| Intro/JK Video & Soprano SX90 | Alto SX90R | Tenor SX90R | Bari SX90 | Bass SX90 |
As of spring 2026, Julius Keilwerth Saxophones makes a variety of SX90R, as well SX90, model saxophones in a variety of models ranging from soprano to bass. These pages explore the fantastic professional horns offered by one of the world’s premiere saxophone companies. These horns are made in Germany, and are still mostly handmade by craftspeople who have painstakingly learned their trades over years of schooling and apprenticeships, as well as on-the-job training.
Want a behind the scenes look at what this handcraftsmanship in the German Julius Keilwerth factory looks like? Yup, indeed made mostly by hand.
Sopranos
Model
SX90 JK1301
Julius Keilwerth Shadow Soprano Saxophone
Description
The Julius Keilwerth Shadow Soprano Saxophone is the latest instrument launched in recognition of our 100-year anniversary and completes the Shadow saxophone range. As part of the “Shadow” family, the body is made of German nickel silver, a material known for its solid tone quality and quick response.
The black nickel-plated body and silver-plated keys, along with extensive hand engraving give this instrument its distinctive look.
Source: Julius Keilwerth
Technical Specs
Key : |
Bb Soprano |
Range : |
Low Bb to High F# |
Country of Manufacture: |
100% Handmade in Germany |
Body Construction: |
Single Post to Body |
Material : |
German Nickel Silver Neck: One piece, straight |
Key buttons : |
Black Mother of Pearl |
Palm Keys: |
Adjustable |
Thumb Rest : |
Metal, Adjustable |
Pads: |
Black Leather Pisoni |
Resonators : |
Metal |
Tone Holes: |
Straight |
Body Finish: |
Black Nickel Plated |
Posts and Braces: |
Black Nickel Plated |
Key Finish: |
Silver Plated |
Engraving: |
Hand Engraved Body |
Accessories: |
Mouthpiece, Ligature, Neck Strap, Cork Grease, Key Wrench |
Case: |
Hard case with shoulder-straps |
Model: |
JK1301-5B2-0 |
Shadow Soprano Pics
Model
SX90 JK1300
SX90 Series soprano saxophones
Description
The SX90 Series soprano saxophones combine the legendary manufacturing of the Keilwerth brand along with the influence of legendary Keilwerth artist David Liebman. All models are based on an innovative new bore and bell design that offers less resistance with a centered tone and even pitch throughout the range of the instrument. All key work is produced entirely by hand to ensure the most accurate mechanism and precision.
Source: Julius Keilwerth
In addition to the above description from the current JK website, the most recent Julius Keilwerth Saxophones brochure that I have—which is I believe the last version that was available—notes the additional info about the following models:
SX90DL
The SX90DL model expands the collaboration with Dave Liebman even further with new ergonomically shaped key work specifically on the side and auxiliary keys for easier access and facility. Synthetic corks are used on all regulation points to resist wear and help maintain regulation consistency.
SX90DLS
The SX90DLS model is for those who appreciate the instrument presented exactly as used by the artist who has inspired it. Additional features include cork pads on all upper keys, including palm and register keys. The thumb rest is padded for added comfort during extended performance. All engraving is done by hand and has been designed by Dave Liebman including a hand engraved D. Liebman Signature on the bell.
Accessories selected by the artist to accompany this model include swab, saxophone stand, and key clamps. This instrument is presented in an exclusive Signature Series case.Source: Passion: Saxophones. Julius Keilwerth Saxophones.
Technical Specs
JK1300-8-0 |
JK1300-8V-0 |
JK1300-5B-0 |
JK1300-8DL-0 |
JK1300-8DLS-0 |
||
Country of Manufacture |
100% Handmade in Germany |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Finish |
Gold lacquer finish |
Vintage raw brass with clear lacquer finish |
Black nickel plated |
Vintage raw brass with clear lacquer finish and brushed nickel silver key finish |
Vintage raw brass finish and brushed nickel silver key finish* |
|
Key Finish |
Gold lacquer finish |
Brushed nickel silver |
Gold lacquer |
Brushed nickel silver |
Brushed nickel silver |
|
Key |
Bb |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Range |
Low Bb to High F# |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Material |
German Brass |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Key Buttons |
Mother of Pearl |
X |
X – Black |
X |
X |
X |
Key Work |
Ergonomic design palm keys |
– |
– |
– |
X |
X |
Palm Keys |
Adjustable |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Thumb Rest |
Metal, Adjustable |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X** |
Pads |
Leather Pisoni |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X /Cork (upper pads)** |
Resonators |
Metal |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Engraving |
Hand Engraved |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Body Construction |
Single Post to Body |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Tone Holes |
Drawn |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
* The last PDF Keilwerth saxophone catalogue I have is circa 2016. In it it lists the JK1300-8DLS-0 as having the same clear lacquer coat as the 8DL-0.
**This same catalogue notes the 8DLS-0 has a padded thumb rest, and cork pads on the upper pads. The photos from PM Woodwind included below however, do show cork pads on the upper pads.(Despite its high serial #, it was listed as a Used horn BTW.)
None of these * features are mentioned in the current soprano page, nor is there a current Keilwerth catalogue available. You will have to check with your local JK dealer to confirm exactly what the current model you are interested in features.
SX90 Soprano Pics
Video
