[Talldsharp1234567]

Hi all. I've been reading for a long time on SOTW but have never writen anything. So hello to everyone.I guess then I'm a beginner here. I'd like to have anyone's input on the Keilwerth Tenor sax EX90. I can't afford getting a SX, and I don't really feel like getting a vintage horn, even though I know there are many really good ones out there. I presently have a cheapy horn and would like to get an intermediate one. It'll probably be the last horn I'll ever buy cuz 1st, I've very recently become a father, and secondly, I only play as a hobby. I'd like to one day play some gigs but I wouldn't make a living out of it.
I know some folks are gonna tell me that I should perhaps get a good and affordable student Tawainese or Japanese horn, but I really want something reputable in terms of durability (like from one of the 4 main Sax groups), and I don't really feel like getting a Yani or Yamaha. But here are my real questions: Some people here have mentioned that the series III EX 90 doesn't equal the older series. They attribute this to the possibility that they're now made in the Czech republic (maybe by Amati). I've recently spoken to Mr. Kessler and he told me that they're still made in Germany, and that the myth of the Amati production is false. But he also told me that they are essentially student horns (all of the EX90s). But yet, I've read here that many think that the older series were very close to the SX models (in quality and sound). So what's the deal? Are the III series really made in the Czech republic, and if they're still made in Germany, why don't they stamp it on the back anymore. For such a reputable company, I'd think that they'd be proud to print it on the back of their new serie.
My second question is: Does anyone really know for a fact that the series II was better? Has anyone tried them side by side? I think that Randall has, and he stated that the older ones were definitely better altogether, but he wasn't sure if it was the series I or II also.
I guess I should tell you what kind of music I'm interested in playing so that maybe some of you could tell me what other horns I could consider. I like R&B, R&R, and some Blues. I know I know, the old Kings and Martins and Bueschers were really good for that. And I know many will say that it's actually the mouthpiece that counts. And I agree totally. But I'd like to get a new horn, and I think that some horns do have slightly brighter or darker sounds than others. I guess I want something that's really meatty and roaring, regardless of the mouthpiece.
So please, if anyone could inform me about the EX 90s. And if you want, you could tell me what other horns you believe could be best for the music I like. Please keep in mind that all I could find in my city (Montreal) in terms of new horns are Jupiter, Antigua, Yamaha, Keilwerth, Selmer (both Paris and US), and Yani (901 only). All others are cheapies. Thnx a bunch to all who can help.

 

[J.Max]

How much are you planning on paying for this horn? Makes a big difference because I've seen some used pro-line horns go for a lot less than some of the new intermediate models...I'm not talking vintage here either. Think Yamaha YAS-62, Yani 901, and even a few Selmer Serie IIs.

 

[Talldsharp1234567]

Found out what I needed to know

Actually J.Max, I've gone through my purchase of an EX 90 series II cuz I got some confirmation just this morning. I called a store in the States whose website was explaining some things in regards to Keilwerth Saxophones. It basically said that if the horns mention MADE IN GERMANY on'em, it's definitely a quality sax. But if it doesn't, it therefore could be made anywhere from East Europe to Taiwan or even China. This is apparently due to the Euro currency that makes things more expensive. When I called them, a person there couldn't tell me with certainty where the series III comes from, but he said it surely wasn't from Germany. In his words, he stated that there's a lot of moving around at the Keilwerth company these days.
I then spoke again to the guy in Europe who was still selling the series II. He told me he knew someone who worked at Keilwerth and who could tell him infos about the EX 90s. So there you go, the truth is that the series III is made (parts and bell) by Amati in the Czech republic. For legal reasons, Keilwerth can't print MADE IN GERMANY on'em anymore, even if they're still assembled in Germany. I prefer something made and assembled at Keilwerth, so I went ahead and purchased the series II.
The guy at this store also told me he ordered new EX90s, but will most likely get series III ones cuz the series II are becoming more rare. So to all who are researching the differences between the II and III series, here you have it, straight from Keilwerth itself. I'm sure many people will find the series III as good as the II, and I'm not disputing that, but since I can't find both here in my city (or close to here), I can't compare for myself. So in doubt, I went with the safer bet. But in the end, I do agree that all that matters is that you like what you try. Take care y'all.