The P. Mauriat 67RX "Influence" model Alto Saxophone is a great but little-known addition to their three main lines of saxophones (the 66/67 line, the 76 line, and the 97 line). Although being nearly identical to the 66/67 line which is (in my opinion) similarly built to something like a Yamaha or a Keilwerth, the 67RX's big feature are the flute keys (instead of pearls). The idea is fairly simple. If you have a typical key on a saxophone, sound is vibrating through first the metal, then some glue or something similar, and then a pearl. 3 different mediums. This slows the resonation of the instrument down, at least at the point where it touches your fingers. By including flute keys instead of the regular pearls, the horns feels as if it is resonating more than other horns. Also, the horn includes rolled tone holes using P. Mauriat's own process, and the bell has been enlarged for bigger sound and projection. The saxophone itself only comes in a few finishes: Dark Lacquer (like a brushed matte lacquer) and Unlacquered.
This is one of the most resonant saxophones in the industry. By nature, it has a dark and beautiful sound.
If you're looking to buy one of these for yourself, they're now available on Amazon (FINALLY!). P. Mauriat Saxophones come with a great warranty to make sure that you've got the perfect saxophone.
Dark and Resonant
P. Mauriat came from being a little-known brand in 2005 to being the industry leader for Taiwanese-made saxophones in 2019. Not to mention, they're constantly nipping at the heels of Yamaha and Selmer in terms of sales. Of all of the Taiwanese brands, P. Mauriat is also a leader in R&D and Quality Control. PM is constantly working to develop new versions of their horns or even make improvements to previous models.
The 66/67 models (of which the 67RX is included in) were one of the first developed models from the company, although the RX came later, well after the development of the line. On a quick note of opinion, the 66/67 horns tend to appeal to people who don't typically enjoy playing something similar to a Mark VI, as the body tube is very different. Like I mentioned earlier, probably closer to a Keilwerth or a Yamaha in terms of airflow in the body tube.
The P. Mauriat 67RX "Influence" Alto Saxophone comes with a soft shell case (similar to a ProTec) with a strap, but cork grease, a neckstrap, a cleaning cloth a warranty card, and a stock mouthpiece.
Want my thoughts?
I'm on my way to perform a few shows at the World Saxophone Congress in Bangkok, Thailand some years ago. After meeting quickly with a saxophonist friend, I glanced over and saw P. Mauriat horns- which at that point, I'd never put my hands on. A friend of mine had recently gotten a 66 Tenor Sax, and had been raving about it. In front of me stood the Influence Tenor Saxophone. Immediately, my eyes caught the flute keys instead of the pearls and I thought, "Ok, well now I've GOT to try this."
About an hour later, they practically had to pry the saxophone from my hands. At that point in time, there was no way that I was going to be able to afford that horn for the foreseeable future, but it was constantly on my mind and it opened me up to testing many more models from PM later on.
Fast forward another few years, and I had saved enough money to buy my first P. Mauriat saxophone, and it happened to be the 66RX Influence Tenor Saxophone in Dark Lacquer. It was my first PM saxophone, and still one of my most favorite horns I've ever played or owned. In fact, it was the first saxophone I kept long enough to want to get it overhauled (which just happened in early 2019). The Influence model is just so super resonant in my hands and I feel like I can physically feel the music coming through the horn so much better. It's a very dark horn for me- which I level out with a bright and edgy mouthpiece typically. It's also a bit heavier than the other 66 models, but I really prefer it in my hands. The horn fits me like a glove.
After spending a few years with the Influence Tenor, I decided to invest in the Influence Alto (67RX), also in Dark Lacquer. I've been so happy with these two horns, and my only wish is the P. Mauriat would consider making the Influence in a Soprano and Baritone version as well.
Why P. Mauriat?
P. Mauriat is constantly looking to make a better saxophone, and the passion for the saxophone seems to include every employee working there.
Made in Taiwan, the company is owned by a saxophone player who lives and breathes music. His passion for the saxophone led him to put other things in life down and start a saxophone company. Primarily known for the 76 and 66/67 models, P. Mauriat is known for beautiful handmade saxophones.
From P. Mauriat's website: "P. Mauriat Instruments represent the embodiment of aesthetic beauty and technical precision. All of our horns are handmade in order to bring out the innate characteristics of sound of each exclusive model. The natural sound quality of our horns is what we believe differentiates us from all others, and we believe that you will hear it too."
This is one of the most resonant saxophones in the industry. By nature, it has a dark and beautiful sound.
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