So yeah. I don't think I've played one of these since I was a kid! I really really like the key work. My alto piece is a Meyer 7s, and it was a real good match. Intonation was great too. I just sold a cannonball alto, and for me this one stacks up fine against it: pitch was easier to control, but the cannonball seemed to project more. The keywork is absolutely faster for me on the 21! I found that truly surprising. I only sold the CB because I don't really consider myelef an alto player. I basically bought the 21 becase it was CHEAP, matched my 61 tenor, and I'd read good stuff about them on SOTW. $200 isn't a lot to throw at a horn, and it payed off well. I don't want to bash the CB, because I found it to be a great horn. It's just that I'm astonished how well this one plays!