C Khylbass introduction and demonstrations

The Khylbass is a unique instrument from the Eppelsheim company in Munich. It is a bass saxophone in the key of C, designed with a tubax bore, and is played with an alto saxophone mouthpiece.
Eppelsheim was commissioned to create this instrument by the Swedish saxophonist Christian Khyl. The first and only one was made for Khyl c. 2007. In November of 2018, a woodwind colleague and I were visiting Benedict Eppelsheim’s studio and we noticed the dusty prototype of the Khylbass almost hidden, high on a shelf. We were both curious and took it off the shelf, (with permission!), dusted it off and were amazed and dazzled at the sound, design, and uniqueness of this unusual instrument. We prevailed on Benedict to make one for each of us. I wanted to use it for unusual mixed chamber music settings, and my colleague wanted to feature it with his contemporary music ensemble.
Eppelsheim initially refused, claiming that it would be too difficult, time consuming and expensive to make.
Eppelsheim was surprised and quite pleased at our enthusiasm and persistence, and with a slight grin reluctantly agreed to make one for each of us. 15 months later, in late February of 2020 my Khylbass arrived in the United States and I could not have been more delighted. There are now just three Khylbasses in the world. It’s design, sound, construction and playability again reveals the imagination, innovation and genius of Benedict Eppelsheim. The scope of his work is stunning.

I am so excited to now have it heard and played in public for the first time as part of the Rutgers Saxophone Ensemble concert in December, 2021. This short video introduces the instrument to the audience.
Once we are done with Covid the Khylbass will be heard more and more as a solo instrument and with chamber ensembles.
The Khylbass takes flight, and I hope all enjoy the ride.
Paul Cohen