to buy his horns, necks or mouthpieces.

[magical pig]

if you are referring to meNot you in particular even though you were part of it...

Victor.

[milandro]

if you are referring to meNot you in particular even though you were part of it...

Victor.

sorry, I thought (and still think) I had good reasons to complain about an evident hijack

[magical pig]

if you are referring to meNot you in particular even though you were part of it...

Victor.

sorry, I thought (and still think) I had good reasons to complain about an evident hijackYou're right man. No biggie. :)

Victor.

[Pete Thomas]

if you are referring to meNot you in particular even though you were part of it...


I hope it wasn't me then...?

[milandro]

:)

victor.

;) :)

[magical pig]

I hope it wasn't me then...?YEAH IT WAS!! YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF!!!! :twisted:

Victor.

[Mauriatboy]

Great to see Mauriat are the most talked about modern sax.Pure modern day classic in my eye's,love them.

[jmoen3]

Most of this talk is... hijack? lol

[Wessex Music]

As a professional sax tech I have to say that the Mauriat is the real deal, I sold the Mauriat with the extended guarantee mentioned by Nobby Keys above & if I thought it was going to cost me time & money constantly repairing it I wouldn't do it. I'm sure there are other good horns out there & if/when I find them I will be offering a similar deal. I bought the Goodson horns when they came into the UK but I don't offer the same extended warranty on them. Gary

[Silvio Martin]

Thank you all for your answers, they are very important to me. Prof. Silvio Martin.

[NissanVintageSax]

Well, I just got to play another model Muariat this weekend. It was a Alto 67RUL (I think I got that model number right). Anyway, here's my thoughts:

I played it, and it sounded better than the last Muariat Alto I played ( a few months ago). The keys were sprung tighter than the last Muariat I played (a few months ago), and the Front F still felt really funny to me. Subtone and altissimo were effortless, Alt high F#, and the High F# key were both in tune, and in tune with each other! The particular sax, is owned by fellow SOTW member "Thestudent". Very nice guy :) .

Anyway, my favorite part: I tried his neck on my Mark VII alto, and WOW! I want his neck! Just made my VII come alive! Altissimo was crisper, lows boomier, and the whol scale better! I could not believe it! Overall, I wasn't overly impressed with the sax personally, (action was too stiff, and that darned Front F was annoying!), but it is of proffessional build quality, and worth every penny he paid for it :) .

Again, I can't say this enough, I need one of those necks! I thought my VII was good on the stock neck, but putting the Muariat neck on it (the "Mark VI" model Muariat neck ironically) just made it pop! Wonder if I can trade my CE Winds Tenor neck for that Mauriat neck!