Kessler Custom Saxophone Line...

[DaveKessler]

Coming soon:

We are revamping our CR Kessler line of saxophones. We are right now prototyping with a factory in Taiwan (not affiliated with any of my current suppliers) for a new sax line.

We are renaming the line "Kessler Custom". If all goes well... the horns will consist of the horn, BAM Paris case (same as the case currently used by the Selmer Reference 54 Alto) on both alto and tenor & Kessler Custom handmade mouthpiece. On the alto, it will be our Short Shank NYSS standard but can be subsituted with the NYPro at the customers request. For the tenor, we are still working on a mouthpiece but even if we have to put in another comparable handmade piece, we will.

We should be receiving our alto prototype by mid next week (probably Tuesday June 8).

Pricing will be in the $1200 - $1400 range on the alto for the complete professional outfit. Tenor will be slightly more (as tenors always are).

If interested, please e-mail me at music@kesslermusic.com

Dave Kessler
Kessler & Sons Music
http://www.kesslermusic.com
Las Vegas, Nevada USA

[DanY]

Wow, can't wait. What sort of sound are you going for Dave?

(please say Chu Berry :D )

-Daniel

[goodsax]

I'm curious as to why you're moving to another manufacturer when it seems your current line of Kessler-commissioned saxes are built with high quality standards. Is it strictly a business/economic decision? Or, have you found a different factory with even greater potential to produce a higher quality instrument?

[DaveKessler]

I'm curious as to why you're moving to another manufacturer when it seems your current line of Kessler-commissioned saxes are built with high quality standards. Is it strictly a business/economic decision? Or, have you found a different factory with even greater potential to produce a higher quality instrument?

Little bit of both actually.

The horns we are buying now and labelling CR Kessler come with a basic case and a basic mouthpiece. They cost me as much as this entire new outfit will... which considering the cost of BAM cases, thats quite a bit of price difference on the horn.

We are not Greatly satisfied with the sales numbers as well on our current CR Kessler horns and I think that this new overall package alone will make a big difference... its so much more attractive of a package.

We are also changing the name on the horn for I think obvious marketing reasons. It will match the name that we currently have on our mouthpieces (which we have just redesigned a logo for the mouthpieces as well).

Plus, its always fun to shake things up a little bit!

[Dave Dolson]

Dave: What does this mean for your "Solist" brand horn? DAVE

[DaveKessler]

Dave: What does this mean for your "Solist" brand horn? DAVE

Absoluytely nothing. They are completely different price points and completely different instruments.

I will still have the Solist because for its price point, there is no horn close to it in our opinion. The Kessler Custom is a better overall horn but is not a copy of anything specific. It is a more expensive horn and with the package we will be putting it in, will be around twice the price.

Essentially, we wanted to give another great horn in the $1000 - $1300 price range on alto and make it a horn package that parents and players didnt Have to go and immediately replace the mouthpiece and buy a better case for it. This keeps it still below a basic Yanagisawa A901 and above the Solist in my price lists.

[Dweekie]

I've heard some pretty bad things about the new bam cases for the ref 54. Have you considered going with something cheaper and better, like the shaped protec cases? (Just my own opinion) Otherwise, it's great to hear you're always striving to improve your products.

[DaveKessler]

I've heard some pretty bad things about the new bam cases for the ref 54. Have you considered going with something cheaper and better, like the shaped protec cases? (Just my own opinion) Otherwise, it's great to hear you're always striving to improve your products.

What have you heard. I have now sold a TON of the Ref54 with those cases and havent had any problems.

If we dont go with the BAM, we are probably going to go with the Leather Pro-Tec hard contoured case instead.

[Dave Dolson]

Dweekie: I had a choice of three cases for my Ref54 alto from Dave Kessler. I chose the hard-shell shaped case (is that the BAM case?).

In retrospect, I wish I'd gotten one of the other two, but not for any safety reasons - merely for accessory storage. I believe the shaped hard case is safe enough, although I haven't had the opportunity to test it - and I hope I don't, either (I thought the case that came with my Yanagisawa SC902 was good, too, until I ended up with a pushed-in bell).

