System 76 Tenor and Alto

[Tryptykon]

Who's tried this latest model offering from Mauriat ?

I've been looking, hard, at it recently, and would like to hear something
about these particular models; they're supposedly, more Selmer-like .

Thanks.

[deiter1977]

Hey Tryptykon,

There's actually an existing thread on this topic that you can find HERE (http://71.6.135.46/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=323960#post323960). My personal contribution is response #13... I hope this helps!

By the way, you may want to try the search function of this forum in the future if you're looking for this type of info, which is located in the tool bar above, near the center of your screen going from left to right. Enjoy! :D

[Tryptykon]

Thanks for the lead .. I'm looking into the ``76`` alto and tenors, and wanted
a little feedback.

Search function.. .. what is that ?:?

[deiter1977]

Search function.. .. what is that ?:?

The search function serves like an internet search engine (i.e. Google) that only looks at information in the Sax On The Web (SOTW) forum. This allows you to find information on a key word(s) without having to manually read through all of the the threads. You can also click on "Advanced Search" to narrow you search more specifically.

You can find the Search function near the top of this page. Look for the horizontal bar that runs the length of your screen. The first item in the bar, on the left, is "User CP." The "Search" function is the 6th item from the left, near the center of the screen.

I did an advanced search of key words "mauriat" and "76" and got THESE RESULTS (http://71.6.135.46/vbulletin/search.php?searchid=674364). I hope this was helpful to you! :D

[Tryptykon]

Actually, I emailed Tim Glessman, but got an automated reply that he's out
of the country, right now, visiting the Mauriat factory.8-)

I'm very curious how close the 76's bore is to a MK VI or if this is just a case
of it being closer ,which, would simply translate to:

not as big as a standard Mauriat but not really like a MKVI, either .:D

I don't think Tim would misrepresent the Sys.76 horns, though, so, I'll have to
wait a few more days to get a proper response from him .

[Tryptykon]

"They are similar to a VI in how they were constructed. I find the
Mauriat saxophones to blow a bit more free than the VI's. I know they
attempted to duplicate the VI with the design of this model, but they
are somewhat brighter than an early VI yet have a bit more body to the
sound than the later VI's in the ones I have played.

In a simple answer, more like a VI than the other models and other VI
copies, but not exactly like a VI."
__________

So, I wonder what they sound, like .. a Series III Selmer ?

[axemanblue]

good one, tryp--made me laugh
:D

[Tryptykon]

Yeah, I mean .. c'mon... not exactly like a VI .. so, why even mention it ?

No fault of Tim's, of course, but, the AD bait's too obvious .;) :D

[deiter1977]

In a simple answer, more like a VI than the other models and other VI
copies, but not exactly like a VI."
__________

So, I wonder what they sound, like .. a Series III Selmer ?

Sounds like Tim was pretty straight forward... sounds very similar to a VI, more so than any other attempted copy he's every heard. So, how close is close? That's subjective, so it doesn't REALLY matter what he tells us, right? Guess we actually have to go try them... :D

[Tryptykon]

Sounds like Tim was pretty straight forward... sounds very similar to a VI, more so than any other attempted copy he's every heard. So, how close is close? That's subjective, so it doesn't REALLY matter what he tells us, right? Guess we actually have to go try them... :D

Yup, actually it's all opinion until you try it, for, yourself.

I usually take opinions as something that may or may not motivate me to
seek something out.

As I said,my premature conclusion is not directed at Tim,at all.

Mauriat, by mentioning the MKVI succeeds by planting the seed:D

Anyway, my curiousity is, still, piqued, and I'd, still, like to try one .

[bari_saxxy]

Just today I got to play a System 76 alto and was not very impressed. I've heard many positive things about these horns on this forum, but I just don't like them. For me, the biggest issue was intonation. I loved the dark, big sound and smooth low register, but it would not play in tune. I was playing it with a Vandoren classical mouthpiece which plays great on my Yamaha; perhaps I should have tried a more jazzy setup or perhaps a large open chamber mouthpiece. For me, the mid-register was flat and the high range was sharp. I wish I could have played it next to a 67 alto, but the only other Mauriat they had was a 66R tenor. I did like the tenor much better. I felt that it played better in tune and had a better feel to the keywork (the keywork was different between them). Maybe I just played a bad sampling, but I think the Jupiters are a much better Taiwanese saxophone.

[GAS_Wyo]

I was playing it with a Vandoren classical mouthpiece which plays great on my Yamaha;

I've noticed that almost every horn plays "out of tune" for me for the first 2-3 hours of playing. :idea:

I passed up a lot of good horns in my search last year by only playing each for a short time. I think you can get almost any horn to play in tune if you get used to the horn. My theory...your Yamaha has certain notes that play out of tune and you've learned to compensate for them. Now it just feels natural to play the upper register a little tighter on the Yami, the middle notes a little looser, etc. When you pick up a new horn, you're gonna play it out of tune if you're not used to the intonation of that horn. The Jupiter's bore is probably made closer to the Yami you now play.

