seems like a lot of people don't like the sound of them. would that be a knock on keller then if they're sourcing the shells from them? i know there are other factors as well.
It's popular to knock Keller because their use by so many small companies casts a perception on both Keller and those companies. Ever heard the term Keller Sheller? But the shells are good, and how they are handled after the builder gets hold of them makes all the difference. You do know that DW built their drum business using Keller shells until 15-20 years ago. Pork Pie, Spaun, GMS et al made wonderful drums with Keller shells.
It's become popular though for companies to use different shells, or not disclose they use Keller, or say they get proprietary shells from them, made to the company's specs. In any case, how that company handles edges, applies wrap or finishes, the weight of the hardware, and other factors definitely affects how their drum would differ from someone else's, using the exact shell.
I'm sure SJC used Keller when they started, and I sorta recall that they (said they) started sourcing from someone else. But whatever they're doing, or not doing to the shells has resulted in a not very good sound IMO.
What's a good sound to me? To start, a tom that goes 'boom'. SJC doesn't do that. They can, and they did with the Tre Cool kit, but that was apparently an anomaly for them. Not one of their other kits I've played at NAMM every year they've exhibited has sounded usable to me.
Bermuda