August 24

P. Mauriat 302 Baritone Sax

Saxophones

0  comments

The P. Mauriat 302 model Baritone Saxophone is one of the few low B flat bari saxophones being made on the market. Like other P. Mauriat saxophones, this one is also hand made in Taiwan. Only available in Gold Lacquer or Unlacquered, this low B flat bari speaks with so much character and because of this, it shows why people often choose this particular model over similar products made from other companies. This model features a High F# key, and has very little resistance across the horn, making it very easy to play your great ideas through all octaves. 

Made with the jazz soloist in mind, this baritone is an excellent choice for those who are looking for their own creative voice in the saxophone section. Although the website lists this as "custom order only", I've noticed recently that companies like Guitar Center have started carrying the model in their inventory. With the B flat baritones available on the market, practically all of them are a special order and may be difficult to find one to try out for yourself. 

This saxophone is for baritone players who are looking for a creative voice on baritone, with very little resistance. This was created with the soloist in mind. 


If you're looking to buy one for yourself, make a call to your local P. Mauriat dealer or keep a watch on Amazon.com, as I'm seeing more and more P. Mauriat products on there currently.

 P. Mauriat Saxophones come with a great warranty to make sure that you've got the perfect saxophone.


A Fat, Punchy (but well-rounded) sound

The 302 is part of P. Mauriat's 300 series of baritones, all which share many similar traits. Modeled after classic baritones, each of these horns in the series (300/301/302) offer similar sounds, with a few different options on each one. The 300 is the standard Low A model baritone. It has a big-bodied sound. The 301 is made probably more for the big band player who is looking for a really super even sound from top to bottom and a quicker response than the 300. Where the 301 excels is having one less key, less metal, and a lot more character- especially with the type of airflow it provides. Being a B flat model, the lack of weight is noticeable in comparison to a low A model, and the center of gravity is much nicer and sometimes more controllable for those who stand and play baritone sax. 

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 P. Mauriat 302 Low B Flat Baritone Sax comes with a soft shell case (similar to a ProTec) or the option of a hardshell case (for a slight upcharge) with a strap, cork grease, a neckstrap, a cleaning cloth a warranty card, and a stock mouthpiece.

Want my thoughts?

I bought this saxophone out of necessity. On my gig, the previous saxophonists used low B flat baritones because of a standing baritone stand that was built for the show before we purchased our new standing baritone stand. I had previously played a low B flat 302 while visiting P. Mauriat's headquarters in Taipei, Taiwan a year previous. It was a bit of a prototype 302 in rose gold which I loved a whole lot (Yes, I almost bought that one) but decided to try to 'build a horn' more for what I felt was my tone, so part of my order included a change of finish to Dark Lacquer so that I could get an even fatter sound. 

My 302 bari on the stand, with my 600XJ tenor on my harness. Photo: Jim Houle

After getting my horn for the tour, I was quickly realizing how much more I loved playing a low B flat baritone. I've spent most of my life playing Low A baritones which are great, but with a low B flat (and really, a bit of a change in air flow), I really felt like I could be a bit more expressive on the low B flat model. Now I want to purchase a second 302 - maybe even in a different finish - just to have at home, since mine lives on the road all year. 

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 saxophone is for baritone players who are looking for a creative voice on baritone, with very little resistance. This was created with the soloist in mind. 

  • One of the few available B flat Baritone Saxophone models on the market
  • Fat, Punchy sound
  • Built with the Soloist in mind
  • Every saxophone is hand made
  • Available in Gold Lacquer and Unlacquered finishes
  • High Quality Materials and Excellent Quality Assurance

Please note: SaxophoneCentral.com gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Purchasing items through these links help to support our website and corresponding Youtube Channel. 

About the author 

rsaranich

You may also like

Marca Reeds Overview

Marca Reeds Overview

Announcing the winners of our March 2020 Contest!

Announcing the winners of our March 2020 Contest!

Brancher Sunset Strap

Brancher Sunset Strap
{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Subscribe to our newsletter now!

>