[BrianMitchellBrody]

What the hell did I buy here? LOL

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Ko...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

[pumseig]

Those are nice tenors. I had a Winnenden years ago, I think it was made in the early 1960's.
If I'm remembering correctly, it was a heavy horn with a big and bold sound, especially the low register.
I liked playing it, but I wasn't thrilled with the ergonomics so I wound up selling it.
Looks like you got a pretty good deal, I think I sold mine for around $800.

 

[Alex Munte]

Yes, those are nice indeed, congrats! They are usually full and dark sounding. I doubt it has the original lacquer as stated in the ad, but that doesn't really matter, especially at that price tag.

 

[ZootTheSim]

Such cool looking horns. Apparently some prefer these to the '57s.

I have a '60s Bixley (stencil), so near the opposite end of Kohlert production, and it has a beautiful Bohemian tone. Plays real nice with my Drake New York. The build quality's solid, and the ergos are okay, if not fantastic. The lacquer's taken on a nice, kind of smokey hue.

 

[Hassles]

IF I had not just bought a Kohlert 57 I would be jealous jealous jealous - I still am jealous jealous jealous! Pat yourself on the back and register at kohlert owners if you have not yet done so https://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?122032-Kohlert-Owners-Club

 

[saxcop]

Almost bought that one myself. Curious what you find out as the problem with the neck not going in all the way.

 

[BrianMitchellBrody]

Almost bought that one myself. Curious what you find out as the problem with the neck not going in all the way.

I am somewhat concerned about the neck fit but nothing that can't be repaired.

 

[BrianMitchellBrody]

I have avoided vintage horns because of ergos but I love German horns and need a decent back up to my B&S tenor and this may turn out to be something sonically different.

 

[JayeLID]

Yeah that was a crazy BIN and I am amazed it even lasted as long as it did. If you like vintage horns, you will like it alot (once it plays fully). If vintage keywork bothers you then you won't like it. Its keywork is pretty good and its action is fine IMHO, good for its age.
In the very least you will have experienced your first Kohlert. They do have sonic qualities all their own.

From the pics I'd say it is original lacquer, actually. The engraving appears to have a very nice 'cut' to it.

 

[Hassles]

I have avoided vintage horns because of ergos but I love German horns and need a decent back up to my B&S tenor and this may turn out to be something sonically different.

I am sure you'd adjust to the ergos' if you found 'that' tone you're fond of!

 

[Bkenes]

Wow that was a great price! Have it properly overhauled. It will play great

 

[soybean]

I think you did really well. From the look of it, some of the pads have been replaced. The pants guard and octave key-touch are a very cool design. The only thing I’d be worried about with the neck is if it is not the original.

 

[BrianMitchellBrody]

I think you did really well. From the look of it, some of the pads have been replaced. The pants guard and octave key-touch are a very cool design. The only thing I'd be worried about with the neck is if it is not the original.

The neck not fitting is a small concern. I did some research and it looks like the original neck. It would be a shame if not.

Might make a nice lamp at that point. )

 

[BrianMitchellBrody]

Yeah that was a crazy BIN and I am amazed it even lasted as long as it did. If you like vintage horns, you will like it alot (once it plays fully). If vintage keywork bothers you then you won't like it. Its keywork is pretty good and its action is fine IMHO, good for its age.
In the very least you will have experienced your first Kohlert. They do have sonic qualities all their own.

From the pics I'd say it is original lacquer, actually. The engraving appears to have a very nice 'cut' to it.

Thanks. Last month I almost bought a Kohlert bari and in researching these horns there were nothing but great reviews and besides I love German saxophones.

 

[BrianMitchellBrody]

I am sure you'd adjust to the ergos' if you found 'that' tone you're fond of!

We shall see. It just eeks cool

 

[BrianMitchellBrody]

Got the horn. The neck fit once properly oiled but that is the very least of its issues. The whole upper and lower cup cup stacks are not aligned with tone holes. There are several broken off springs most noticeable is the octave key spring. There are several rods that will need to be tightened. The case is wasted and in the trash and the horn has the slightest smell that would indicate it was near or involved in a fire.

It has very near new pads and flat washer resos and around 98% of its original lacquer but imho is a great candidate for a proper overhaul and sonic bath.

I like the light weight of the horn and for a vintage horn the ergos are not difficult at all.

I'm very please with my purchase. Now I am waiting for life to resume so I can bring it to my tech for the treatment.

 

[soybean]

Good news!

 

[saxcop]

I thought it was very cool looking as well. You are right that the horns are pretty light. I have a Kohlert with the right hand bell keys. Mine has a really nice tone. I note that altissimo doesn't come as easy for me on it. However it lives in my vacation property and I only play it a few times a year. Just like this one.

 

[BrianMitchellBrody]

Saxcop that's a cool horn too. I think mine will make a nice horn once rebuilt. I really like that its light and ergos are somewhat modern balanced action. Its missing several springs and felt but has relatively new pads.

It looks like a home spun re-pad and whomever did it could not figure out how to regulate. I am going to have new everything with an overhaul.

 

[JayeLID]

The Winnenden is an earlier model than what Saxcop has, which looks like the Regent or equivalent thereof, which would be from the 60's I think. The Winnies are earlier...40's I believe.

Both are really GOOD vintage horns.

Kohlerts used to fetch good $ back around 2008 or so....$1000 Tenor, $750 alto.

But their market values have plummeted since then, to the degree where I cannot really buy one, refurb it, and resell without it either taking a loss or sitting FS for 6 months. That is the SOLE reason I didn't grab this one, as I said I saw it a few days before you bought it...so it had been up there and viewed a bit.

Too bad, because quite honestly, they are every bit as good as a nice vintage JK, Conn, Martin, etc...

BMB you got a steal there....