[Yigit Demirel]

Hello Everyone...

First of all, I would like to say that this forum is awesome. I thank all of you who are sharing valuable information with everyone else.

Okay... here is my question...

I am going to purchase a P.Mauriat Swing 55 JX Alto Saxophone soon but when I explore this forum, I found out that noone gives any information about this specific model of P.Mauriat.

Could anyone please share his\her opinions and experiences about the P.Mauriat Swing 55 JX Alto Saxophone?

I thank upfront to all of you who will.

Sincerely Yours

Yigit Demirel

:treble:

 

[CountSpatula]

Where are you getting yours? Try it out first see if you like it, in the end that's all that matters right?

 

[Yigit Demirel]

Where are you getting yours? Try it out first see if you like it, in the end that's all that matters right?

Dear CountSpatula,

I live in istanbul Turkey. And here is totally poor country when it comes to saxophone. I will buy it online from somewhere other than where I reside ( probably from the sax.co.uk)

So, I have no chance to blow into any of these horns in the first place.

I really need the opinions of other sax gurus here about the P.Mauriat Swing 55 JX Alto Saxophone.

:treble:

 

[CountSpatula]

Haha I understand. Good luck, I'm afraid I'm no help .

 

[Yigit Demirel]

Haha I understand. Good luck, I'm afraid I'm no help .

That's alright CountSpatula,

I hope someone helps really...

Take care yourself my friend.

Yigit Demirel

:treble:

 

[soulysax]

This is a new model, there are a limited number of dealers, and not all dealers carry all of the models. You may find it difficult to get a review.

However, Tim at saxalley.com says these are the 67 made with copper and brass. He also states they are nice sounding horns with a little more edge than the 67. The Mauriats are great horns and definately worth a try.

I would highly recommend purchasing from Tim. He sets these up quite nicely and is an honest guy.

Good Luck.

 

[Dave Dolson]

Yigit: Welcome to SOTW. I think way too much emphasis is placed on latest-and-greatest designs, body material, etc., etc. Once one goes beyond the marketing hype, most better-made saxophones will play and serve anyone well.

In MY opinion, given that you probably must buy something sight-unseen and hope it works, I'd select a tried-and-true, well-known saxophone such as the Yanagisawas or Yamahas (or even the P.Mauriat models with a history on the market). Many players get along just fine on 50-year old horns. I'm sure that if you stick to mainstream brands, you'll be pleased. DAVE

 

[Yigit Demirel]

Dear Mr. Dolson and Soulysax,

Thank you so much for your opinions. Well, I used to practice 11 to 14 hours like Bird did once upon a time (thought I'll fly over Bird by doing that outrageous practice schedule) =)

But then I sold my sax due to my bad economical situations. But now, something inside of me came alive again when I hear Bird in my ipod.

I am ready to buy a sax that fits my soul and Swing 55 JXs are giving me the feeling of what I need from an alto sax when I just look at it. I know that I might sound naive by saying that, I agree. But honestly I am talking from my heart.

So, at least if someone who tried playing with one of those SWING JX 55 may say his\her feelings and opinions, then it will help me alot before purchasing the beauty.

And Mr. Dolson,

I will have the most fun times among you all in this forum. You are all truly sax gurus.

Thank you so much in advance.

Sincerely Yours

Yigit Demirel

:treble:

 

[bradshawm]

While I agree wholeheartedly with Dave Dolson, I also understand the creative spirit that is inspired by the beauty of the instrument as well as the sound coming out. However, because of your situation, it is always better to go with the tried and true. There are a lot of great looking horns out there that also have the reputation to back them up.

They are brand new horns that have only just hit the market, so your best bet really is to ask the people who know the P. Mauriats better than anyone, and that would be Tim at Sax Alley, or Roger Greenwood.

 

[Yigit Demirel]

While I agree wholeheartedly with Dave Dolson, I also understand the creative spirit that is inspired by the beauty of the instrument as well as the sound coming out. However, because of your situation, it is always better to go with the tried and true. There are a lot of great looking horns out there that also have the reputation to back them up.

They are brand new horns that have only just hit the market, so your best bet really is to ask the people who know the P. Mauriats better than anyone, and that would be Tim at Sax Alley, or Roger Greenwood.

I thank everyone here who answered my question. I definitely get in touch with Mr. Tim and Mr. Greenwood immediately.

:treble:

 

[soulysax]

Just remembered Tim at Saxalley does allow a 7 day trial period. That may be just the thing to go with.

I also wanted to give my take on the big 4 vs the new horns. This is my opinion and is given in a spirit of sharing info rather than a rebuttal as I don't think anyone was out of line in their comments.. The big 4may be a safe bet but there is still risk involved. Any used horn will lose value. It is often mentioned that the big 4 won't drop as hard as the others. However, they generally are priced higher to begin with leaving the total loss with a higher potential. The 66R tenor sells for about $2,750 new. GAS WYO just sold his on ebay for $2,200 http://cgi.ebay.com/P-Mauriat-66R-T...ryZ16234QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem. The Mauriat seems to be doing well.

I think in general the advice is sound but there is a broad stroke approach. Some of the newer horns were not of high quality. The general assumption by some is they all suffer. I find this true of the vintage vs new horn arguement- vintage is better. What is never mentioned is how much work most vintage really need to be in top playing form let alone the less than ergonomic key setup. The Mauriat is a quality horn.

I tend to go with what works for me and really don't care about the name. In fact I went with one of the other Mauriat's as the tried and true ones just were not for me. If you were blindfolded and handed a Mauriat vs a Selmer, Yamaha etc you are not going to come to the conclusion that the Mauriat is a lesser horn based on the name alone. You will find it to be a sturdy horn with good keywork and feel. The response is excellent. It would only come down to what is your preference for sound and feel of a quality horn.

Anyway, I wish you good luck in finding a good horn. It does make it much more enjoyable when you are matched up correctly

 

[Yigit Demirel]

Thank you so much soulysax for your opinions.

I will search for the saxophone in the way you were trying to explain it to me.

:treble: