Value of a Kohlert VKS alto?

[DanY]

Hi, does anyone know the sort of prices these horns go for?

I've got one in silver-plate with nickel-plated keys/micro-tuner neck/mother of pearl G#/'vks' key guards.

It needs a re-pad, but it's pretty straight.

There is someone interested in the horn and I would like to offer it at a fair price. The trouble is, there's so few of these horns around.

[goodsax]

I think VKS means V. Kohlert & Sons. I had one of these in gold lacquer finish with nickle plated keys. It was a killer player and had some interesting features such as an extra trill key just off to the right of the right palm keys and the pearl accented G# key you mentioned. It was a beauty and one I probably shouldn't have let get away.

The value of yours depends largely on its condition, cosmetic and mechanical. I'm not an expert like Pete (saxpics.com), but you should try to get at least $500 for it and maybe closer to $1K if it's anything like the one I had, which didn't need a thing to play.

Caveat: This is just my unqualified opinion as a former VKS alto owner.

[DanY]

Thanks for the reply Goodsax. My Kohlert has the G# trill key you mention. The interesting thing is that it works in 'reverse' to the other G# trill keys i've seen, ie on the Kohlert you play a G and the trill key raises the pitch. On all other horns i've seen, you play a G# and the trll key lowers the pitch.

[Dave Dolson]

DanY: I don't think Goodsax was describing a G# trill key. I've seen that horn and it was a VERY curious mechanical thing - a trill-bar device for the right firstfinger if I remember it correctly, NOT a G# trill.

I've discussed this perculiarity with other knowledgeable techs and players and it is unique to Kohlert as far as I know. I've forgotten exactly what it does, but it is a high note-trill. DAVE

[goodsax]

Thanks for the reply Goodsax. My Kohlert has the G# trill key you mention. The interesting thing is that it works in 'reverse' to the other G# trill keys i've seen, ie on the Kohlert you play a G and the trill key raises the pitch. On all other horns i've seen, you play a G# and the trll key lowers the pitch.

DanY, here are some photos of my old VKS for you to compare with your VKS:

http://a4.cpimg.com/image/A2/2E/36007074-669c-017701F4-.jpg
http://a1.cpimg.com/image/A9/2E/36007081-271f-012B01F4-.jpg
http://a4.cpimg.com/image/AC/2E/36007084-c898-017701F4-.jpg
http://a7.cpimg.com/image/AF/2E/36007087-5e55-02000149-.jpg

Dave Dolson is right about the trill key, I think it must have been for a C-D or C-C# trill, something like that.

Hope these photos help.

[DanY]

Thanks everyone. I see what you mean about the extra trill key.

Rob, i've sent you a couple of photos to compare.

[goodsax]

Thanks everyone. I see what you mean about the extra trill key.

Rob, i've sent you a couple of photos to compare.

There are defnitely some minor differences. I believe my VKS was made in the early 60s, while yours looks like it might have been much earlier, maybe 30s or 40s?

How does it sound, and how is the intonation? If it has the resonance my Kohlert had, it probably is a great sounding sax and worth more to a collector than most. I like the VKS key guards, very distinctive and an early trademark of Kohlert saxes. You have a very nice horn there.