[Whirlwind]

The king is a 1950's model, the Keilwerth, well it's pretty new (not very used at all by the looks of it, guessing someone got it and quit maybe...)

Well, I'm a Junior in High School... I have the chance to get a vintage great condition King Super 20, or a Keilwerth SX90R (Both used of course.)

I am in the top level Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, and also hope to be majoring in Music Ed (or a similar major in college). Which of these horns would be better?

My bias leans me towards the King Super 20, but I've heard alot about Keilwerth. IN all honest, either one is a step up, since after switching from Alto I currently use the school's beater Yamaha. (Alot of notes don't come out, it growls. I thought it was me but other kids tried it and the teacher confirmed that it's busted and if we get more budget the school would probably replace it.)

 

[hgiles]

I wouldn't be interested in either of those particular horns. That's full retail!

I would suggest you go out and try as many horns as you can in your area and get a sense for what kind of sound you like. Those two horns you picked out couldn't be further from each in terms of sound AND in terms of feel!

 

[Whirlwind]

I forgot to mention I'm not buying from there. I just wanted to show basically what they were. My teacher is offering. I'll be trying both soon. They're in good condition and CONSIDERABLY less than listed there.

The Super 20 I'm looking at is a 50's one also. I'm a solid player, I', good but not a super star and I don't have plans on being the next Charlie Parker, but it's about time I get a good sax that will last me through my next year of HS and into college.

As far as setup I've played Yamaha Alto's, Bari's and just started their Tenors. They've always been comfortable with the exception of their thumb rests. My hand's aren't very large. :[ I'm a pretty adaptable guy though. If it's a good horn, and I can afford it. Money is a big worry as I am the son of two teachers, and they're gettin hit hard up in Wisconsin so I don't have more than 3K, maybe 3.5k to spend. (I'm getting this instead of a car.)

 

[Pete Thomas]

I agree with hgiles, I wouldn't get either of those, but if it's the Keilwerth, first check it doesn't have the warped tone hole issue we hear so much about.

Have you decided it must be one or the other of those? If not, let us know your budget and I'm sure you'll get some good (if conflicting) opinions. That's what happens here.

 

[Whirlwind]

My budget is about 3.5k max. I'm going through my teacher and those are 2 of the 4 he has. Just wondering on which is better. All my class mates use Keilwerth but I kinda like what I've read on the S20.

I should like to point I'm not going through that site. And it's 1950'S S20 NOT the one there. Just posted links to help :}

 

[Pete Thomas]

Just wondering on which is better.

It's not a question of better, it's a matter of preference. IMO you can get many saxophones that are better on half that budget so maybe I should get my coat and car keys.

 

[Whirlwind]

Really? I've only looked locally. Is there any online places? (If you could tip me off it'd be appreciated.)

I was told the S20 is supreme. (I also read the S20 guys on this board) Of course before I buy any horn I'll be trying it ;] Whatever I like in the end. I'm slightly put off of the K now that you guys told me about it's issues though.

 

[chilipepper205]

I would just recommend to try both of them out and see which one YOU like. I have personally played a few killer Super 20s and some killer Keilwerth SX90s. I currently own a SX90 black nickel and I would trade it for the world. The next saxophone that I would get would most likely be a Super 20.

Both of them are great saxophones, so just try them out and then make your decision.

 

[chilipepper205]

I'm slightly put off of the K now that you guys told me about it's issues though.

Not all of them have issues. Keilwerth makes great horns and are one of the "big 4".

 

[Pete Thomas]

I currently own a SX90 black nickel and I would trade it for the world.

So would I if I had one. That sounds like a great deal.

 

[Whirlwind]

I'm trying them out soon ;] Just wondering from other perspectives. While how it plays is important, I like researching prior to making a purchase. The thing about them that stands out versus the other two is these ones are in almost perfect condition.

When I saw the Super was in such good condition and it seemed not that expensive I imagined it was a deal. But alas- I'm a 16 year old and not experience, so I thought I'd ask here.

EDIT:
What's the difference between SX90R and SX90. It might be the later- as I only saw a picture and heard name, and I could easily jumbled it in my head when searching online.

I know the King Super 20 thought since I saw it in person, and will be getting to try it soon :]

 

[Pete Thomas]

Really? I've only looked locally. Is there any online places? (If you could tip me off it'd be appreciated.)

For what?

I was told the S20 is supreme.

It's a lovely horn but likely to have intonation issues with many mouthpieces. That's just my experience, I think many people may disagree of course.

 

[Whirlwind]

Never mind that xD I don't know if I should buy a tenor online that I haven't seen/touched in person.

Ah, I see. If I do get it I'll make SURE I ask here on what to get ;]

 

[chilipepper205]

So would I if I had one. That sounds like a great deal.

Ha, I meant I wouldn't trade it for the world. Sorry, can't type

 

[Pete Thomas]

Not all of them have issues.

Exactly, see the article:

http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Saxes/Tenor/Keilwerth_sx90r_tenor.htm

They don't all have these issues, it may just be a few, hopefully not the more recent ones, but it does no harm to be on the lookout.

 

[Pete Thomas]

Never mind that xD I don't know if I should buy a tenor online that I haven't seen/touched in person.

A very wise decision, in which case why ask us? Just play those horns (and hopefully many more) and get the one you think is best. Ignore what I said before about getting a better one for half the price because you'd need to buy online.

 

[chilipepper205]

In terms of the tone hole problems, read this thread that talks about it.

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?22392-Keilwerth-and-warped-or-uneven-tone-holes&highlight=Keilwerth%20warped

 

[Whirlwind]

Ah thanks ;] I'll check. I'm sure my teacher would too. He's a Uni Dept. Head for Jazz/Sax. So I'm sure they're all good. Well, I'll get tryin than and I'll let you know which one I chose :]

 

[Grumps]

Super 20 tenors are awesome saxophones with a lot of guts. You might be able to get away with one in college as a Music Ed major, but if you were going for a perfomance degree, you would likely be steered towards Selmer or Yamaha; right or wrong. If you want to be safe, I'd say keep an eye out for a used Selmer Series III tenor. Though some of the new ones I tried earlier in the year didn't exactly wow me, ones in years past most certainly did.

 

[rispoli]

Ah thanks ;] I'll check. I'm sure my teacher would too. He's a Uni Dept. Head for Jazz/Sax. So I'm sure they're all good. Well, I'll get tryin than and I'll let you know which one I chose :]

Even if you check, they probably won't be visible by a naked eye. So it is a good idea to play the sax and if you have no complaints about how it plays (bad response or excessive resistance would be indicators that the sax has leaks and if anyone of those is due to a warped tone hole will be costly to fix) and you like it better than the Super 20 just get it and forget about the tone holes. I have a SX90R and my expert repairman found no problems with it. In fact, it is a joy to play.