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http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Keilwer...708?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item336f9b969c
Any comments would be appreciated.
Any comments would be appreciated.
CX90 Alto: Has Anybody Played One?
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I have. I once compared my Selmer SuperAction 80 II to a Yanagisawa A-992 and a Keilwerth CX-90. The CX-90 was the most peculiar in all respects. I think I reported about this somewhere here on the forum in some detail, but I'm not entirely sure... Anyway, here goes my impression of the CX-90.
Built and layout: Build quality was okay, though not as slick and spotless as the Yani and not as solid as the Selmer. I'd say that that for the price you quote, the horn's at least a decent buy. It looks nice, the body is certainly something special. The keywork feels different under the fingers than that of the Selmer I was used to (and the Yani felt even more agile than the newly overhauled Selmer - though it could have profited from a better basic setup). There wasn't anything that couldn''t be adjusted to work suffciently well, though. And there's nothing in the layout of the keywork that's too much of a hassle to get used to. But among the three saxes, I liked the CX-90 the least when it came to pure handling. Given that you play a 901 alto, I'd say that there's a certain risk that you'll be underwhelmed.
When it comes to tone, this sax is something special: very warm, round and exceptionally mild. No unnecessary edge whatsoever, but also a certain lack of bite and power. It's a pleasant blow, though, and quite effortless if you don't try to go for a blast. The Selmer's a boomer with a huge low end, but a certain nasal quality to its middle and upper register (that was actually the reason for me to test other altos!), the Yani has an elegantly full bodied and also round and warm sound - but also a bit subdued. The CX-90 surpasses them both when it comes to producing a smooth, relaxed sound. I'd say it's very well suited for orchestral and classic music, maybe smooth jazz. But this is no sax for blues or rock, not even pop - and you'll need quite a bright mouthpiece for jazz if I'm any judge.
Depending on what you want (and especially if you want to replace the A-901, which is quite a giant killer in its own right), I'm not sure you'll be satisfied. If, however, you're looking for a very smooth and nice sound, the CX-90 may be for you.
M.
Built and layout: Build quality was okay, though not as slick and spotless as the Yani and not as solid as the Selmer. I'd say that that for the price you quote, the horn's at least a decent buy. It looks nice, the body is certainly something special. The keywork feels different under the fingers than that of the Selmer I was used to (and the Yani felt even more agile than the newly overhauled Selmer - though it could have profited from a better basic setup). There wasn't anything that couldn''t be adjusted to work suffciently well, though. And there's nothing in the layout of the keywork that's too much of a hassle to get used to. But among the three saxes, I liked the CX-90 the least when it came to pure handling. Given that you play a 901 alto, I'd say that there's a certain risk that you'll be underwhelmed.
When it comes to tone, this sax is something special: very warm, round and exceptionally mild. No unnecessary edge whatsoever, but also a certain lack of bite and power. It's a pleasant blow, though, and quite effortless if you don't try to go for a blast. The Selmer's a boomer with a huge low end, but a certain nasal quality to its middle and upper register (that was actually the reason for me to test other altos!), the Yani has an elegantly full bodied and also round and warm sound - but also a bit subdued. The CX-90 surpasses them both when it comes to producing a smooth, relaxed sound. I'd say it's very well suited for orchestral and classic music, maybe smooth jazz. But this is no sax for blues or rock, not even pop - and you'll need quite a bright mouthpiece for jazz if I'm any judge.
Depending on what you want (and especially if you want to replace the A-901, which is quite a giant killer in its own right), I'm not sure you'll be satisfied. If, however, you're looking for a very smooth and nice sound, the CX-90 may be for you.
M.
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4,359 Posts
You should do a search, as I'm sure I've seen a couple reviews here in the past. I believe they pretty much echoed what MoonMind said here. You also have to not mind the seam along the front of the bell, if you care about such things. Sorry you missed out on my SX90 Tone King! The CX90 is a good deal, especially if you offer them a couple hundred less and they accept it. I'm sure you noticed the used CX90's on ebay from Music 123. They all have problems and are listed for much more. If I had the dough, I'd give it a go. Unless of course you are going to try and play mostly rock tunes with it...