The whole subject of good vs. bad cases has been addressed elsewhere on SOTW. In my view, they are all compromises between TOTAL protection and careful handling. That Selmer Ref 54 hard-shaped case looks good enough to me. DAVE

[Dweekie]

I don't know how much it is costing you, but for half the price (retail), I would prefer something like the protec that offers more storage options, and it seems to have a reputation for being a pretty sturdy case among repair people. The negatives I have heard mainly said that the ref54 cases were the worst of the selmer line in both storage space and protection (due to the flexible nature of the carbon fiber material). If I had gotten the ref54 case with my horn, I would have bought a protec to replace it. I'm sure everyone has their own opinions and preferences of cases, and I was merely expressing my opinion. If you've been getting good feedback about the ref cases, then you're probabably doing the right thing (gotta please the customers). :lol:

[Dave Dolson]

My Ref 54 alto is in a Pro-Tek case. DAVE

[clay7926]

Dave--

Just browsing the forums and came across this thread. What's the latest news on the new line?

[DaveKessler]

Nothing really new yet. We are definately going to do it. I think we are going to wait until the NAMM show in late January just to make sure that we dont find another horn that we like better.

I do think we will do the BAM case. We recently started stocking them and really do like them alot.

[tonyg]

When will the K custom Sop will be available. In one of the other threads you mentioned it was going to be a semi curved?

[DaveKessler]

We will have both a curved soprano as well as a saxello style soprano (semi-curved).

All of the horns have been ordered. We are looking 30-45 days before they ship from Taiwan to me. So add in 14 days on the boat (being generous) and then 7 -10 days to clear customs and arrive in Las Vegas, we are looking about 2.5 months basically before I have them. Here is a list of whats on the way:

Soprano
4 Curved - Lacquered
2 Curved - Black body, Gold keys

4 Saxello - Lacquered
2 Saxello - Black body, Gold keys

Alto
40 lacquered
10 antiqued

Tenor
25 lacquered
5 antiqued

Low A Bari
8 lacquered
2 black body, gold keys

This is our first run so as a whole, we left it kind of small. We want to have a production level batch so that we can be assured that everything is right.

Reservations are now being taken for all horns.

[DaveKessler]

Updates:

We received the sample Antiqued and Lacquered altos and tenors.

I have photo'd them and listed them online as well as pricing.

Things are MUCH less expensive then originally planned. Heres the link:
http://www.kesslermusic.com/KesslerCustomSax/kesslercustom.htm

Basically, the altos will be from $695 - $795 with our 50NY mouthpiece or add $70 for the NYSS mouthpiece

The tenors will be $895 - $995 with our 50OL7 mouthpiece or add $80 for the OL7Pro mouthpiece.

The horns are wonderful. The tenor is fantastic. Very vibrant horns (as was the intent of the single post construction).

We wont have the full set until April but we had to have a few sooner. :)

[DaveKessler]

Extra notes:

The reason for the big price difference compared to the original post is that we found a new horn at the NAMM show that we liked better, was cheaper, and had a great case that they could provide for a small charge.

We also are changing the horns to include my 50/50 mouthpieces with an upgrade option for the Pro models.

[bradshawm]

I am going to be in the market for a curved soprano soon. Any idea what the price range is going to be and when they will arrive?

[Beer Can]

HI how will these compare with my ww&bw tenor? I also play a 50s Martin indiana with rivet pads, it sounds good, a little akward keyboard.
I am using runyon custom for church and big band.
I really like my 1927 chu alto and 50s 12M bari. I am looking to find something that will sound like the Conns but not end up Divorced!
Thanks Dan

[DaveKessler]

HI how will these compare with my ww&bw tenor? I also play a 50s Martin indiana with rivet pads, it sounds good, a little akward keyboard.
I am using runyon custom for church and big band.
I really like my 1927 chu alto and 50s 12M bari. I am looking to find something that will sound like the Conns but not end up Divorced!
Thanks Dan

Dan, Depends on which WWBW tenor we compare to. Some of their saxes have been decent but they are constantly switching factories to help cost.

Compared to the ones that I have had in myshop, there is a big difference. My horn is 1st and foremost, much bigger in sheer volume as well as richer in tone. Intonation on my horn is Quite good.

