Kessler Custom Deluxe BL Alto

[Tarzan]

I'm in need of a new pro model sax, and considering Kessler's custom deluxe line primarily because of the price (and it's a black sax :) ) In any event, I've read that some people love these instruments, but haven't heard WHY... what's the attractiveness in the Kessler horns besides their price tag? Much thanks to anyone who can get back to me quick, as I need to get this new sax before the next semester starts on the 15th...

[saxymanzach]

I'm in need of a new pro model sax, and considering Kessler's custom deluxe line primarily because of the price (and it's a black sax :) ) In any event, I've read that some people love these instruments, but haven't heard WHY... what's the attractiveness in the Kessler horns besides their price tag? Much thanks to anyone who can get back to me quick, as I need to get this new sax before the next semester starts on the 15th...
They play very much like very expensive Selmers to me. That's what was so attractive for me.

[Dave Dolson]

Tarzan: It was the price combined with decent playability. The tenor I bought from Kessler was first-rate even though I bought it sight-unseen.

I bought an alto at his store while testing various inexpensive altos for my young grandson. The KC was as good as the Antigua, priced the same, and Dave Kessler advised that his KC may be a stronger horn than the Antigua (remember, we are talking altos here, not sopranos).

After playing several, I chose one and have been happy with it. So have my daughter, her older son (who plays my old Yanagisawa 880) and the youngster, for whom I bought the horn. All the players in my daughter's family have played it and used it when their saxophones were in the shop.

Honestly, the Kessler Custom is not what we all think of as a PRO saxophone. It doesn't compare to my altos - still, it plays surprisingly well. If that was all that I could afford or all that was available to me, I'd play it and it would serve my needs. DAVE

[Tarzan]

I suppose they're not PRO horns... Dave Kessler said they're high intermediate/basic pro saxes, which might be better than a low end pro model for my situation - we can't afford a selmer or yanigasawa at the moment, and my little armstrong is dying fast. I'm most concerned about the horn's ability to fit into a concert band full of selmers.

[saxymanzach]

I suppose they're not PRO horns... Dave Kessler said they're high intermediate/basic pro saxes, which might be better than a low end pro model for my situation - we can't afford a selmer or yanigasawa at the moment, and my little armstrong is dying fast. I'm most concerned about the horn's ability to fit into a concert band full of selmers.
no problem.

[Dave Dolson]

Tarzan: I'm wondering how bad your current horn could be? Saxophones don't die as much as they go out of adjustment and the pads fail to seal. I am no expert on Armstrong saxophones but maybe you should consider doing an overhaul on it. True, the price of a new Kessler Custom may be comparable to the cost of an overhaul - but it is something to consider. DAVE

[Tarzan]

Overhaul it... listen to the man....;) I bought the sax used at a pawn shop for $150. The upper stack rods are bent a rod width out of shape from where it's been dropped, and the main tube is bent (I would assume from the same injury)... Plus, it has no high F# key. AND on top of all that, the lower pads don't seal right because the action is out of whack and the high F key doesn't seal either. The sax has been getting worse about staying in adjustment - the action needs to be replaced, the tube needs to be straightened, and it needs relaquered... in other words - replacement is a necessity :(
The only question is what to get for under $2000 that will fit me well as a beginning pro model :?

[saxymanzach]

You guys know how it is when you want a new horn. It renews confidence and motivation. Treat yourself, go for the new horn.

[jacobeid]

The only question is what to get for under $2000 that will fit me well as a beginning pro model :?

Yanagisawa A901 much?

[Tarzan]

The A901 is generally listed as an intermediate model... it goes for 1895 in gold, and 2495 in silver... I think I'm gonna check out this Kessler horn unless I find something today at Pro Winds

[saxmanglen]

Dave's got the A901 new for $1795. That's a steal! Especially for a horn from one of the "big 4".


http://www.kesslermusic.com/html/yanagisawa.htm

Free shipping to boot!

[Dave Dolson]

Tarzan: Well, you answered my question. From your description, I'm amazed you even get a sound out of it!! Still, all that can be repaired and the price would most likely be less than a new saxophone.

HOWEVER, I agree with Saxymanzach - I KNOW the new horn fever and have succumbed to it many times.

Don't buy into all that marketing talk about the A901 being an intermediate or whatever. Like Glen said, getting into a Big Four saxophone at that price would be well worth it. Anything from Yanagisawa is top-'o'-the-line stuff and will serve you well. If MY budget was $2K, I'd jump at the A901. DAVE

[saxymanzach]

Tarzan: Well, you answered my question. From your description, I'm amazed you even get a sound out of it!! Still, all that can be repaired and the price would most likely be less than a new saxophone.

HOWEVER, I agree with Saxymanzach - I KNOW the new horn fever and have succumbed to it many times.

Don't buy into all that marketing talk about the A901 being an intermediate or whatever. Like Glen said, getting into a Big Four saxophone at that price would be well worth it. Anything from Yanagisawa is top-'o'-the-line stuff and will serve you well. If MY budget was $2K, I'd jump at the A901. DAVE

Yeah, didin't even think of that horn! Go for the Yanagisawa! Actually, Yanagisawa calls it a "basic pro" but there is nothing basic about the 901. I went play-testing horns once, and the guy handed me a 901 and I turned my lip up at it first, but I was AMAZED when Iplayed it. My techer, who was with me, was ready to buy it to replace is Mark VI! It really was that good!

[Carl H.]

... Plus, it has no high F# key.

F# key is no big deal. You are probably never going to use it anyway. The only time I use the key for that note is in answer to a students question of "What's that key do?". Some people think is does more harm than good and avoid saxes with the key.

Go for the Yani, and get a good mouthpiece with it. The Kessler pieces are pretty good and I think he makes you a deal on them if you buy a horn from him.



Don't count out the Armstrong either. I played one for years and it had a very good sound! I bought mine for $150 and sold it years later with pads missing and falling out for $150 - and the guy was happy to get it too!

[Tarzan]

Ok - so I went out today and tried a Selmer Artist, a Selmer La Voix, a Keilworth Limited Edition (whatever that is), & B&S 3239 Medusa, and a black Antigua A520LQ... of all those, I liked the Antigua's feel the best, but I think the La Voix has the best tone EXCEPT for the palm keys and below D... I thought the Medusa was not only VERY uncomfortable, but hideous to look at as well, with its different colors... I heard that the Kessler horn's keywork is like that of the Selmer Series III, which I think is pretty comfortable, and that the horn plays much like the Antigua horn I tried today.... that $995 price is looking more and more attractive, too...

BTW - Dave: the tone on that Armstrong (yes! it plays!) is amazing.... I actually prefer its sound to the brightness of that black Antigua I played today, and it has no problem singing along with the Reference 54 I sit next to!!