I love Keilwerth sopranos (like the Couf Superba 1 and 2 which were made by Keilwerth in Germany) because they are the only sopranos with modern keywork that have a large bore and a big, fat sounding tone throughout all registers. It’s super obvious if you play this versus a Selmer Mark VI, which is the bigger sounding horn, and which has the most pleasant tone. I love the VI alto, tenors, and baritones, but I find the VI soprano to be thin and nasal, and too oboe-like for a saxophone. The Keilwerth/Couf saxophones are in the tradition of vintage Conn and Martin sopranos, which sound much more like a tenor saxophone in tonal characteristics – rounder, wider, fatter, and more velvety smooth. I play a Martin soprano myself, but the Couf Superba 1 and 2 have a similar tone and much better ergonomics. I also love the modern Yamaha 875EX soprano for its precision, but it lacks the colorful, fat tone that the Couf/Keilwerth horns have.
If you’re reading this listing and you’re not sure why ‘Grover Washington’ is in the title, it’s because he most famously played Couf and Keilwerth saxophones in the 70’s and 80’s (and beyond), and he was especially known for his black nickel finish Coufs. This one is a Superba 2 as opposed to a 1, but it looks and feels basically the same as a Superba 1. There are possibly some early Superba II’s that have an older style keywork, but this is not one of them. Neither the 1 or 2 soprano has rolled tone holes. Only the altos and tenors do.
This one has a recent full repad and plays great! It is in beautiful cosmetic and physical condition as well, so it’s a super great buy for anyone who wants a solid soprano that has a special tone and is ready to go.
