Well, I've taken the plunge...

[Stever]

I'm 41 years old, and have been playing the guitar for a long time. I've always loved the sax, especially tenor. Well after much deliberation and research, I have purchased a Keilwerth SX90-R in Brushed Nickel Silver. I bought it from Stephan Boesken in Germany. I am actually meeting him at the NAMM show this Saturday to pick up the horn. Stephan used to work for Keilwerth and now has his own business; hand making custom necks. Apparantly he's one of the best in the business at setting up horns, and I had him install a set of his custom made, no stick pads. I have also hooked up for lessons with an old pro locally who has a Masters in Music. I start a week from Saturday. What we have he is one middle-aged man who is really jazzed! (no pun intented)

I'll keep you posted...Steve

[Jon B. Bop]

Stever,
Welcome to the club.

There are a lot of great cats on this forum who you can really learn a lot from.

Good luck, and have fun!

[gary]

It's inspiring when older cats (uh...you're younger than I, harumph) take up something new. Enjoy.

By the way. Beware of GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) LOL. After you spend some time on this Forum, you'll know what I mean. Stephan is getting you a good horn. You might ask him about mouthpieces (mpc). Get a good mpc with its stock ligature, a reed strength and brand that works and stick with them while you learn your horn. GAS is lurking :twisted:

[Stever]

Thanks Jon and Gary. IGary, am all too familiar with GAS. I've been buying and selling guitars for more years than I care to imagine. I'm hoping that it won't apply to the sax :lol: I'm am very perplexed with mouthpiece selection. I'm hoping that Stephan can provide me with some assistance there. I'm really looking forward to meeting him on Saturday. He seems like a great guy. I'll keep you updated...Steve

p.s. Are you familiar with Raffult mouthpieces? I spoke to Bob Ackerman in New York, he is a dealer and seems to be very knowledgable in this area. He said that an inventory of new Raffult mouthpieces was recently uncovered from the 60's and he has some. He is sending me one to try. I've done some searching on the web, but I haven't found anything.

[gary]

LOL!! That sounds like Bob.
Talk to Stephan.

[Stever]

I will, thanks. Fortunately, I can return it if it doesn't work for me.