Kessler Alto

[gappal]

Yes. I'm a little interested in the Kessler Large diameter bell alto with vintage finish. He wants $895 for it brand new (on E-Bay). I am primarily a tenor player but I want to upgrade from my Yamaha 23 alto. Any thoughts. thanks.

[DaveKessler]

Since I am the one selling it, I wont go into any comparisons because of course, I will be a little biased.

I will say that if you do decide to do it and dont like it, send it back. This particular horn wasnt actually one that I ordered. We were trying to get out manufacturer in Taiwan to make Solid Bronze horns like what Yani does. This was their attempt on the alto...

She brought them to the NAMM show for us so we took them anyways. But while there, we took her to the LeBlanc booth and showed her what "Bronze" was. We have 6 of the Bronze altos about 4-6 weeks away. We got the Bronze tenors and Love them.

[Lomar Manx]

Dave:
Is your horn made on the mainland or in Taiwan? Who is actually building it for you? Do they build horns for anybody else?

[DaveKessler]

Dave:
Is your horn made on the mainland or in Taiwan? Who is actually building it for you? Do they build horns for anybody else?

Lomar,

Sorry for the late reply... busy week. Ugh.

My horns are built from a company in Taiwan by the name of Greatminds. They are a manufacturing company and do not sell direct to the public but make horns for people.

I cannot say with absolute certainty which companies they manufacturer for because they will not release that info. I am 99% sure that they currently make horns for Cannonball but cannot confirm that. My belief is based on side by side comparisons between myself and other technicians who looked at them at the NAMM show.

I can say that they do not make the following horns:
DC Pro (Dominic)
Monique
Saxophone.com

Those are ones that we have done side by side comparisons and have found that they are definately Not the same horns.

[Sheryl Laukat]

Sheryl Laukat here, C.E.O. Cannonball Saxophones. Our factory is not Great Minds. There is 100% no possibility your horns are made in our Pro factories. Yes, there are many people who copy us in Taiwan and therefore some of the horns look like ours. Looks aren't everything. We couldn't begin to sell our horn at 800-- dollars. That is because of the high quality materials, workmanship and also time here in Utah for accoustical adjustments that go into our saxophones. Dave we mean you no harm and wish you a successful business. We only ask that you do it on your own name.

[DaveKessler]

Sheryl,

I do everything in my own name. I do not state that our horn is the exact same horn as your Cannonball horns. I tell everyone that.

As I am sure you can understand, I cannot always take someone's word on something and I dont expect anyone else to do the same, even with my product. Thats why I state my opinion but tell them that I could be wrong. I let them decide.

Also, normally, I couldnt sell my horns at $800 either. This particular instrument was a fluke that was made for me and brought to the NAMM show... so we didnt pay any shipping or Customs. $795 was my actual cost because this instrument was not something that I ordered.

Likewise, all the best to you and your product. I never say anything bad about Cannonball horns because there is nothing bad to say about the horns. You have a good product and to say otherwise would be a lie.

All the best. :)

[SAXSHEP]

JUST BOUGHT THE kessler alto and saxello, since this thread is on the alto here we go.....GREAT.

I have owned a cannonball and a yamaha custom, both of which are overrated and overpriced in my opinion. the kessler alto simply blows them away. nice open tone and great fluidity...great job dave, thanks for all your help

[DaveKessler]

Well these are different horns now then the one that was originally discussed in this thread.

SAXSHEP is referring to my new Kessler Custom line of saxophones. This thread was on our older CR Kessler line. Either case, thanks!

[Mark5047]

Dave,
When are you getting another batch of those altos with the matte finish and polished keywork?
Thanks!

[DaveKessler]

Mark,

should be early September.

[SAXSHEP]

Sheryl Laukat here, C.E.O. Cannonball Saxophones. Our factory is not Great Minds. There is 100% no possibility your horns are made in our Pro factories. Yes, there are many people who copy us in Taiwan and therefore some of the horns look like ours. Looks aren't everything. We couldn't begin to sell our horn at 800-- dollars. That is because of the high quality materials, workmanship and also time here in Utah for accoustical adjustments that go into our saxophones. Dave we mean you no harm and wish you a successful business. We only ask that you do it on your own name.


kesslers horns are great and they can stand on their name alone.

[retromom]

:) I've had my Kessler Custom Alto for a couple of weeks now and I absolutely love it, I'm a late bloomer and obviously no expert but my teacher is not , { a late bloomer}she's been teaching for years and years :D and she ordered the same horn IMMEDIATLY after seeing mine. I had a lesson with her last week and she was telling me that she would not know the difference between the Kessler Custom and a top of the line horn if she had not ordered and paid for it herself.
She sure can make that thing sing , I was in absolute awe.
Just thought I would pass this along as I know that the horn is new and some of you were waiting for a review from someone who's had a lot of experience {and that wasn't me, :x up until now all I could post was that I love it and the CS that goes with it.}
Vicki
PS Does anyone know how Dave's baby boy is doing?

[DaveKessler]

PS Does anyone know how Dave's baby boy is doing?

Vicki,

His surgery is scheduled for this Friday. We have the best surgeon around for this job (from the research I have done) so while I am nervous and axious and scared as can be, I have confidence that everything will be fine.