RARE Original Silver Plate Couf Superba I Tenor Sax w/ Rolled Tone Holes - Serial # 79388

Our Price: $ 4,500.00

Product ID: 79388CoufSuperbaTenor

This is a super rare vintage Couf Superba I tenor sax in original silver plate, serial number 79388. These horns were made by Julius Keilwerth in Germany for Herbert Couf when he was president of Armstrong, and are top-of-the-line pro horns with rolled tone holes, high F#, and all the features of a top shelf Keilwerth. What makes this one so rare is the original silver plate, the first one I've seen.

As you can see in the photos, this tenor remains in superb shape top to bottom. No dents or dings, no signs of any past damages or repairs. The original neck has the matching serial number stamp and it has never been pulled down or damaged. Like the copper Couf/Keilwerth horns of its era, this horn features a clear coat of lacquer over the original finish, and that top coat has worn in just a few spots (see the close up of the neck on one side), but overall even it is still in tremendous shape. The sax shows minor finish wear through the silver on a couple touch points, but is still overall 99% intact. The original plastic octave key thumbrest has been replaced a black ebony upgrade, and it feels great. Truly remarkable horn all around.

This tenor was repadded a couple years ago using premium firm leather pads matched with seamless, slightly domed metal resonators. The pads are still in excellent shape with years of life left in them. To ensure the sax is playing to the height of its ability, it will go through our repair shop before shipping, where we'll perform a fresh pro set up. Full disassembly and cleaning, with all new material, and cleaning/reseating of all pads. We'll optimize the action so that it feels crisp and fluid under your fingers, all included in the price.

Saxophonists looking for a Keilwerth know the sound they are seeking, and this tenor does not disappoint. Big, powerful, full from low Bb up into the altissimo, with warmth in the bottom end and a big punchy voice in the middle and top. It takes all of your air and never hits a wall. Fantastic sax for players and collectors alike. Ships in its original case, which is also in tip-top shape.