JK stencils for Armstrong: how good are they?

[hornimus]

I suppose this question has been thrashed around before, but if so, I didn't find the discussion.

In short, how good are the stencil horns that Keilwerth made for Armstrong? Are some of the models not explicitly stamped with a JK moniker or a "Made in Germany"? Did any of the stencils for Armstrong have nickel-plateds keys, as opposed to lacq-brass?

And most importantly, how do the Armstrong-branded stencils compare to "real" JKs in sound, ergonomics, or build quality?

[hornimus]

Oops, forgetful ... did Armstrong actually itself assemble any of its horns with Keilwerth parts?

[Whatasaxman]

the H Couf Superba 1's are fabulous horns. They are still a good deal also. I have sop,alto,and tenor and Love these horns. great sound and key layout and they hold up to a lot of abuse

[Spencer]

I've got a Couf superba 1 Bari. It is just as good in construction as any vi I have ever seen or played. There is a certain amount of projection with these horns that I have never found on anything else except other KW's. For me this is the best. It is all about finding what is most comfortable.

[Txsaxkat]

I was told at one time a tarrif tax was put on assembled horns and so at one point armstrong did assemble the H Couf horns maybe someone can confirm this!

[TerryD]

I/m sold........ where does one find one of these horns? Any ideas?

[Bartleby]

I have just read on the Boosey&Hawkes site that later H Couf horns were NOT made by Keilwerth. More than this I do not know.