This is a true, one-of-a-kind find. This is an original Keilwerth SX90R STRAIGHT alto sax, serial number 99207. That's right, a straight alto. As you can see in the photos, this is a very unique looking horn, and it is a blast to play!
This is the only black nickel straight Keilwerth SX90R we've ever seen. We currently have a Keilwerth Tone King Special in our museum (made in West Germany, also the only one we've seen), and I have seen a few regular lacquer SX90R straight altos, but never one in black nickel before. And this one is in spectacular shape. There are no dents or dings anywhere, no resolders. It came to us with a very minor bell lip bend, which we corrected in our shop. I mention it only for full disclosure, because unless you know what you are looking for, you'd never be aware of it. This sax is as nice as it gets. It does feature rolled tone holes, as well as adjustable palm keys.
Playing this horn is quite the trip. Your fingers lay in all the right places as an alto sax, but with the bell going down rather than curved up, the weight feels different. And because the sound is bouncing off the floor, it comes at your ears differently and I found it to be a cool effect. It plays just like you'd expect from a pro Keilwerth, with a powerful, punchy sound, and is about as powerful of a modern horn as you will find. I wouldn't want to take this horn to a lot of bar gigs, I can only imagine banging that long bell on just about everything on and around the stage, but it is a lot of fun to play and is truly one of the most unique saxes you will find.
Manufacturer: | KEILWERTH |
---|---|
Model: | SX series |
Date Manufactured: | 1922 - 1923 |
Serial: | 99207 |
Contributed By: | saxquest.com |