This saxophone is a step outside of the norm for P. Mauriat, and brings with it a different concept than any other concept they've had thus far: This horn was made for those of you who are looking to get out of a vintage horn, and into a modern horn. Built on a 66 body (with a lot of modifications in the body, neck, and bow), this horn only comes in an unlacquered finish and is the only P. Mauriat model that automatically comes with NO high F#. What do you get with a 600XJ? Vintage tone. Fat Vintage Tone.
This saxophone has a very centered core sound, a lot like a vintage Mark VI or a Conn but with a slight edge. It's lighter weight, and you get great vintage looks.
Want a 600XJ for yourself? These are typically a special order from your local P. Mauriat dealer, but you might have some luck on Amazon.
Vintage looks and tone in a Modern Saxophone
In a lot of cases today, people still really want a nice vintage horn. There's only one real problem with them: If you have issues with parts, it's not likely that you're going to find more parts without tearing apart another good horn. So this horn was built to be a lot like a vintage horn, but with some slight modern touches. Obviously, you're getting a modern keyboard with it. With a slightly smaller body and one less key (among other things), the horn feels lighter. It's a win for those of you who are looking for vintage tone without the vintage price, too.
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 600XJ started as) were one of the first developed models from the company, although the 600XJ was developed just recently (2017-2018).
The P. Mauriat 600XJ Tenor 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 was at Music China in Shanghai, China in 2017. The owner of PM pulls me aside and asks me to test a new product (as he often does). Out comes the 600XJ. In my head, I think, "OK Cool, another unlacquered tenor." I was very wrong. This was a new horn from top to bottom, and it was immediately apparent when I played it. I told the owner: "I'm either buying this horn right now or I'm stealing this horn."
And then the horn ended up being on tour with me immediately.
On stage in Syracuse, NY with my P. Mauriat 600XJ. Photo: Jim Houle
The first thing that I noticed was that with no High F# key - and coupled with the changes in the neck, body, and bow - the overtones on this horn slotted completely differently. It was very much easier to play, especially in the altissimo range. I was so hooked. It was great for me that it was a lighter-weight horn as well, because it made my stage life more easy. I had less saxophone to throw around in terms of weight.
Fast forward to now (2019). In the early stages of the horn, we discussed a few small changes that could be made to make an even better horn, and that is now what the 600XJ exists as. I understand that the 600XJ might be special order in the USA, although it's readily available in other regions like Europe, Asia, and South America.
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 has a very centered core sound, a lot like a vintage Mark VI or a Conn but with a slight edge. It's lighter weight, and you get great vintage looks.
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