Kessler Custom Curved?

[coufplayer]

Has anybody tried one of the new Kessler Custom Curved sopranos? The price is right (under $1,000) and knowing the Kessler's reputation they might be pretty good.

[bradshawm]

Kessler just received them yesterday (on his birthday no less). He has been keeping us up to date in The Marketplace, under the "New Product Announcments" listing.

[coufplayer]

Thanks - wow, I didn't know they were that new! I just happened to be looking at his site yesterday and saw them listed.

[DaveKessler]

Yes they are in stock. I got a small assortment of the curved as well as the "saxello" style models.

I prefer the tipped bell model personally... but have never been a huge fan of curved sopranos.

If you have to have a curved soprano... then this is the best one until you hit the Yanagisawa price range... however, I will still recommend to everyone to get the Antigua straight... its the BEST money you can spend on a soprano these days.

Heck, they are the reason why we didnt bother with a true straight... but with the popularity of the curved and now these tipped bell models, we fealt that there were no great low cost offerings out there. Hence these models. These are both, in our opinion, better then anything like them in their price range and are the best horns coming out of Taiwan in their class.

[Dave Dolson]

Dave: To your knowledge, has anyone come up with a practical stand for a tipped-bell soprano? Oh, I've seen the home-made stands with a #10 can wired to the bottom, etc., etc., but I'm wondering about a REAL stand for one. DAVE

[DaveKessler]

If memory serves correct, Paul has one with the SaxRax stands...

[Dave Dolson]

Dave: Thanks. Maybe that would be a good thing to check out in the marketing of your tipped-bell models. DAVE

[jivemutha]

I've played the new Kessler curved and saxello models. Both had surprisingly decent intonation. I ruled them out because the amount of force needed for E flat and low C (and to a lesser extent G#, low C#, low B, low B flat) was just enough to slow me down too much (I'm close to a beginner, but frankly I expect that problem would even be worse for a professional, as they'd be playing faster). The tone was good but not inspiring. If you need a curved and can't spend Yani bucks, I agree with what has been said before--try the new Kessler curved.
jivemutha

[Jorns Bergenson]

I ruled them out because the amount of force needed for E flat and low C (and to a lesser extent G#, low C#, low B, low B flat) was just enough to slow me down too much (I'm close to a beginner, but frankly I expect that problem would even be worse for a professional, as they'd be playing faster).This is probably just a matter of spring tension adjustment. Probably cost less than $20 to get tweaked.

[DaveKessler]

This is probably just a matter of spring tension adjustment. Probably cost less than $20 to get tweaked.

Actually, let put this into a little perspective.

He was trying them out next to the Antigua, Yanagaisawa & Selmer Series III. For him, the Series III was the best horn.

The left hand pinky cluster is my least favorite thing of my curvies. It uses more of a side pressure direct action compared to the more modern "up and down" pivot action used on modern horns.

So in comparison, these other horns had quicker action in this regards.

[William Bua]

I just bought one and it was delivered yesterday. It is an unbelievable instrument. It has the mechanics of an yani 901cs at a much better price. The Morgan mouthpiece is also quite good, and the case is killer. Back to the horn. I got the black nickel model and it blows freely and intonation is very good, though its not perfect. I have never played any soprano with perfect intonation though. For the money, this saxophone has no match. The L.A. sax, the Antigua curved are both junk in comparison. I understand that the new antigua straight soprano is better than most at any price. I prefer the curved horn for projection and saxophone sound. This Kessler is a fantastic horn for a more than fair price. Try one. David Kessler will pay shipping, give you a three day trial, and pay to ship it back if you don't like it. You have nothing to loose. RISK FREE. I know I sound like an info-mercial. Sorry, but this horn kicks butt, especially for the money.