Solist or Custom for absolute beginner?

[thylacine222]

I'm an absolute beginner and I want to start on a Kessler tenor sax because of their good reviews and their prices. I have been reading some posts on the forum about the cheaper of the two lines, the Solist line, and most posts say to get the Custom line because it is worth it. However, the Solist line is advertised as a student model, and most of the posts that I have read are concerning intermediate to pro players. Which line would be best for me?

[gary]

The Kesslers are pretty honest and straight-forward folks. I'm sure you would want some "impartial" answers here, but don't leave out calling them personally. They've been known to give advise that benefits their customers even more than it benefits themselves, financially.

[thylacine222]

Thanks for that. I might just email them later today.

Also, does anyone know what the quality is on the mouthpiece that comes with it is? Would it be worth it to buy another mouthpiece? My budget is kinda limited.

Edit: I should say, I mean the mouthpiece on the Solist.

[gary]

Thanks for that. I might just email them later today.I would give them a call. You'll be able to have a more immediate and flexible exchange of ideas and, forgive me dad&son, but sometimes their e-mail hasn't been as timely as one would like.

Regarding the mpc, I would advise getting one of their custom mpc's. I don't know if they're stock or extra, but their Kessler mpcs are pretty good. If they're not stock, maybe he'll sweeten your purchase with one.

[vito]

thylacine222,
Keep us posted with the reply from Kessler, I'm anxious to hear what he'll say...

[Dave Dolson]

I agree about calling Dave Kessler - e-mails are not that well addressed by him (not faulting Kessler, just letting you know what to expect).

I bought the Custom tenor and got the Kessler OL7 tenor mouthpiece with it. I did not compare the Custom to the Solist line. I am happy with the purchase. DAVE

[thylacine222]

I just called Kessler and he said that you have to keep in mind that the more expensive horn is going to be better. However, he said that if was going to buy the Custom, I would need to get the Tonebooster, because the custom is designed for more air to pass through (or something, I couldn't remember his exact wording). This would be fine for a professional, but it would cause a beginner to be off-tune. The tonebooster is only $25, so it would easily fit into my budget. As for mouthpieces, he recommended using the standard OL7 mouthpiece. Very nice service overall. Definitely considering this store.

[gary]

(Kessler) said that if was going to buy the Custom, I would need to get the Tonebooster.I don't question the advice but it's new to me. Know anything about this, Dave?

[bradshawm]

I can speak to the tone booster on the Alto. I purchased a Custom for my son to start on. When I tried it with and without the tone booster, I couldn't tell much difference, but when I put it in for my son, it made a big difference in both his tone and his intonation. I would recommend it for a beginner.

[thylacine222]

I was reading some stuff on the Tonebooster as well, and I am sure it would be better for me.

But one question, bradshawm. I thought the tone booster wasn't removable? I read Dave say that in a thread...

[bradshawm]

I believe that he was only referring to their soprano's, but he could clarify that better. They do have to be custom fit to the horn though. I have purchased two horns from Dave Kessler, and probably talked with him a total of 6 times, and he was always a straight shooter. Good luck on your purchase. I don't think you can go wrong with this horn for the price.

[Bari Gordon]

I have no experience with the Kessler Custom series, but two of my students purchased Solist saxes. One has an alto in the rose color, the other a standard tenor. Both horns play well, sound good, and look nice. The student mouthpieces also play well. For the money I think they got horns that they will play for years to come.

I am also very impressed with Dave Kessler's service and way of doing business. He is very helpful on the phone, and sent out trial mouthpieces with the horns to let the students compare them.

[thylacine222]

Neh, I'm unable to read webages coherently. Yes, the tone boosters are user removable for all saxes. That makes me lean towards the custom even more.

[sassofonu]

I got a Custom tenor and am very happy with it.

The tone booster slides in and out of the neck [cork end] however you can tell them to fix it permanently in place.

[DaveKessler]

I don't question the advice but it's new to me. Know anything about this, Dave?

When I talked to the poster this afternoon... I was under the impression that we were talking about an alto, not a tenor... granted, neither was mentioned, only the fact that it was for a beginner... which is probably why I assumed.

On the tenor, the tonebooster is not a "must have" but on the alto, for any younger or inexperienced player, I will always highly recommend the ToneBooster as it stabilizes the intonation when the player pinches.

The mouthpiece on the Solist is my Plastic Kessler OL7. The Kessler Custom sax comes with the 50/50 OL7 standard. Basically, they are the identical design but the 50/50 model is 50% hard rubber and it's facing finished by hand. It does play better.

-as for e-mails - I am trying to be MUCH better about that. Last week, I took the week off but still answered over 1000 e-mails from home on my week off. :)

[thylacine222]

Oops, did I not say tenor? This is why I prefer email to phone. :D

[thundersax]

I spoke with Kessler a couple times when looking to make a purchase and although I ended up falling into a good local deal and did not purchase from kessler, I wouldnt hesitate to deal with them in the future... in speaking with them they were straight up, honest and cool to talk to even if they didnt benefit financially from it. GO FOR IT!