Celebrating 20 Years of P. Mauriat in the UK!

25th June 2025

We are celebrating 20 years of P. Mauriat in the UK, bringing you a full review of their flagship range, the Influence tenor and alto saxophones. While P. Mauriat originated in the U.S. in 2003, it was in 2005 that these horns first arrived on UK shores – and over the past 20 years, they’ve carved out a loyal following among players seeking the warmth, feel, and soul of vintage horns with the reliability and precision of modern craftsmanship.

The Influence series has stood out from the beginning for its bold design choices, hand-built construction, and unmistakable tonal palette. Now, two decades on, it’s the perfect time to highlight these flagship models and see why they are becoming a household name amongst pro players.

The Aesthetic: Elegance with a Purpose

One of the first things you notice about this particular model is its antique finish – a warm, worn look with a frosted gold aesthetic. It’s a nod to the classic unlacquered horns of the mid-20th century, evoking the soul and character of vintage instruments, while subtly allowing the brass to resonate more freely.

This finish, combined with the visual presence of nickel silver touch pieces, adds not just aesthetic appeal but also practical benefits. These touchpieces lend added weight and durability, which in turn enhances the instrument’s resonance and tactile comfort.

Rolled Tone Holes

One of the standout features of the Influence series is the use of drawn and rolled tone holes. In a technique rarely seen in modern manufacturing, the tone holes are drawn directly from the body of the instrument and then rolled, rather than being soldered on.

This results in a seamless connection with the body, promoting a warmer and more immediate sound while eliminating potential issues like leaks or weak solder joints over time. It’s a craftsmanship-intensive process, but one that pays off in tonal quality and longevity.

Handcrafted Individuality

Every P.Mauriat saxophone is hand built, and this adds a layer of individuality that sets these horns apart. As P. Mauriat Artist, pro player and educator, Preston Cummins, puts it:

“Every P. Mauriat plays slightly different and has different characteristics due to the hand-built nature. This is fun because you get to spend time picking one that fits you.”

That character isn’t just cosmetic – it’s something you hear and feel when you play. Each saxophone has its own personality, its own voice, inviting players to discover the horn that feels like an extension of themselves.

The ‘Super VI’ Neck

The Influence’s Super VI neck design is another critical part of what makes this saxophone sing. Inspired by the neck shape and response characteristics of vintage Selmer necks, the Super VI offers a more open airflow, greater projection, and flexibility across the range, particularly benefiting altissimo and tonal control. It gives the player freedom and nuance, while still anchoring the tone with a robust core.

Tenor vs Alto: Vintage Vibes

Both the tenor and alto models of the Influence range bring something unique to the table:

Tenor PMXT-66RX: The larger bell flare combined with those rolled tone holes contributes to a fat, round sound that feels full-bodied and expressive. Both instruments have that warm richness reminiscent of vintage Selmer horns — a reminiscent nod to the Mark VI and Balanced Action lineage, but with modern ergonomics and durability.
Alto PMXA-67RX: The alto leans slightly drier in tone, evoking a Paul Desmond-esque clarity, yet retains plenty of power and depth, especially in the lower register. The bell flare is particularly impactful here, producing a tone that’s rich, focused, and ready for anything from cool jazz to contemporary funk.

Built to Last, Built to Inspire

Underneath all the artistry lies solid, thoughtful engineering. The 66RX and 67RX are made from high-quality brass, reinforced with nickel silver details, and assembled to be durable, versatile, and road-ready. It’s an instrument for players who want a horn that can keep up with their ambition — whether that’s gigging regularly, recording, or simply chasing the perfect tone.

20 Years On…

P. Mauriat saxophones remain a true contender for players who want vintage soul with modern sensibilities. Whether you’re chasing that vintage Selmer-style response or looking for a horn with a distinctive voice and playability, the Influence range has proven itself as more than a homage — it’s a modern classic in its own right. If you’ve never tried one, now’s the perfect time!