That's the reason I like WWBW's way of selling a horn. They send it to you on trial for a week so you can get a feel for the horn.

[rispoli]

That's the reason I like WWBW's way of selling a horn. They send it to you on trial for a week so you can get a feel for the horn.

Actually for more than 6 weeks (45 days).

And that is possibly the foremost reason for which most of my equipment comes from there.

[bari_saxxy]

I probably didn't get as good of an assessment of the System 76 as I would have liked. I went in really hoping to be impressed by the PM's, but I guess I am pretty partial to my Yamaha.

[Tin Man]

I tried the System 76 when I first bought my 67R and it didn't sound as good as far as the upper register and a couple squeaks here and there.I think the rolled tone holes really help cause its so much less airy compared to the 76.

67 > 70 :)

[deiter1977]

67 > 70 :)

Do you mean 67 > 76?

[Tryptykon]

No one's yet tried a Sys. 76 tenor ?

C'mon folks, somebody needs to take the plunge, here ..:D

[deiter1977]

No one's yet tried a Sys. 76 tenor ?

Seems like there's plenty of trying the System 76, just not much buying. I don't know about anyone else, but this is sending me a VERY clear message! :D

[Tin Man]

Do you mean 67 > 76?

Yeah sorry about that...I wasnt thinking.If I was a tenor I could have tried the 76 Tenor(I think they had it).

One of the official Endorsers(sp?) Mike Reed or something actually talked to me and helped me pick my Mauriat.check the P.M. site for him.The Mauriats at the store were alot cheaper compared to some prices on the internet and ive heard.

[airmouton]

I tried a tenor 76 and 66r and was impressed by both. If I was in the market for a new tenor, I would definitely have considered them, even were they at the same price level as the big 4. I preferred the 76, personally. The response was pretty amazing, and it had a very consistent, powerful sound. It was also adjusted whereas the 66 was factory fresh, so that may have been a factor.

My impression was that the 76 had a bit more edge and volume and was a lot more nimble. I thought the keywork much better on the 76, in that the fingers felt better placed and the tables were more friendly. Additionally, the palm d was raised, which was a plus for me.

I suppose it was mark vi-ish, though I found it a litttle darker than any six I've played. However, it definitely had that liveliness that I associate with the vi.

[Tryptykon]

Seems like there's plenty of trying the System 76, just not much buying. I don't know about anyone else, but this is sending me a VERY clear message! :D

I should mention that after I posted that ' anyone else tried it ? ' post,
that I re-read your review from the hyper-linked thread, and it sounds like
a good one - the 76 ..

[Tryptykon]

I tried a tenor 76 and 66r and was impressed by both. If I was in the market for a new tenor, I would definitely have considered them, even were they at the same price level as the big 4. I preferred the 76, personally. The response was pretty amazing, and it had a very consistent, powerful sound. It was also adjusted whereas the 66 was factory fresh, so that may have been a factor.

My impression was that the 76 had a bit more edge and volume and was a lot more nimble. I thought the keywork much better on the 76, in that the fingers felt better placed and the tables were more friendly. Additionally, the palm d was raised, which was a plus for me.

I suppose it was mark vi-ish, though I found it a litttle darker than any six I've played. However, it definitely had that liveliness that I associate with the vi.

Sounds good to me !

Tim at Sax Alley had one in stock that I was inquiring about a few months
ago, but I was still gun shy about the whole P.Mauriat thing; in terms of
resale if I didn't like it, after a time.

I believe Mark R. is trying a 76 tenor, so I'm awaiting his thoughts about it,
as he's been playing a 66R for awhile, now .

[bari_saxxy]

Since I posted the last time about the 76 alto, I have bought a PMSS-64 soprano saxophone. I absolutely love it. I went all over the place trying to play all the different models of sopranos. I played all the Big 4 models and the Jupiters (both 847SG and 947GL) and came out thinking the Yamaha Custom EX was going to be "the one." It was better than the original Custom, and both Customs were way better than any of the other horns. Then I tried the P. Mauriat. I was so impressed by everything on it! The ergonomics, intonation, and sound were all incredible. Everything was just as good as the Custom EX, but it was darker and had more character to the sound. It was also quite a bit less money...

I've gone back to the store where I bought it (Miles Ahead Music in Louisville, KY) since then to try out some of the other PM's, and I got the chance to try the 76 tenor fairly extensively. I'm not much of a tenor player, but I was very impressed. The ergonomics were quite good. The sound was big and dark and had a bit of an edge. The intonation was quite good aswell. I tried it with an SR Tech Pro mouthpiece and a bunch of classical Selmer pieces (C*, scroll-shank C*, and Larry Teal). I compared it to a Selmer Series II that was also in the store. The 76 was edgier and darker. The Selmer was better suited for classical because the sound was smoother, and the PM was better suited for that vintage jazz sound.

