Anyone tried the Alto?

[Jbroad572]

I have been wanting to add an alto to my sax list. With all the talk about the tenor, the alto seems like it could be a possibility, but I haven't seen much talk on it.

[Saxydude]

I have an alto 67R on the way from Tim at Sax Alley. I'll post my thoughts once I get it and have a chance to play for a while. From what I've heard the altos are also pretty amazing, but the tenor is the one that everyone is raving over. If I ever get the funds I'll have to pit a Mauriat tenor against my Mk VI. I haven't gone outside of my marriage to my MK VI in the 3 years we've been together, but every other tenor I've played side-by-side with this VI has gotten smoked! Too bad men can't A/B women side-by-side. I think the divorce rate would go down!

[Saxydude]

OK, my P. Mauriat 67R alto arrived this past Thursday and I've been loving it since. I love how this horn looks; the antiqued finish looks great when you pull the horn out of the case. Now, the sound----WOW! I've never played an alto that responded SO easily across the entire range of the horn. What everyone says about the horn is true: low C really does pop out as easily as middle C. The palm keys weren't thin, but I did have to adjust my airstream a bit to get the altissimo to come out like I like. I attribute it to being a new, unfamiliar horn. The sound that these horn yields is amazing. Big (but not overly big like a Keilwerth), sexy, and dark. While the horn has a big dark sound, it doesn't loose it's pitch center when playing in the low end. It's got a great core throughout the entire range. The keywork is very fast and layed-out like a Series II. I've had a SX90-R at my place this past week as well to compare to the Mauriat and I must say that I had fun playing the J.K. until the Mauriat arrived. The 67R really plays like a more refined Keilwerth with a more common key layout. The Mauriat is more centered and generally a bit softer than the Keilwerth, and that's not to say the Mauriat can't play loud. I found that I get a very nice classical sound using a C* mouthpiece and a really sweet jazz tone when I put on the J.J. HR*. Also, the sound has character and personality to it!!!....something that is a very hard find in the modern sax world. I never thought I'd say this, but this P. Mauriat really is the best modern horn I've played. All this being said, I'm returning it to Tim at Sax Alley. I'm just not ready to give up my mint TH&C alto, even though I enjoy playing the Mauriat more. The Buescher is just too good of an investment and I don't have an extra $1900 laying around :cry: . Trust me, if I was playing any other vintage horn other than a mint condition Buescher 400 TH&C it would be GONE and I would have the Mauriat. P. Mauriat really got everything right in designing this horn. I recommend it to ANYONE looking for a great modern alto at a great price. Sax Alley is also a great place to work with. I tip my hat to P. Mauriat!

[tophatsax]

Saxydude,

How would you say the sound compares to the Tophat? I've got a TH&C Tenor and have been curious about how the P. Mauriat sound compares.

[Saxydude]

TopHat- I've found the sound (at least on the alto) to be fairly similar. Overall, I think the sound of the Mauriat is a bit darker than on the TH&C. The TH&C is also more edgy and louder and less focused than the Mauriat. If I were playing strictly jazz (no classical) I wouldn't think of giving up the TH&C. I'd say when playing jazz the TH&C is sexier BECAUSE of the differences from the Mauriat. However, in my situation where I'm playing both jazz and classical music frequently the Mauriat has a bit more appeal. Also, the keywork of the Mauriat is more accomodating to MY hands. That's what I can tell you about my experience with the Mauriat vs. the Buescher.

[tophatsax]

Overall, I think the sound of the Mauriat is a bit darker than on the TH&C. The TH&C is also more edgy and louder and less focused than the Mauriat.
That sounds like the description I've heard about the difference between a TH&C and a 10M


Also, the keywork of the Mauriat is more accomodating to MY hands. That's what I can tell you about my experience with the Mauriat vs. the Buescher. I'll have to try one out of curiosity. My TH&C keywork feels PERFECT to my hands, so it would be an interesting comparison.

Thanks for the input!

[OANegrin]

I tried Saxydude's alto last month, and am pleased that P. Mauriat has made such a wonderful instrument. Ease of response from low B-flat to 2nd altissimo G, fullness of tone, more controllable intonation, ergonomic keywork, no need for a tone ring.

The only real problem I found was that the left hand pinky table stretches out a bit too far on the outside, making a low B-flat to D-flat slur problematic at high speeds.

Regardless of the low price, I would recommend this instrument to anyone.

OANegrin

[Jbroad572]

Anymore reviews or comparisons? I hope this alto can stand the test of time. I think I will make it my next one. For $2000 and a competitor to the famous Ref 54, it sounds like a steal.

[Angel]

I found the P. Mauriat to be a better instrument than the Ref 54. But you're right - we'll see if these things are built to last.

[Randall]

Tophat,
I will let you know about the tenor TH&C comparison to the PM when my PM arrives. I expect it within a month or so.
In addition to the TH&C comparison,I will also let you all know how the PM fairs put up against:

*Ref 54
*Medusa sterling silver
*Selmer BA
*Selmer MK VI
*Keilwerth SX90R straight

[tophatsax]

Randall,

Thanks! I'm looking forward to it (and I'm sure you are too :))

Phil

[Morry]

Tophat,
I will let you know about the tenor TH&C comparison to the PM when my PM arrives. I expect it within a month or so.
In addition to the TH&C comparison,I will also let you all know how the PM fairs put up against:

*Ref 54
*Medusa sterling silver
*Selmer BA
*Selmer MK VI
*Keilwerth SX90R straight

And, if you don't like it, I'll buy it back now that it has had some improvements done. :-)