[KatyJay]

Hi!

I'm recently new to the boards, a highschool student preparing for University. I'm looking for a new saxophone, under 2000$ and I was wondering whether I would be better off with the Black nickel plated Unison 2000 at Kessler's or a P Mauriat from somewhere else.(somewhere near Canada? Is there a Canadian dealer?). The P Mauriat is more expensive, I know, but are they equivalent in quality? I've heard good things about both.
Thanks!

Katy

 

[Dave Dolson]

Katy: The Unison 2000 alto I played a while back at Kessler's was terrific, but that was only one example. Most saxophone lines have their stars and their not-so-goods. It probably is a matter of dealer prep rather than the horns themselves - most new saxophones require tweaking before they play well.

Like I've posted elsewhere, I've played a few PM saxophones and none were worthy of MY consideration. However, that Unison I would have purchased if it the horn had have been for me. Instead, I was buying for my young grandson and decided on the less expensive Kessler Custom.

At $2K, I'd look at Yanagisawa and Yamaha, too. DAVE

 

[dstack79]

Hello KatyJay,

I've never played a PM myself, but I just purchased a Unison 2000 alto from Kessler's Music about 2 weeks ago. I'll probably post a more detailed review of it shortly, but basically I've been thrilled with it. Right out of the box, intonation is rock solid and keywork is nice and fluid. Sound is somewhat "sweet", almost like a Selmer in that regard. It looks nice too, with a rich gold lacquer.

I very recently play tested my friend's Unison 2000 tenor (NOT from Kessler's Music) and was less than impressed. It felt stuffy and dull and the intonation was a bit odd. I suppose all this is consistent with Dave Dolson's observations about dealer setup etc.

I'd at least try a Unison from Kessler's before trying the more expensive PM. I had a very good experience w/ Kessler's. If it doesn't work for you, he gives you something like 3 business days after you'd recv'd it to get a refund. They're so affordable, I think it's well worth eating the shipping charges if you dont dig it.

-Dan

 

[KatyJay]

See, my problem is that I live in Canada, so I have to pay all the taxes, shipping, border charges etc. too if I import it, and being a student I'm on an -extremely- unflexible budget. I currently play a Yamaha YAS-23, and am planning on selling that on ebay and hoping for 300$. That puts my budget up to 1500$. My parents are willing to pay more money as a christmas gift, but I can not at all afford to pay the charges and then not be pleased. Unfortunately, I live in a pretty remote area as far as music goes, so Monday I will be driving to Toronto for the day to see what they have there, and if I can't find anything I was really hoping for the P Mauriat. My question is then, is the P Mauriat or the Unison (from Kessler) a safer buy out of the box?
Thank you for such prompt and detailed replies!
Katy

 

[ZephyrSax]

See, my problem is that I live in Canada, so I have to pay all the taxes, shipping, border charges etc. too if I import it, and being a student I'm on an -extremely- unflexible budget. I currently play a Yamaha YAS-23, and am planning on selling that on ebay and hoping for 300$. That puts my budget up to 1500$. My parents are willing to pay more money as a christmas gift, but I can not at all afford to pay the charges and then not be pleased. Unfortunately, I live in a pretty remote area as far as music goes, so Monday I will be driving to Toronto for the day to see what they have there, and if I can't find anything I was really hoping for the P Mauriat. My question is then, is the P Mauriat or the Unison (from Kessler) a safer buy out of the box?
Thank you for such prompt and detailed replies!
Katy

Ah, I know the feeling. It's a drag...you always have to remember to keep all that extra stuff in your budget. I've never tried either of those horns unfortunately, but best of luck with whatever you choose!

And welcome to the boards, by the way.

 

[dstack79]

Monday I will be driving to Toronto for the day to see what they have there, and if I can't find anything I was really hoping for the P Mauriat. My question is then, is the P Mauriat or the Unison (from Kessler) a safer buy out of the box?
Katy

Honestly, it's anybody's guess :?

Kessler's has such a good reputation that I'd feel pretty confident buying one unseen/unplayed. The playability of the PM's "out of the box" may vary a bit more depending upon which dealer does the setup.

Given your circumstances, I'd go to Toronto or whichever best/nearest music stores and try to spend as much time there as possible. Maybe get a hotel for the night so you're not in a rush to get back home. If you can't risk eating the importing/shipping fees, this is your only real option.

-Dan

 

[Dave Dolson]

Katy: Buy either brand from a good dealer and it won't be "right out of the box." Most saxophones sold at retail (even the discounted ones - and almost all are heavily discounted) are prepped by the selling dealer before being sold. It is rare to really take a saxophone out of its packing material (from the factory) and sell it un-prepped. I have played some top-flight horns taken right out of the factory packing . . . YUK.

Unless you have access to a good tech (and figure extra dough for that) OR you can do it yourself, make sure you buy from a good dealer - one who assures you that all adjustments will be made before the horn is shipped.

THEN, make sure the dealer understands how to pack a saxophone for shipping - some don't know how!!! The dealer-prep AND shipping process is critical to you receiving a playable instrument.

I know Kessler's work. They will do it right.

For P. Mauriat saxophones, the only dealer I know who sells them (at least that I have visited) is Scimonetti's in Lancaster, CA. They also ship horns and you may want to contact Jim Scimonetti if you want a PM shipped to you.

Both of these horns are made in Taiwan, as I understand it, so the real issue is which Taiwanese-made saxophone do you want? I'm guessing either will do the job IF prepped and properly shipped. DAVE

 

[KatyJay]

Okay! Thanks for all the advice everyone, I'll get back to you when I've made my final decision. ^^ I really appreciate all your help!