Selmer Supreme Vs Keilwerth Shadow!

These are two of the absolute finest modern saxophones on the market today! Let me know your thoughts. Which would you choose?
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[@SaxInstructor]

Just sold Selmer SAII to get Keilwerth Shadow tenor. They are one of the best tenors ever.

[@mobettameta]

First time I've searched for this exact comparison and it was posted 12 minutes ago!!! Got an alto comparison of these two? or baritone even?

[@MikeBlock]

If I could get my hands on a shadow alto I absolutely would! I did make one comparing the supreme alto to my mark vi.

[@richlinney7604]

I play Selmers I Love the Keilworth but I’m concerned that I may not be able to play quietly and gently enough to live in an acoustic band. Would I be right? We can’t be soloists all the time.

[@MikeBlock]

I’ve done some acoustic sets with it but I usually switch to my Selmer C* mouthpiece for stuff like that.

[@TheDouglas]

Ernie Watts and Don Menza would disagree with you. They were some of the busiest studio musicians and played in some of the top big bands and on KEILWERTHS!

[@apistosig4173]

they both sound wonderful - but I lean towards the Shadow.

[@frankversteeg8107]

what mouthpiece are you using, if i may ask

[@MikeBlock]

Otto Link Super Tone Master 7

[@bassicsax]

JK Shadow all the way. No comparison in the sound sample you provided for us here. I haven't tried the new Selmer model you play-tested here, but have been a Selmer player since the 80s. Then I got a chance to play a new Shadow tenor last September. My VI is now a backup horn. I am still learning what the Shadow can do, but all the new Selmers I have tried--Series II, III, Reference models of all kinds and finishes--have all left me wanting. None could hold a candle to my VI. Love my Shadow. It is THE boss of the section, and the KING of the solos. Should I want to play classical again, it can do that as well. Nice to hear someone else's sound/experience with these two amazing and important brands.

[@michaelcaldwell7107]

I've got a Couf/Keilwerth Superba I, which I've had for 45 years. It's definitely louder and has a heavier more spread sound than my Yamaha 82Z. The Supreme sounds about halfway between in terms of brightness compared to my horns. From all the vids I've seen of people playing the new Supreme, I feel like Selmer has done a great job at addressing some of the known issues with the VI's and come out with a great new horn. However, there are a lot of great horns on the market right now and price does make a difference to many people. The Supremes are very expensive, and some would, and have said, that the new Supremes don't exactly have the 'character' of the older horns. I'm sure Selmer will sell all the new horns they can make no matter what the price.

[@selmer1971]

Sounds great Mike! 🎷 On The Bench Sax Repairs!

[@MikeBlock]

Thanks Gil. The Keilwerth sounds great since the overhaul you gave it. Five Stars!

[@selmer1971]

@@MikeBlock Awesome man!

[@selmer1971]

@@MikeBlock The alto sounds great too!

[@TheJazz625]

I've never tried a shadow tenor but thats the horn that's always got me wondering 🤔

[@MikeBlock]

It’s definitely unique. Rare as well. I’ve only seen 2 others in the wild and they were both altos.

[@genobourn7423]

Keilwerth! I am hearing Grover Washington Jr. Keilwerth-Love it!

[@MikeBlock]

Yes! Thank you!

[@edizondayao311]

I play on A JK as well SX90R clear laquer Tenor. Big solid German Sound. Luv it!!! It can drown the SS in my opinion

[@patrickmarino8601]

White colored pads. Cool! I like the sound on the black nickel horn best. I'm not a fan of selmer since I bought one in the 1970's and when I put my mouthpiece on it when the cork was well greased and the neck bent downward and needed to be replaced. They are also way too expensive. Some say the series 3 selmers are the best. I wish there were some people play testing them for us sax players to listen too. Thanks for the video it was interesting.

[@MikeBlock]

You’re welcome! The pads are kangaroo skin installed by my tech @selmer1971. He does great work. I also had him add extra large metal resonators and a tone ring onto the tip of the neck. It gave the horn a bit more buzz and focus which really helped balance it out. Sorry to hear about the neck. Good techs can repair that too.

[@Jaujau933]

Keilwerth is best !!

[@markgomez2043]

The Supreme does not sound good! It’s just there! Nothing special! The Keilwerth Shadow is really something! Nice fat bottom end as well! Thanks!

[@samueloluyinkaojomu6548]

Does not sound good in what way. Does it have bad intonation or what.

[@markgomez2043]

@@samueloluyinkaojomu6548 As I stated…It’s just there….and nothing special! It sounds in tune and just works fine as shown BUT. It can’t compare in sound to a good Selmer Mark VI! So if you want a Selmer get a VI! Even the Supreme Alto doesn’t sound special! This is all my opinion and my opinion only. The Keilwerth is a very high quality beautifully sounding horn and won this contest. Some may prefer the more focused Mark VI. It’s all personal preference/price at the end of the day!

[@keithcampbell6806]

Good afternoon this video just confirms what l realised years ago. Selmers are overrated overhyped and over priced instruments.

[@MikeBlock]

The Keilwerth isn’t really too much cheaper. I like Selmer altos more. But yeah, plenty of cheaper alternatives for sure.

[@tommeggison1466]

Keilwerth sounds stuffy compared to the Supreme

[@stveloop9452]

I thought this supreme was the stuffy one.