Like I said before, I'm not much of a tenor player. I have a lot of experience playing soprano, alto, baritone, and bass in many types of situations, but I just never had the opportunity to play tenor. If I were to get a tenor, the 76 would be high on my list. I think that I would need to try many more mouthpieces though on it first. I wish I could capture the smoothness of the Selmer for classical playing and the edge of the PM for jazz. I would need a tenor that could do both. With all the models of PMs out there, I'm sure I could find one that did all this.

[-88-]

I have a System-76 that was set up by Jimmy Scimonetti. He did a nice job. It plays with a fleetness that's attractive and addicting. There is a slight variation in the voice from low to high register, unlike my Rampone et Cazzani R1-J, which is extremely consistent. The System-76 is definitely a keeper for me. I do not like the mat finish, but the advantage is the horn stands out less and is therefore less of a thieve's target. The sound, the keywork, the ease of playing is excellent, and others have remarked on these same aspects including a sax tech in Oakland who wanted to play it so I took it over to him.

I like the System-76 so well that I am considering a 300 SLG, but it's impossible to find anyone who has played one of those. I suspect the PM 66's and System-76's will one day be fervently sought and collected after the good Mr. Hsieh has risen into saxophone heaven. I applaud this man for the tangible demonstration of his love of saxophones. I'd be proud to be delivering to players the high quality horns that he is turning out. Few people have done what he has, but there are many who criticize him.

[Straker]

I've done direct comparisons between the System 76 and other top end tenors and I like it a lot. We sell Mauriats in our store but most players come in for the rolled tone hole model (PMXT-66R) which has a big, full bodied and comparatively mellow tone. I generally use a Selmer Ref 54 which has a more raspy edge to it and the System 76 leans more in this direction. I had one customer who called in to buy a Selmer Ref 54 and preferred the Mauriat which was almost half the price! We've had around 40 Mauriats over the past 6 months without a single problem - I wish I could say the same about the other top end saxes. Mauriats feel good with accurate intonation so for me they're the first serious contender to come out of Taiwan.

[Randall]

Phil, do you have any of the solid silver Mauriats in stock? I would love to try one...
I may be coming thru London again this summer and would love to visit the shop again..I mean the new place!

[Saxplayer1]

I currently play a Series III Brushed Tenor and love it. I let go of my Ref. 36 after playing this tenor. However, of the new tenors out, the Mauriat 66R with rolled tone hole is incredible, fat sounding, rich and effortless to play. Each time I've played one, I'm speechless. I may like it better than my Selmer which is an excellent player chosen from several. I've played them a Scimonetti's and 2 at Namm a few weeks back and they were all great. I preferred the rolled tone hole model 66R to the 76, although the 76 is wonderful as well, perhaps a little more centered like my Selmer. The 66R is a killer horn, to me like a super fine playing Mk VI. The P. Mauriat are no joke and I've seriously considered getting one.

[JuliusTole]

Does everybody have the Super IV neck for there 66R's and did it come with one? I have one coming. I have one know my alto but don't have anything to compare it too.

[The Meat]

Most of the Mauriat horns come with the Super VI neck these days. I have played both side by side and to me, the Super VI is a better neck for my tastes. The tone is big, and responds great. Anything above a high C# sounds more fat and rich. The standard neck may be a little darker and have a more compact or smaller sound. Classical or jazz, I play the Super VI neck, but one may be able to make an aurgument for the standard. Anyone?

[ToddMartin]

I've got both necks for the 66R tenor. I agree the high end speaks better with the super jazz neck. It adds harmonics for a more complex, brighter tone. There is a tradeoff though with the original neck sounding more wide-open, to me fatter, though not richer, and more similar to a Martin than a Selmer. The low end is definitely fatter for me with the original neck. I like having both necks to choose from.

[JuliusTole]

I should be getting a Super VI neck for my tenor very soon. I'll let you know how it works out. I'm more excited about the custom sterling neck for my PM alto. I think it's just that little extra I'm looking for.

[BBJQSAX]

Same thing that happened with the 66R in NYC up at IAJE. I was speechless. The sound is so sweet and big. Very hard to put down. Very even response, and a very nice "sing" kicks in above the staff (G2 on up.) Easily the most addictive alto I've played in years, if not ever. Extremely fluid, lyrical (not bright or buzzy), complex sound. Saxists playing a ton of traditional jazz will likely love this horn. TRY IT!

For reference, I play a Vandoren A9 Medium Chamber, currently, though I'm looking to pick up a small chamber A9 very soon. With the Mauriat, my sound is in ballpark of Antonio Hart on Hargrove's Tokyo Sessions or Kenny Garrett on his Coltrane album. The A9 small chamber should HOPEFULLY put me back in Cannonball-land. My favorite alto sound right now is present-day Antonio Hart.