Waitin' for the truck - P. Mauriat 66R

[ToddMartin]

Hi everyone, first post!

I've been playing in a community jazz band for several years. Made the switch from alto to tenor a while ago. Wanting to upgrade the tenor so I've been play testing everything I can find in Orlando, new and vintage. Swung by Sax Alley while my family was on a trip to Denver. Tim was very nice! I think I tried every tenor he had at the time. The Mauriats seem to have the best mix of what I've tried to look for, particularly the rolled tone hole model - exciting vintage sound, ergonomics, and price. I tested over twenty horns altogether. Tim let me know the 66R is shipping today! Now I'm pinging the UPS site and counting down to Friday.

So this section has been a little quiet lately. Is the honeymoon over for some? Have your initial impressions held or changed?

-Todd

[BigDaddyJ]

Hey Todd,

I've said all I need to say about this unbelievable horn. If that hasn't convinced anyone to at least just try this horn, then saying the same thing over and over isn't going to do any more. The honeymoon's been long over, and I still say my 66R outplays every other horn I've tried on the market. I know one's sound is a very individual thing, so mileage may vary....

later

Joel

[ToddMartin]

The P. Mauriat rolled tone hole tenor arrived today from Sax Alley. This is a great instrument! The tone is enough to inspire more practice time from me. Tim's setup work is first rate - treated pads sealing great, even spring tension, corks tweaked, and packed well for safe shipping. The case is OK - not quite as solid as a Selmer flight case and I may consider upgrading.

A while ago I borrowed a recently overhauled The Martin for one week and the Mauriat sounds similar when I push a lot of air, but it also seems capable of more finesse. It will take a little time to get used to the power this horn can crank out. Hopefully I can record something worth posting later. I need to experiment more with different reed strengths - softer is working better at this point on a Link STM 8.

I'm a happy camper. :)

-Todd