System 76 Soprano

[smoothjazztenor]

Anyone tried this already?

[deiter1977]

I didn't know a System 76 soprano existed... I must try one! If I have the opportunity to do so, I'll definitely share my thoughts.

[Yellowhorn]

The 76 sop is a new model that PM has just come out with. Like the 76 tenors and altos, this one is supposed to have a dark, vintage sound.

[smoothjazztenor]

Hi Guys

I just received my System 76 Soprano. Will post a Test Report in this thread in a few days time.

Thanks.

[semipro]

I tried a 76 today. All I can say is WOW!! It has a very big sound and even tone. I am writing this from the Mid-West Band Clinic. Roger is here and what a gentleman. I wish it came in a curved version. My next soprano has to be curved I like the playing position a lot more.

[bari_saxxy]

I am proud to say that I am the new owner of a brand new Mauriat 64 soprano. It is the first saxophone that I have ever bought new! It is fantastic! How does the 76 sop compare? I've tried the 76 altos and I didn't like them as well.

[semipro]

My impression of the 76 Tenors and Sopranos that they are freerblowing and has a bigger sound.

[smoothjazztenor]

The first impression you get when holding the new System 76 soprano is its solid, well-built look. The blue-abalone key touches are stunning and the key placement is very comfortable. The gold-lacquer finish complements its look as a modern-contemporary soprano.

After playing my first note, I was awestruck by the fullness of the tone, particularly at the low registers. Many players comment on the big-sounding low registers of the P Mauriat saxophones and this one is no exception. I am able to execute all the way down to low B-flat effortlessly. The sound is not boomingly huge but creamily full. I did not have to adjust my embouchure very much to glide my way around the low notes. I was very pleased with the flexibility down there.

As I get more and more comfortable with the modern key work (* I was using a vintage soprano for the last 5 years), I felt a sense of ‘connection’ between the key placement and the tone production. The ‘feel’ was very easy and effortless and the notes sort of ‘pop’ out with every movement of my fingers. As I went higher up the registers, there is a little healthy resistance which prevents me from over-blowing. Middle D was very warm and round. Octave E and above was very clear and powerful but not too overbearing. The sound doesn’t crack as I tried to push it. Instead it remained focused and clear throughout.

Intonation is a major concern with soprano players. And all I can say is that I’m very pleased with the overall intonation of the System 76 soprano. I did not have to constantly adjust my embouchure in order to keep in tune. This soprano definitely out-performs other sopranos in its price range in terms of intonation.

Last but not least, I would like to add a comment about the overall tone quality. Although it has a very clear and full modern soprano sound, it surprisingly retains the warmth missing in most of the modern sopranos in the market. I was a skeptic of such advertising lines such as “a vintage-like warmth but with modern key work”. But the System 76 soprano has just done justice to such a claim.

[Dave Dolson]

Adrian: Thanks for the review. From where did you buy it? Were you able to select from among two or more? Or, was it shipped to you?
DAVE

[smoothjazztenor]

Hi Dave

It was given to me as a Xmas present from a friend. It was THE Xmas gift of my life.
Thankfully, it played well.

Adrian

[Dave Dolson]

Adrian: Nice gift!! Now, can you tell us the differences between the System 76 and the other PM sopranos? If not you, anyone? Thanks! DAVE

[jacco]

Hello Adrian,

When you compare the pm 76 soprano with your MVI soprano what are the differences?
Especially the difference in sound.
I play most of the time my silver MVI 110.xxx soprano because i love the sound of my Selmer.

Keep swinging!

Jacco

[marc]

I am currently playing an Antigua sop.
Could we consider the Mauriat Sop76 as a better instrument, especially tone wise?
Thanks.
Marc.

[Yellowhorn]

Semipro -

If you like a PM curved sop that much, you can check out the PMSC-2400DK and the PMSC-2400G. The first one has the vintage plating and is said to produce a dark, vintage (MK6-like) sound, whereas the second one is gold-lacquered and makes a brighter, more contemporary sound.

Adrian -

Thanks for a good review on the 76 sop. I was not surprised that you like it, being now a proud and happy owner of a black pearl tenor and alto. Having had such a good experience with PM horns, I have recently ordered a customized curved soprano in black pearl as well.

Dave -

I thought of you when I ordered the PM curvy. Once it comes, I will write a report on it and make a sound-clip for you all to read and hear.

Happy New Year to everyone!

From the Big Durian,

Thang

[Yellowhorn]

Semipro -

If you like a PMcurved sop that much, you can check out the PMSC-2400DK and the PMSC-2400G. The first one has the vintage plating and is said to produce a dark, vintage (MK6-like) sound, whereas the second one is gold-lacquered and makes a brighter, more contemporary sound.

Adrian -

Thanks for a good review on the 76 sop. I was not surprised that you like it, being now a proud and happy owner of a black pearl tenor and alto. Having had such a good experience with PM horns, I have recently ordered a customized curved soprano in black pearl as well.

Dave -

I thought of you when I ordered the PM curvy. Once it comes, I will write a report on it and make a sound-clip for you all to read and hear.

Happy New Year to everyone!