[DaveKessler]

I am going to be in the market for a curved soprano soon. Any idea what the price range is going to be and when they will arrive?

These are shipping from Taiwan on this Wed (3/23). The whole ocean friehgt, customs clearing, shipping to Las Vegas takes on average 3-4 weeks. So erring on the side of conservative, ETA is 4/20/05

[DaveKessler]

The altos and tenors are also now "on the water" and we are expecting them to be available at the end of April.

[Doremifaman]

Dave,

I am interested to learn more about the Kessler Custom Alto. Could you post a review of it once it has arrived? I am seriously thinking of getting an alto and both the Solist and Kessler Custom have gotten me excited. Price is a big factor, of course.

You mentioned in your website that you don't currently accept credit card for international purchase. May I know why? What I mean is if I use a credit card, I can get a 12 months installment (free of interest) program in Malaysia. For now, I just have to painstakingly save some money . :(

Thanks.

Luke

[bradshawm]

Dave - Have they arrived? If so, when will we have pictures and price on the curved sopranos?

[DaveKessler]

The sopranos and baris are now in Las Vegas to clear US Customs. The Altos and Tenors should be arriving on Monday here in town for the same procedure.

I expect to have them cleared customs and in my shop by this time next week.

[DaveKessler]

Update: ALL the saxes (alto, tenor, bari & soprano) will be arriving in shop Today (Wed, April 27th - coincidentally, my birthday).

[tophatsax]

Please join me. A one and a two...

:treble: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DAVE! :treble:

:treble: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DAVE! :treble:

:treble: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DAVE! :treble:

:treble: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DAVE! :treble:

[Bill Mecca]

happy birthday Dave!

[goodsax]

:line2: :line2: :space2: :line2: :space3: :line3: ,
:line2: :line2: :space2: :line2: :line4: :space3: ,
:line2: :line2: :space5: :space4: :space3: :line3: :space2: ,
:line5: :line5: :space4: :space3: :line4: :space3: .

And many more.......

[SAXISMYAXE]

Happiest of Birthdays to you Dave! Thanks again for your fantastic service. Now go and have a pleasant day of rest.

[DaveKessler]

Happiest of Birthdays to you Dave! Thanks again for your fantastic service. Now go and have a pleasant day of rest.

Rest? whats that?!?! Plus, I have 100+ saxophones coming in today... I'm working. :(

[DaveKessler]

OK, So there was 1 other finish that we were interested in but couldnt be sure with the pictures that were provided. So I ordered 1 alto and 1 tenor in that finish. It is a brushed body with polished keys and inner bell.

Wow, I wish I ordered more. The tenor (pictured) is already sold but there is 1 alto available.

What do you guys think of this finish?
http://www.kesslermusic.com/KesslerCustomSax/TenorBFL/1.jpg

http://www.kesslermusic.com/KesslerCustomSax/TenorBFL/2.jpg
http://www.kesslermusic.com/KesslerCustomSax/TenorBFL/logo.jpg

[Dave Dolson]

Very nice, indeed. DAVE

[tophatsax]

I like that better than many of the brushed finishes I've seen.

[Doremifaman]

Happy Belated Birthday, Dave. The brushed finish looks great in the pictures. Does is affect the tone in anyway?

[goodsax]

I'm having another GAS attack!!!

[Super 20 Player]

Happy Birthday Dave! That's a sharp-looking horn! I like the combination of the brushed body and polished keys, in brass. Different, but not too flashy.

Hey, will you be offering a sterling silver neck with these horns? I can't play a sax without one you know...

[bradshawm]

Wow, wish I could get 100 sax's for my birthday!!! It reminds me of the birthday when my wife gave me a bunch tools - the Honey-do list followed shortly. Enjoy!

The brushed finish looks to me like it is similar to the picture of the "Antiqued" Tenor on your website. How are the two finishes different?

[jrvinson45]

The new horn is absolutely beautiful, Dave! I love the completely antiqued version too. Add my wishes for a happy belated birthday! I've got one coming up on Saturday, but I don't think it should count (60), because I've already paid my over-the-hill dues when I turned 50... :D I've gotta get a Kessler Custom soon, they look classic!

