[Kenn]

Johnny…Thanks for doing the ballad version of Misty. As promised I purchased it & Imagine. I assume you are going to NAMM 2019. If so have a great time! Thanks again.
Kenn

[Kenn]

Johnny….that would be great if you could. I plan on getting it and your Imagine when complete. While I’m at it I want to say thanks for the embellishing tips (vids). Excellent!

The old guy is Aubra Graves. I came across him a few years back and did some research on him. He is probably the best unknown tenor saxophonist out there. I believe he’s from Waco TX. Google him and you will find a bunch of tunes his sons recorded and put up on youtube.
Kenn

[Kenn]

Thanks for the reply Pete! I have heard (seen) Aubra play Misty along with many other tunes on his Conn tenor. I’m sure Mr. Graves is still playing at 92 but I believe his sons recorded most of them when he was in his mid 80’s…for sure an inspiration to keep playing! I’ve heard other greats play this ballad as well. I just wanted to check in with Johnny to see if it’s possible to get his ballad version along with a backing track.
Kenn

[Kenn]

So Johnny…Did you have a great time? Did you get a chance to play the new MPs and if so, what did you think of them? Anything else new?

Thanks,
Kenn

[Kenn]

For sure…It will be very interesting to hear what Johnny has to say about the new Guardala fiberrod MPs. Being as I just wasn’t ready to take the plunge for a metal Guardala on his last orders, I ended up getting a Wanne fiberrod MP. If only I knew Guardala was coming out with them in the Fat Boy as that was the one I was leaning towards if I had gone to metal. They shouldn’t be as pricey as metal but we’ll see.

Kenn

[Kenn]

Hi Michael,

Thanks for the kind words! Yeah…the finish is a Vintage Dark Lacquer which does appear to be a vintage horn without all the years of use. What I can’t believe is that it’s so free blowing, especially compared to my Martin alto. I am now looking into some recording options and then hopefully this year yet I’ll be able to post a tune or two. But first I would like to upgrade my MP and ligature. Right now I’m not sure if I want to go right to the big boys or take it in a step or two. And yeah, I’ve always felt the sax had the best sound and appeal of any woodwind or brass instruments.

Kenn

[Kenn]

Dazza,

I remember reading that article while researching. That article was written in 2008. Even prior to that they brought on professionals (I forget the names, would have to look that up again) in a honest attempt to make a much better horn because everything coming out of Taiwan was junk. So they started making a better horn and listened to their critics for improvement and fixing issues. They no longer engrave the cities of London, Paris, etc. on the horns (at least on my model they don’t). Not sure why they did that in the first place. They’ve also included (engraved) “Made in Taiwan” above the S/N. I think since the article was written, especially the last 5-6 years they have a much improved, quality horn. I believe P.Mauriat are very proud of their horns these days. I wouldn’t recommend an older one, say pre2010 but the new ones I would if it meets your criteria for sound and feel.

I haven’t had any issues what so ever thus far. But then again I’ve only had it 4-5 months. The shop where I bought it from had sold a half dozen or so late last year and earlier this year. One local individual, a semi-pro musician had bought both an alto and a tenor. All, including himself gave rave reviews on these horns. Once I held and played it…I was sold. And the price was just icing on the cake.

Kenn

[Kenn]

Hi Mel,

The P.Mauriat I got is that one, the PMXT-666R with the vintage dark lacquer and is classed as a professional sax. I’ve actually had it for about 4 months now and love it. It’s well built and has the tone and feel I wanted. I did try a couple of Yamaha’s, not sure if that model was one I tried out but I do remember seeing it. I know a few who have Yamaha tenors and the love ’em. It just wasn’t for me…that’s all. I didn’t look at any Selmers so I can’t comment on those. With all that said though, I’m no expert on saxes although I’ve had a student Martin alto sax for years. All I went by is how the tenor felt and sounded to my liking. I suggest you do the same.

I see you are a WI. Badger. If you decide on a Mauriat, I got mine at a small shop on the WI./IL. stateline. Send me a message if you like.

Kenn

[Kenn]

Hi Jeff…And thanks for the reply!

I’ll check out both the software and the Philips device more thoroughly.

Thanks again,
Kenn

[Kenn]

Hi Dazza,

I first tried a couple of older horns. A Selmer Bundy II and a Holton 241. I’ve also tried a couple of Yamaha’s and a couple of others but no big names though. The Yamaha’s are most common in my area. I liked the feel of them but the tone just wasn’t for me. I had done some research on the Mauriat’s and the more I read (and heard) about them the more I researched. No one locally sold them and I had my eye on a demo on the internet. I was really hesitant to purchase over the internet as I wanted to feel the horn first and foremost. One day I went in to see my instrument repair man and happened to mention the Mauriat. He told me he is authorized to sell them. He went on and told me (not a sales pitch) about their earlier years vs. now. He only had an alto but if I wanted to order a tenor with no obligation to purchase he would do it. He ordered this one and I immediately loved the feel and tone. And to top it off the price was better than the internet demo because he doesn’t have a big store with a lot of overhead. The Mauriat is a heavier horn much like the older horns I tried.

Kenn

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