P Mauriat Venus Alto Saxophone

What a stunner!  P Mauriat have pulled out all the stops with this impressive looking and great sounding copper-alloy sax.

The Venus alto is constructed from a 95% copper alloy, giving it an impressive amount of clarity and power in its sound.  Based on the classic 67 body design you are guaranteed that trademark rich and sonorous tone associated with P Mauriat horns, but at the same time a higher copper content brings a greater focus to the high partials in the overtone series; couple this with the stunning array of metal components on offer and we have an incredible sounding and looking addition to the P Mauriat family of instruments.

P Mauriat came into prominence shortly around the new millennium and have developed a reputation round the globe as being one of the most desirable brands on the modern sax market.  Particularly known for producing their Custom Class 'Vintage Series' which has been adopted by many as a great modern alternative to the Selmer Mk6 , offering that classic full-bodied and powerful tone, alongside its vintage aesthetics.  The Venus, whose name was inspired by the goddess herself, broadly shares these tonal characteristics but due to its 'shinier' aesthetics may well appeal to a different kind of player who is looking for an alternative to the 'vintage-inspired' appearance.

Features

• Material: Copper Alloy - 95% content

• Finish: Clear lacquer with silver plated keys

• Key Touches: Black Pearl

• Neck: Super VI

• Engraving: Hand engraved bell and bow

• Case: P Mauriat Shaped Touring Case

• Mouthpiece: P Mauriat mouthpiece

• Made in: Taiwan

• Free Professional Set Up & Free Check over within a Year

• Recommended for: Professionals, advancing students, serious hobbyists.

STAFF REVIEW

First impression on opening the case; Wow!  What a beautiful looking instrument.  The contrast of colours is sensational - from the mirror-like copper to the shiny silver keys to the gold lacquer posts/plates to the deep swirling brown abalone key touches to the bright green felts!  My gut feeling is that this look won't be for everyone - some will love it, and some will prefer the more traditional P Mauriat vintagy appearance.  But whatever side you sit on, it certainly causes a conversation!

Testing out this horn with my usual setup of a Meyer 6M mouthpiece and D'addario Select Jazz reed, I can immediately feel the power and presence in the tone and response.  If you’re looking for volume and projection, this sax will work for you.  And at the same time, at the core of its voice, is the usual rich and sonorous trademark P Mauriat tone. 

Just for context I put the Venus up against the PMXA-67R-DK.  It seems like an obvious comparison to make as the Venus is based on the 67 bore-structure.  Even with its power, the Venus comes across with a slightly sweeter and more focussed sound, whereas the DK has more of a natural spread.  Beyond this, the family resemblance between the two is obvious!  With this in mind I can see the Venus working equally in a ‘Classical’ playing environment, just as it would a ‘Jazz’ one, but of course I should caveat this by saying it is so dependant on player approach, not to mention the difference the mouthpiece and reed setup will make in influencing the tonal direction.

Jim Cheek