How good is an EX-90?

[GaryLee]

I am considering an EX-90 tenor. Unfortunately locally I have only been able to find an SX-90 to try which is out of my price range.
Does the EX have a similar sound and feel to the SX?
Is the EX a good buy or should I go with the more popular Yamaha 62.
I would prefer the darker more vintage sound of a JK but would like a horn with modern keywork. I have long fingers and the SX I tried was much more comfortable to play than other new/vintage horns I have tried.

[mostly alto guy]

The EX I (alto) played before trying an SX90R (which I bought) was very good, better for me than the Yani 901 or the Yamaha Custom I was testing at the same time. But it didn't come close to the SX90R. The Yani and Yamaha were priced higher and by many accounts should have out played the EX, but they didn't. There could be many reasons for this, of course.

If you're thinking EX, you'll be pleased. Just don't spend too much time with an SX90 beforehand. :wink:

[singlereed]

Very good. Just like a slightly lower budget SX, which is what it is. Its a class act and a good competitor for a Yamaha 62 or Yanagisawa 901 series, which are the obvious other alternatives for a new horn in that price range.

[shimshon]

I've had a EX90II blacknickel alto for four years now-excellent horn. It was manufactured at the German factory where the SX's are made. Now
there's a EX90III. I don't know what the differences are, or where it's made. I've seen really good prices for EX90II's lately. Saxophones.uk had low prices for blacknickels last time I looked(lower than regular laq).
I got the black mostly because I like the protection of plating.
In the time that I've owned the horn, a few immitation pearl inlays have fallen out, and I've glued them back in. One left handpalm key pad also fell out, and likewise I glued it back in. The horn is played alot, and has never required any adjustments. Pads are all still fine, but the left hand palm keys don't look so good, and should be replaced in the near future.
Hope this helps.