John

[goodsax]

OK, So there was 1 other finish that we were interested in but couldnt be sure with the pictures that were provided. So I ordered 1 alto and 1 tenor in that finish. It is a brushed body with polished keys and inner bell.

Wow, I wish I ordered more. The tenor (pictured) is already sold but there is 1 alto available.

What do you guys think of this finish?

The finish is awesome in the photos. So, when do you get more tenors and what are the generously reduced alto/tenor prices for SOTW members? :D

[bradshawm]

Saw the prices listed on your web site for the Curved sopranos - at $795 and $895, not bad at all. Have you had a chance to play test them and compare them to the Antigua's? Are they modeled after the Yani's, or something different? Looking forward to pictures!

Still curious about the difference between the Antique finish and the brushed finish. The look very similar to me in the pictures.

[DaveKessler]

The Antique and Brushed are very similar. The Antique, everyting is brushed where the Brushed finish, only the body is bruched with the keys and inside the bell polished. Also, the Antiqued has black nickel in it in various places (completely plated and then brushed off) so it has aa MUCH older look to it in person.

These are tough to photograph.

I plan on photoing the brushed, antiqued and lacquer alto all side by side.

More info to come... still trying to inventory all of this. Ugh!

[goodsax]

The Antique and Brushed are very similar. The Antique, everyting is brushed where the Brushed finish, only the body is bruched with the keys and inside the bell polished. Also, the Antiqued has black nickel in it in various places (completely plated and then brushed off) so it has aa MUCH older look to it in person.
Can you share with us here what you're asking for the one brushed finish alto sample you have now?

[DaveKessler]

The brushed finish is the same price as the Antique, $795.00

I still havent found that horn in the boxes yet but its in this mountain of boxes somewhere!

[goodsax]

The brushed finish is the same price as the Antique, $795.00...I still havent found that horn in the boxes yet but its in this mountain of boxes somewhere!

Thanks. When you find it, please let me know. (robflem at yahoo dot com)

[DaveKessler]

Rob,

"You've Got Mail!"

Here are pics of the black curved soprano: http://www.kesslermusic.com/KesslerCustomSax/CurvedSopBC.htm

[DaveKessler]

And the black Saxello: http://www.kesslermusic.com/KesslerCustomSax/SaxelloSopBC.htm

[DaveKessler]

Update: That Brushed Finish Tenor that I posted pictures of is now available. Basically, the gentleman who wanted it switched to an Antique instead.

It is the same price as the Antique at $995.00

We will be ordering more like that very soon but it will take about 3-4 months to get them in.

Dave

[zmzmzm]

do you have any of the alto's in the brushed finish with polished keys? what will the cost be for this one?

[DaveKessler]

do you have any of the alto's in the brushed finish with polished keys? what will the cost be for this one?

There was 1 alto like that but goodsax has already bought it. :)

We are going to order more of that finish probably next week, but that means that it will take about 3-4 months before they are actually in my store.

The alto prices are:

Lacquer: $695.00
Antiqued Brush: $795.00
Brushed with Lacquer Keys: $795.00

The tenor prices are:

Lacquer: $895.00
Antiqued Brush: $995.00
Brushed with Lacquer Keys: $995.00

They are already selling quick and I have already sold about 25% of the entire order that came in 3 days ago! Of the alto, I have about 30 lacquer and 7 antiques left. Of the tenor, I have about 18 lacquer and 2 antiques left.

[zmzmzm]

ok, thanks. i have just started to learn to play, have a rental for the next four months and then i'm not sure what i will do. i'm not sure if i'll rent for another four months or look into buying one at that time.

[DaveKessler]

The Black Bari: http://www.kesslermusic.com/KesslerCustomSax/KCB800B/KCB800B.htm

[DaveKessler]

Heres the last pictures (finally)

Lacquer Bari:http://www.kesslermusic.com/KesslerCustomSax/KCB-800L/KCB800L.htm
Lacquer Curved Soprano: http://www.kesslermusic.com/KesslerCustomSax/CurvedSopLQ.htm
Lacquer "Saxello": http://www.kesslermusic.com/KesslerCustomSax/SaxelloSopLQ.htm

[SaxDave]

How does your Custom Tenor compare to the Antigua Winds 550? I'm torn between the two!:)





Dave

[DaveKessler]

We prefer our horn. Plus, Antigua is starting to try and increase pricing on us by about $100 - $200 per horn depending on the model. So the increasing price gap also makes us like our horn better.

