[rickinator]

Hi I was thinking about purchasing a keilwerth sx 90r, I love the looks of it but I've read many mixed reviews on this horn. I was just wondering what your experience was for it and how much you think a good price to buy a used one would be. I saw this sx 90r nickel silver model on ebay for $2300 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Keilwerth-T...ultDomain_0&hash=item256722b8b8#ht_500wt_1156, but I'm not sure if its overpriced or not.

Thanks

 

[chilipepper205]

I think that Keilwerth makes some of the best saxophones around. There is a reason why they are considered one of the Big Four.

I have a SX90 in Black Nickel and it is a great saxophone. I think the one that you see is a good price and the satin silver is a little harder to find.

 

[Pete Thomas]

The mixed reviews are probably due to a couple of things:

The warped tone hole issue that was apparent on some of them (which Stephen Howard and some other good techs have pointed out) however it appears they did address this (and it was only an issue on some of them anyway). This was apparently only an issue with the SX90r, not the SX90.

The other thing is that it is a horn that has a real character, definitely one you should try before buying, it doesn't suit everyone. I found the ergonomics not to my taste but I love the response and sound.

 

[FunkyHorn626]

If the ergonomics are improved on this one, as they are on the Shadow, he might find this to his satisfaction. I too didnt like the feel of the horns until I played the Shadow and the keywork is much improved over the other finish choices. I dont see why it has not been changed on the other ones as well. Maybe they would move a few more horns if it was

 

[Pete Thomas]

I dont see why it has not been changed on the other ones as well. Maybe they would move a few more horns if it was

I agree. At the time I was playtesting a few I might have bought one if the ergos were right for me. Especially as I really liked the sound and feel I was getting.

But that was alto, my experience with the tenors is not so comprehensive.

 

[wacobipe]

I have a Shadow alto and Shadow Tenor and I love both...and would be hard pressed to own anything else. That said the ergo's are different than other horns and you need to be aware of that before you take the plunge. I personally think they have one of the best sounding, most even scales in the sax world ( Low D will be sharp but can be improved/ eliminated with Mpc/ reed/ligature testing) but again, that is a personal assessment.
Pick the style horn you want and use the completed listings option on EBay to get a good sense of the current selling price for that model. Plain laquer models run a reasonable price used but the more unique finishes (Shadow, nickel-silver, etc...) will command a premium price even used.

 

[hgiles]

Rick, that looks like a nice sax. But one really can't tell how it plays from pictures. I have been wanting to get a Nickel Silver or Shadow tenor for a while, but always balk because they're really more a crap shoot unless you get a chance to play it. Selmers tend to be the same way.

That price seems fair. WWBW sold some newish ones for around $2600 recently.

 

[chilipepper205]

I never had a problem with ergos on a Keilwerth. I really like the fact that the palm keys are adjustable.

When the time is right, I am going to sell my current alto to get a Keilwerth alto.

 

[EgilF.]

I just bought a JK SX90R after testing four SX90R: a Gold Plated, a Dark Vintage, Vintage and a Shadow. I did not like the ergonomics on the Shadow, it was almost like my Selmer S80II, while the original Keilwerth saxophones have ergonomics that are perfect for me. The Gold plated one was leaking and the D was sharp, but the D on the two vintage was more in tune than my Selmer. No doubt JK is quite unique, with a completely different feel and sound than all other brands I tried. I also tested several P. Mauriat and the differences between the JK's was much bigger than the Mauriat's. I bought my Canonball alto on e-bay, but I would not have bought a JK without testing it first.