Condition is everything when considering old instruments. How do they each play? As Soybean notes, they are two different animals. If you have committed any time on the Keilwerth, you may not like the B&S - or it may be the answer to what you are missing.
If you like the tone, but don't like the ergos, then the B&S may be a stepping stone, but not your final tenor. And that's alright. Many of us have gone through several horns before finding The One.
Needing more air may be a result of leaks, or you may need to step up your concept of playing tenor. If your air support is just sufficient for alto, it may be lacking on any tenor, and more evident on a bigger bore horn.
Don't let the lack of a G# lifter be an issue. It is interesting that Keilwerths also have a reputation for sticky pads. Most other saxophones in the world do not have a G# lifter, yet play just fine. If you really need the lifter, it is time to replace the pad (if an original sticky J-K pad), or clean the pad and tone hole, then adopt a better maintenance practice of cleaning your horn after play.
Easy to do, but difficult to match lacquer color; easier to have it silver plated.
That's true. I was able to buy a couple back then, but they are rarely seen on ebay anymore.
I agree. I also think the later altos were a step up from the alto 2001 (model, not year).
I bought a very late "Courtois"(16xxx?) stencil for a young protege back in the day on behalf of his mom, and that was indeed the finest horn Ive ever played. I was quite tempted to welch on the deal and keep that one, but "my word is my bond" and all that...Damned ethics
Well, it does have resistance if you compare it to something like a Yamaha 82Z.
Some of those Courtois horns were just gorgeous. Dave Kessler had some on the website that were stunning.