Both are great horns. The Antigua is a very good horn and I stand by them. The only reason right now that I would recommend the Antigua over my horn would be if the customer is a bit skiddish about buying a "private label" vs. a brand name. Also, if someone has to have black or silver, then they will need to go with the Antigua because I will not be offering either on my tenors.

[SaxDave]

I appreciate your honesty and fast response. I will be in contact with you soon about purchasing one of your Custom Tenors!






Dave

[fearless]

Anyone have the new custom alto in vintage? I'm most curious how it compares in quality and tone to the solist a441.

Thanks
Kevin

[Stacey]

Dave,

I am not in the market for anything right now, and of course I can't comment on the sound of your horns, since I've never played one, but I must say...

Those are DARNED attractive horns. Nice job. If I WERE in the market for something, it would be tough to choose between antiqued and brushed - and for $795?!?

Of course, the sound's the thing. Maybe one of these days I'll get to try one, and can say something more intelligent than "gosh, them's purdy horns..."

But not today. 8-)

Stacey

[DaveKessler]

Thanks Stacey. I am really fond of the horns as well.

Dave

[Durand]

Hi:
I am living in Honduras Central America. I play now mostly Tenor an my band. My current Tenor is an old Conn Director 16M. I want a new tenor with more sound projection and a better key design. I am considering a Kessler Custom Vintage finished. I have a shipping address in Los Angeles. I want to know opinions about shipping details and some accesories that are included on these instruments. It is the packaging that comes from Dave's instruments strong enough to support a plane trip? I have a friend who is comimg to my country next month and I am cosnidering that he bring the sax with him, but i am not sure if a tenor fits on plane cabinets.

Any suggestions will be appreciated

Luis

[tintguy]

Does anyone have a link or video of someone playing a custom deluxe tenor?

[Durand]

Hi:
I am living in Honduras Central America. I play now mostly Tenor an my band. My current Tenor is an old Conn Director 16M. I want a new tenor with more sound projection and a better key design. I am considering a Kessler Custom Vintage finished. I have a shipping address in Los Angeles. I want to know opinions about shipping details and some accesories that are included on these instruments. It is the packaging that comes from Dave's instruments strong enough to support a plane trip? I have a friend who is comimg to my country next month and I am cosnidering that he bring the sax with him, but i am not sure if a tenor fits on plane cabinets.

Any suggestions will be appreciated

Luis

Any comments to this previous post?

Thanks so much

[goodsax]

Any comments to this previous post?

Thanks so much
Yes, why doesn't Luis contact Dave Kessler direct via email and get the answers from him? If he's asking whether a tenor sax will fit as carry-on luggage, I think it's well-known that it won't happen. I could be wrong. I think the case is durable enough to withstand a flight to SA. Accessories probably include the usual, neck, mouthpiece and neck strap, possibly cork grease and a cleaning swab, but I'm not sure about those last two.

Go to kesslermusic.com (http://kesslermusic.com) to find out what kind of mouthpiece is included and to get contact information.

That's the best I can do.

Rob

[ratracer]

Durand, a week ago today I received a laquered tenor, Kessler Custom Deluxe via FedEx. Kessler's is in Las Vegas, Nevada. I live in Maryland so that's practically all the way across the United States. The sax arrived safe and sound and played better out of the box than comparable horns I demoed in the local shops (Didn't care for their service and attitude either!). The box it came in was a large box. Approximately 36"x20"x16". I seriously doubt that this box would be carried on an airline. Poor little FedEx guy was struggling with it just to get it from the truck to my house.

Once I dug through the copious packing peanuts, I found the case itself to be very sturdy. I believe this case might fit in the overhead storage but given the new restrictions on carry-ons the airlines may still not allow it to be carried on due to its length. I would not allow the baggage handlers to throw the sax around in just its case. This would be hand carried on the plane and handled accordingly. However, the way the sax arrived in it's shipping package, I believe it would survive being checked through. The invoice said my tenor package was 20 pounds so it shouldn't exceed weight allocations. But you never know.

