[FrenchmkVI]

Hi all

Anyone can tell where the Modern Kohlert Saxophones are being manufactured? I'm looking at a Baritone now, but I'm really a Selmer Paris kind of guy, but had to sell my SA 80 II Bari to grab a 114XXX MK VI alto that's a match set for my Mk VI 114XXX tenor. Thanks... So, I'm looking for a moderate priced bari for now...

Philo
AKA FrenchMKVI

 

[Hassles]

My understanding is that these new Kohlert engraved instruments are Chinese

 

[milandro]

Indeed and have NOTHING to do with Kohlert at all, you may as well pick a Taishan. Buying secondhand should give you better and cheaper options .

 

[Pete Thomas]

Similar thing happened with SML I believe. Those great old brand names may have disappeared a few years back but either somebody still owns the rights or, if not, they can just register the right to a brand name and /or trademark. There are obviously no restrictions on continuing the evolution of the line.

 

[milandro]

When a few years ago the SML group ( which existed way past them stopping to make saxophones and they were the French importer of Yanagisawa ) was sold off, they sold the SNL logo to a chain of shops in France they own the rights , while Marigaux and B&S (both belonging to the group) became their own independent company.

I don’t think that the Chinese users of the Kohlert name ever bought the brand but started using it because no one claimed it, a bit like Adolphe Sax.

 

[ZootTheSim]

I was actually surprised to see a modern manufacturer trying to capitalize on the Kohlert brand, given that vintage Kohlerts are undervalued to begin with. My awesome vintage Kohlerts are both very well-made and fun to play, with a really nice balance of spread and focused tone, but they wouldn't fetch much on the open market.

Then again, the company's long defunct, so stealing their name's unlikely to result in a cease and desist order. And the Kohlert line, while identifiably European and vintage, isn't as fully documented as the Selmer, Conn or King lines. So potential vendors of a new "Kohlert" might be more easily tricked into thinking they've found the real McCoy. Plus a Chinese-made "Dolnet," "York" or "Couturier" would probably have no more selling power than a "Kohlert".