Kessler Custom , Antigua550/551, and the Unison 2000

[dynamisoz]

Hi I am a beginner saxophone player and could not decide what to get between these three alto saxes??....If there is anyone who had the chance to compare these three, your comments would be appreciated......I ment the Antigua 520/521.....

I would like a deep / dark sounding horn......

[dynamisoz]

Oh....and where does the yamaha's YAS 23 fit in..... Is the yas 23 better than the above mentioned saxes????

[Dave Dolson]

Dyna . . .: I don't recall the model numbers of the Antiguas, but last year I tested several altos at Kessler's store and ended up buying the Kessler Custom for my grandson. Much posted about this already.

The Unison was clearly the best of the three but it was twice the price. I liked the Kessler Custom for the intended purpose (a beginner instrument for a 10-year old). Turns out his Mom and his older brother (both players) liked the KC alto, too.

As far as the YAS23, it has its supporters - and they are well made. But every YAS23 I've played felt like a student horn and lacked any depth in its tone. DAVE