The Story
I bought this horn from Tony at Maggini Supplies in 2005. At the time I was building my collection and very keen on Selmer, which made the best saxophones of all – especially the Mark VI, which beat all comers from the late 1950s onwards.
The Instrument
Selmer in Europe didn’t stencil other maker’s instruments on the whole, with the Pennsylvania Special the main exception. These horns were made by a number of different European manufacturers including Amati and Karl Meyer according to saxontheweb and of vary significantly in quality (I have a tenor version which palls in comparison). This one was certainly made by Kohlert in Czechoslovakia and is one of the best made in my collection. The serial number dates it to 1938 according to the Selmer dating, which is a reasonable even if other Pennslvania Specials have non-Selmer numbering.
This is a silver plated instrument with very elaborate pearl inlays on the pibky cluster. It also has pearl covers to the side keys, somewhat akin to the Martin typewriter saxophones. It has the bottom keys on the right hand side, unlike the ‘flappers’ typical of the earlier part of the decade. For more on an earlier Kohlert alto see Peter Chadwick’s excellent review on this site.
The Player
Sweet and true, but a bit lighter sounding than a modern horn, this is a great player of more delicate music. I haven’t played it very much to date, but will try it more in future. The fingering is very light and balanced.
Saxifications
- Make – Selmer (Kohlert)
- Model – Pennsylvania Special
- Serial Number – 267,481
- Date of Manufacture – 1938
- Place of Manufacture – Czechoslovakia
- Finish – Silver plated with pearl inlays on keys, pinky cluster and side keys
- Weight – 4lb 7oz
- Sound – Light and accurate
- Ease of Blowing – Simple and full
- Ease of Fingering – Very well balanced, great facility
More about Selmer Pensylvannia Special saxophones can be found currently on the Web from saxpics.
Do you own one of these? I’m particularly interested in reviewing as many of the different versions as possible. Please let me know by commenting on this post.
Filed under: Selmer Pennsylvania Sepecial (Kohlert) Tagged: | alto saxophone, Keilwerth, Magginisupplies, Pennsylvania Special, Saximus Maximus, Selmer
Hi Martin,
I also have a Penn Special alto ser. no. 262857, so roughly the same vintage as yours. Mine is all brass but has all the extra pearl touches. I bought it from a dealer on eBay and all the rollers had corroded onto their shafts and couldn’t be saved apart but from that and an araldite fix to a key guard, it is in fantastic condition.
If such things interest you, it has several Gordon Beeson pads on the bottom stack whilst some of the top ones look to be original!
I used to be a committed Martin player and had an Indiana then a beautiful late Committee – trouble was in my hands (mouth?) they just sounded muddy. Playing the Selmer was a revelation as it has enough brightness without having that “new horn” sound if you know what I mean. My only moan is the bottom B key – its so small and my fingers are so clumsy that its a bit of a lottery as to what note will actually sound when I go for it. I agree with your comments otherwise
I sold the Committee and am now a fan of European horns – I just picked up a cheap silver Kohlert alto which needs an overhaul but plays well enough to indicate that it might be a good specimen.
‘Hope this is helpful.
Best regards,
Peter
Peter
Many thanks for your comments.
I forgot to mention in the Penn Special post that it has rolled tone holes of course – I assume yours has the same.
Perhaps we can feature your Kohlert once you’ve got it sorted
Best Wishes
Martin
hi there is a pennsylvaina special on ebay at the moment,as spelt,do you think its the real thing,only days to go,please help david
David
It looks like like mine – rolled tone holes and all.
Best
Martin
Hi David,
Just checked this horn on eBay – what a terrific-looking horn, more beautiful than mine which is brass and not so well engraved. Maybe its just too good to be true, the seller obviously knows what he has, so why the low start price?
If you decide to go for it, I would make sure it is a low pitch instrument. Get the seller to check with the relative and confirm to you through the eBay web site that it plays in tune when used in a reading band.
Peter
You’re right. David should check. Mine has no marking, but sometimes they’re marked. If so, avoid ‘#’ or ‘H’ (high pitch) – go for ‘b’ or ‘L’ (low).
Read my tale of the Hawkes & Son http://saximax.wordpress.com/2010/03/26/hawkes-xx-century-alto/ alto here for more…
Best
Martin
Well the buyer removed the ebay auction. I hope David will let us know if he bought it privately!
best
Martin
Hi. I recently bought a Pennsylvania Special alto sax, #261702. it’s laquered brass, with no dents or major scrapes, but it does have that ‘used’ look about it. Has the pearly finish on all the keys, but engraving is slightly different to yours. I’ve only just started playing,and saw this for £150, in the end Igot it for £100.It seems to make the right noises, but I think someone who knows how to play would have to try it. It also came with a VERY tatty Selmer case. Since buying it, I’ve been looking in to history, etc. Has this been made by Kohlert, or Keilwerth? You’ve said yours is keilwerth, and I wondered if mine would be as well, although it has a Kohlert number? I know that something is only worth what someone will pay, but have you any idea what it might be worth? Thank you. Mark.
Mark
Thanks for your comment.
Look to see if it says made in Germany or Czechoslovakia on the back – that will tell you whether its Keilwerth or Kohlert.
Learn to play loud, long notes and get it checked out by a repairer to see if the pads are sound.
Best – Martin
Hi again. THanks for reply. There is nothing on back, but between Pennsylvania and Special on bell, it is engraved made in Cechoslovakia. So is itKeilwerth? Either way, what might it be worth? Thanks again.
Mark
Czech… makes it a Kohlert, as is the review model as I now realise. It depends on condition and playability, but it’s certainly worth a lot more than you paid in my opinion. Definitely a better first instrument than a cheap Chinese instrument and the start of a love for good old saxophones. Send a couple of pictures and I’ll add them to the review.
Best
Martin
That’s an all around great blog..
I have a “Pennsylvania Special” baritone sax. Basic brass finish, serial number of 257510. Made in Czechoslovakia engraved on the bell. Low Bb only, no high F#, lots of pearl on the left hand pinky keys. I would have guessed at 1950s for this sax – is it really pre-war?
Oh yes – It came into my music shop in 2 parts – the body, then most of the pads which had fallen out in the sellers loft!
Dear Boz
Your serial number says 1935 – see saxpics http://www.saxpics.com/Kohlert/serials.htm
Let me know if it looks like our review model at http://saximax.com/2011/09/17/selmer-ps-baritone/.
Best
Martin
It looks a little different to your pics. Is there a way I can post my own photos on this page?
Not directly, but you can send the pictures to me at martin_hingley@yahoo.co.uk if you wish, I’d like to include your story and instrument on this site if possible.
Best
Martin
Pics e-mailed to you just now, let me know if they don’t come through properly.
Boz
Boz
Many thanks. For other readers please see the baitoone at http://saximax.com/2012/01/27/selmer-ps-baritone-02/
Best
Martin