From the Big Durian,

Thang

[Yellowhorn]

Semipro -

If you like a curved sop that much, you can check out the PMSC-2400DK and the PMSC-2400G. The first one has the vintage plating and is said to produce a dark, vintage (MK6-like) sound, whereas the second one is gold-lacquered and makes a brighter, more contemporary sound.

Adrian -

Thanks for a good review on the 76 sop. I was not surprised that you like it, being now a proud and happy owner of a black pearl tenor and alto. Having had such a good experience with PM horns, I have recently ordered a customized curved soprano in black pearl as well.

Dave -

I thought of you when I ordered the PM curvy. Once it comes, I will write a report on it and make a sound-clip for you all to read and hear.

Happy New Year to everyone!

From the Big Durian,

Thang

[semipro]

YHB,

I am currently trying to find a dealer near me who has these horns. I don't want to trouble Dave at JunkDudes becuase I will not be buying before the Fall. But I will definatley have to give these a try.

[Yellowhorn]

Semipro-

I suggest you email Roger Greenberg, the PM partner in the US, at rogergreenberg@comcast.net and order the model that you like, and he will have it shipped to you in a few days.

Have fun!

[JuliusTole]

Which necks does everybody like on the sop. I think the curved neck is darker, which I like. I've found that more people like the straight cause the curved is too dark for them and the straight is also louder. I have the model with the tilted bell like a saxello.

[1selmer80]

How do the Mauriat horns fit within a quartet or concert band setting?

I am a classical player and would use the horn in those settings.

I have been considering the Mauriat brand over the big 4 because I have heard and read good things as well as liking the lower cost.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.


Mitch

[Yellowhorn]

Julius -

I think the most players prefer a curved neck or a straigh neck more because of how the necks feel to them (in terms of comfort) and less because of the perceived tonal differences that the necks make.

My Yam sop is a straight one-piece horn, and I like it that way. In fact, if I had it my way, I would order a customize a sax with a one-piece body (including the neck, bow, and bell). But, of course, there is no such a thing. The only things that come close to this are the YSS-62R (a one-piece straight horn with a bent neck) and a Borgani and R&C curved soprano and saxello (which are one-piece horns).

I also like the curved sop, and have just ordered mine from PMauriat (can't wait!!!).

1selmer80 -

I've used my Pmauriat black pearl alto and tenor both in CHURCH and jazz quartet setting was told that the sound was good.

The only horn from PM that makes an extremely powerful sound that may not be right for you would be, I think, the PMT-300SL. Resembling the King Super 20 Silversonic, this horn is LOUD and is suitable for a rock-n-roll setting or outdoor jazz gigs - not a classical, lounge, or church gig.

[The Meat]

Julius,

I heard from a lot of friends that you had a killer performance at IAJE, really blew people away.

I like the straight neck when I play soprano. This goes for the P.Mauriat horns as well as my Selmer series III. I find that it responds better and plays a little more open. It is also more comfortable for me.

All,

My SYSTEM 76 sop is a really great horn. I also own a series III sop and I love it too. When comparing the two I would say the 76 has a way bigger sound from top to bottom. The volume and tone are very even throughout the saxophone and the intonation is dead on. Also, the SYSTEM 76 is the most free blowing sop I have ever played. It can take a lot of air without sounding over blown.

The series III has a smaller more tight sound than the 76. Its does not have a lot of character, but is very controllable. I would prefer the series III for classical playing.

[1selmer80]

Thanks for the comments, it sounds like the Mauriat might be the horn for me when the time is right.

I prefer the bigger sound, especially after playing on a Yamaha Custom that was basically a laser beam and the school horn I currently play on, Series III.
This current horn is the best sop I've played on, so far, but as you stated it does have a tighter sound.

[JuliusTole]

fellow yellow horn blower-

I think you're right about the feel of the necks. I've always prefered the feel of a curved neck. I think Branford has a silver selmer sop which they bent the neck at the factory for him. Marcus Strickland has something similar from Yani. Now if they could bend my clarinet barrel I'd be into practicing.

The curved sop always sounds like a little alto to me, but it's definitely different.

the meat,

Are you in NY? Would like to try your PM76 sop. Felt bad I couldn't visit P Mauriat at the actual convention.

[mountainman]

Hi Dave

It was given to me as a Xmas present from a friend. It was THE Xmas gift of my life.
Thankfully, it played well.

Adrian

Perhaps your really good friend would share where they purchased it? I played a number of the P sopranos 6 months ago and none made the grade. I have since tried all of the big four and am still looking. I certainly would like to give the System 76 a try.

[JuliusTole]

how does the 76 sop and 66R sop compare sound wise?

and the black alto to the 67R?

I am endorsed but haven't tried all the new models.

[Joe Jazz]

Guess you finally retired your A-901?

[The Meat]

There is no 66R sop. I think the tone holes are too small to roll with their special proccess.

The black alto (PMSA - 500BX) is a lot more bright and punchy than the 67R. I would call it a contemporary sound. Still has some good meat to the sound but not as round.

[JuliusTole]

Meat thanks for the comparison.

Joe the Yani hasn't been in use for a couple of months. My website is over due for an update. I might put the 901S up on ebay since it's so different from what I have.

[Joe Jazz]

Well, I'd say you'd gotten your moneys worth out of it. Enjoy your new PM's!