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I play mostly classical and gospel music (the mellow tone should be right up my alley), and have big hands (glove size 2XL), so I have a hard time with the Yani's palm keys. I like the idea of the adjustable palm keys (I have an SX90R tenor and like the keywork layout). I found a deal on musiciansfriend.com for $2379 and I just ordered it. It was a restocked horn with a 45 day return option. I assume someone else tried it and didn't like it and sent it back. They also have a Silverstar with the sterling neck for 500 more, but I thought the copper body was right up my alley. Joe Jazz, I was tempted to put another bid on your horn on the Bay, but chickened out at the last moment. Thanks for the replies all.
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I got the sax yesterday, and I have to say I like my Yani better. It came well packed and was in perfect condition. I stuck my leak light down it and every key was in perfect adjustment. Very good setup. Not sure whether or not they adjust them before they send them out. Although the adjustable palm keys are nice, the RH ergos are strange. The low end sounds really good (really nice, full sound), but the high front F key is poorly located and causes problems with my index finger bumping it. High palm key notes above D come out a lot easier on the Yani, and overall the Yani is easier to play. This may be because I am used to the Yani, so I will play the Keilwerth 1 week before I decide for sure whether to send it back (I probably will, as I don't see any considerable advantage of the Keilwerth). The copper horn sure is pretty, though.
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Words of advice....if you return it and you don't receive your refund within two weeks dispute the charge when your credit card bill arrives, regardless of anything Prowinds tells you. If you paid by Paypal tell them after the two weeks you will open up a dispute with Paypal, but you HAVE TO make sure you do so within the time limit(I forget what it is). They hate that because it somehow ties up their money. Other wise you could be waiting MONTHS to get a refund.
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I promised I would share information about this sax, so long story short, I sent it back. The high notes above palm key D would not come out unless I slurred them. The high front F key was located where I could easily bump it. The RH keys felt strange, making my hand feel cramped. On the plus side, the tone, esp in the low end was really full and "dark", so I liked that. The LH pinky cluster was nice and well positioned. The adjustable palm keys are good for big hands. I decided to keep the Yanagisawa because I felt it was the better overall horn. I've had it for 3 years now, so maybe it's more like I'm used to it more than anything.
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It really just comes down to personal preference. I've found that with my mouthpiece/reed combo all the high end horns sound very similar anyway (the best being an old Conn Chu Berry, though I just couldn't get used to the keywork). I'm sure I could have adjusted to the Keilwerth, and there were a lot of things I liked about it. Definitely worth considering, though. I suspect the problem I was having with the high notes (the main reason I sent it back) could have been corrected by my tech.
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Hmmm. I was looking at the CX90 tenors. It wouldnt be my only tenor, but frankly the description of the tone of these horns has me intetested. Yet no one seems to like them or keep them.
Anyone out there actually using one of these as a primary?
Anyone out there actually using one of these as a primary?
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830 Posts
http://www.saxquest.com/product/vie...brass-professional-model-alto-saxophone-P7689
This looks like the same horn as the CX-90, although it was almost 4 years ago when I played the Keilwerth version. Big price difference, though.
This looks like the same horn as the CX-90, although it was almost 4 years ago when I played the Keilwerth version. Big price difference, though.
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As I have learned, Senzo has a very different bore and a much more rigorous quality control. The latter is 2-step in Europe and elsewhere and even 3-step when these horns are imported in the US. The testers, all being reputable players, will often send the overall fine instruments back to the factory for improvement. This, and the fact that Senzo is manufactured at two factories instead of one incurring additional logistical expenses, I believe, is reflected in this instrument's price tag.
That having been said, I do enjoy playing my CX90 a lot. It is a wonderful instrument boasting a great deal of versatility on many levels. So yes, CX90 is not a Senzo, despite the almost identical outside look, but it is a great horn in its own right.
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It has similar keywork and both are made from copper, but the Senzo is a much different horn.
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