Samuel MAINGAUD

Who is Samuel :

Samuel Maingaud is known for his remarkable versatility. Trained in classical saxophone at the CNSMDP of Paris, winner of several international competitions as well as the La Défense jazz competition, a member of Les DéSAXés for 18 years, and a teacher at the Avignon Conservatory (CRR), he has built a rich and diverse career.

He performs in many settings — classical, jazz, jazz fusion, funk, world music, electro, and rock — and also appears in horn sections, with renowned orchestras, or on television sets and broadcasts.

Comfortable on the entire saxophone family, he gives special importance to the tenor, often seen as the instrument’s most emblematic and expressive voice. A great admirer of Michael Brecker, he draws on this major influence in his sound exploration and expressive freedom.

More information on his website: https://samuelmaingaud.com/

“The Becs d’Autan MB1, 8 opening, is the first tenor mouthpiece that brings together comfort, precision, homogeneity, and a true sonic identity. I have played many different models, including original Guardalas, none of which had convinced me to this extent, whereas this MB1 perfectly meets what I’ve been looking for for many years.
This mouthpiece stands out for its rare versatility: it offers a wide range of expressions, from warm, velvety subtone to brighter, more focused tones capable of reaching a lyricism reminiscent of Jan Garbarek, while also opening up to a denser, more powerful intensity not so far from the world of John Coltrane.

It always maintains excellent stability, controlled projection, and smooth response, making it relevant both in section work and in solo contexts, whether acoustic or amplified.
You can also feel the craftsmanship of its creator: meticulous, precise, and refined work that is immediately noticeable in the playing comfort, the accuracy of its balance, and the overall coherence of the instrument.”

On his 1957 Selmer Mark VI, the combination with the MB1 is natural: an obvious pairing that finally allows him to achieve the sound he had been aiming for over the years, echoing the sonic world of Michael Brecker.

According to Samuel, the MB1 works particularly well with relatively soft reeds, such as Vandoren ZZ 2 or D’Addario Select Jazz filed 2, which enhance the mouthpiece’s flexibility, responsiveness, and ease of emission while preserving its full expressive palette.

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