Best advice - call the airlines for specific allowances. Be specific! Then call Kesslers and initiate dialog. They (Chuck and Dave) are excellent to work with and since they've shipped long distance and over seas I'm sure they could handle your request and package it according to being air freighted out of the country.

Regarding what came with the horn: a nice neck strap (much better than what would come with the horn locally), the 50OL7 mouthpiece (much better than stock mouthpieces), cleaning swab, cork grease and invoice. I also had them throw in a Fibracell medium soft reed to just to try one out but I paid for that. Plenty of room left if you want to throw in a box of your favorite reeds, pad savers, polishing/cleaning cloth, neck cleaner, etc, etc, etc.

Hope that helps.

[DaveKessler]

Any comments to this previous post?

Thanks so much

Don't recall ever seeing that post. Sorry... I get a little busy here sometimes. :D

Shipping to LA is not a problem. The only potential problem with this situation is payment. Primarily, when we us a credit card for payment, I can ONLY ship to an address that is verifiable with the credit card company. So that address in LA would need to be on file as either the Billing Address or as an Alternate Shipping Address. If it is not, then I cannot use the card.

I have this restriction mainly for my own protection to be honest. It is my only form of ID verification. If I ship to an address not on file with the credit card issuer, and the card is stolen, then I am out the entire transaction. Since I am still a small business, I cannot afford that risk.

As for the actual transportation... yes, I do think that my horn and its packaging would survive the plane trip just fine.

We include our 50/50 OL7 tenor mouthpiece with the sax. We also include a padded neck strap, swab & cork grease. And of course, we completely go over the sax prior to shipping to make sure that it is perfect.

[Dave Dolson]

My KC tenor was shipped from Las Vegas to my house in L.A. County, and it arrived without damage.

I would NOT check any saxophone into airline luggage especially in its stock case, without first packing it as if it was going to be shipped. That means doing much more than placing the horn in its case and shipping it out. It means packing it INSIDE the case as well as boxing it in a packing carton with filler. Much has been posted on SOTW about how to pack a saxophone for shipping.

Maybe if you had your friend buy the horn at Kessler's, and then Kessler's packed it for shipping, it could be taken on the airline and checked as baggage.

The thought makes me shudder, though. DAVE

[Durand]

Hi Guys. I have been away for awhile. But thanks so much for the info about this. I will consider all aspects.
Thanks

[Jon Lai]

Just wondering, I don't see the Soloist's anymore.. what happened to those?

And on a side note, any chance of seeing Silver plated KC's?

[Jazz Is All]

Just wondering, I don't see the Soloist's anymore.. what happened to those?

About a month or so ago, there was a notice on the Solist page of Kessler's website that stated that they were discontinuing the line in order to concentrate on their own Kessler Custom line of horns. He said it had nothing to do with the quality of the instruments, but didn't give any other reasons for not carrying them any longer. I wouldn´t mind hearing more details about it since I bought a Solist alto in August. Not worried that it was a bad purchase, just curious.

[DaveKessler]

About a month or so ago, there was a notice on the Solist page of Kessler's website that stated that they were discontinuing the line in order to concentrate on their own Kessler Custom line of horns. He said it had nothing to do with the quality of the instruments, but didn't give any other reasons for not carrying them any longer. I wouldn´t mind hearing more details about it since I bought a Solist alto in August. Not worried that it was a bad purchase, just curious.

There were multiple business/supply reasons for the move.

One, we were looking at it from an aspect of what would we do for our "student" horns for back to school season. We decided that instead of having the 2 different factories to buy and maintain parts from, that instead, we would focus on the one factory. We replaced the Solist in our store with more of a stripped down version of our Kessler Custom Standard that we sell locally at $550.

So we replaced it with this model for our local use.

As for the internet sales... our sales on the Solists began to diminish each year because of our Kessler Custom horn. That lead us to make the decision to cancel the Solist based on our local business since it was the only remaining "stable" business for the Solist line.

We still will maintain the Solist as I have a ton of parts. I also still purchase my Solist Brass (Trumpets & Trombones) from that factory so I will always be able to obtain parts should I run out.