Notes on this instrument

In the early 2000s, when I was an endorsed artist for Keilwerth, I used to visit the plant regularly.

They where then based in Nauheim, in the Frankfurt area.

I still enjoy playing my Keilwerth SX 90 II bass saxophone very much, and appreciated the connection to the brand tremendously.

The first time I went over to meet the team and discuss ideas about a possible endorsement, I got a tour through the factory by none other then Gerhard Keilwerth, the grandson of the founder, Julius Keilwerth!

Incidentally, years later, Dulf Schenkelaars told me that Joseph Keilwerth (Julius’ brother) worked at the Schenkelaars plant in the Netherlands, helping to set up the saxophone operation, based on the friendship between the two families.

Every time I went over to have my bass tweaked, I would walk through the factory, and they allowed me to rummage through the bins where they scrapped (parts of) saxophones. I had the plan to collect the worlds worst Keilwerth alto that way! Sadly, my connection to the brand ended before this Frankenstein of an instrument was complete. But probably for the best!

Here are two films that give an impression about the plant. The second clip was transferred from a VHS tape that I was given