Forum of the Saxes

-88- · Joined: 09 Jul 2005 Posts: 26

For some reason, curiosity, likely, I have become interested in Keilwerth. So naturally am interested to hear from people who have or had one. What was it like. Have heard some derogatory things about them, i.e. cheap construction and old fashioned keywork....but those came from people with an agenda to sell another brand, so I rather doubt those comments.

Anyone here able to comment on their own experience with the Keilwerths as to sound, keywork, and ease of playing?

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The heart plays, little else matters.

CMelodyMan · Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 1:22 pm Post subject:

I've never played one, but from what I've hears, a Keilwerth is paying a lot of money for a sax that is nothing special, but that's just what I've heard.
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Alto: Yanagisawa (880), Morgan 6M w/ Rico
C Melody: c.1919 Martin Inspiration
York soprano

Bleeding_Gums_Murphy · Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Posts: 75

Oooh, we finally have a thread in the Keilwerth forum!!!!

Anyway, vintage Keilwerths are awesome horns and are well worth the price. They're found for half the price of vintage BA's and VI's.

Couf Superba's (made by keilwerth) are really great. Dark, warm sound with nice projection; It's really smooth too, like butter :P . They have really cool oversized pearls, and oversized everything else too (bell, you name it). They are very similar to the modern Keilwerths in almost every aspect except that the modern ones have a bit more projection (from hearing people play; i've never played a modern keilwerth), and the vintage ones are a little darker and smoother.

So, my conclusion is:
New Keilwerths: Not worth the expense, except maybe the SX-90's
Old Keilwerths: Killer Players, great value.

side note: i'd take a vintage or modern keilwerth over any selmer.

Bleeding_Gums_Murphy · Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Posts: 75

Hmmm... it seems I got a bit off track in the last post. So like me.

Some stuff about all keilwerths (vintage and new)
1) VERY solid construction
2) NICE !!! projection
3) Dark and sweet sound (reminds me of SML Gold Medals)
4) Keywork is cleverly designed, and comfortable on the hands.
5) SX-90R's and Shadow's are way too expensive, just for rolled tone holes and some other doodads.

CMelodyMan · Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 4:38 pm Post subject:

I meant that modern Keilwerths aren't that great for their price, and I forgot to mention that vintage Keilwerths are awesome, and you can find them pretty cheap. I got an offer from a guy the other day for a '41 Keilwerth for $700! I can give you the guys email address if you're interested in buying one.
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Alto: Yanagisawa (880), Morgan 6M w/ Rico
C Melody: c.1919 Martin Inspiration
York soprano

jules · Joined: 06 Jan 2006 Posts: 63 Location: brighton- uk

JPSaxMan · Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2006 1:49 pm Post subject:

I'd be creeped out to....like, maybe not even play the sax just b/c of it's origin Confused

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JP
Student of Saxophone
Music Education (BME) Major-2011
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

-88- · Joined: 09 Jul 2005 Posts: 26

So time has passed. Anybody know the date ranges of vintage Keilwerths that are worth picking up?
_________________
The heart plays, little else matters.