enjoying the new tenor

[rhythm]

I just received my new Kessler Custom Tenor a week ago, and so far I am very satisfied customer. I enjoyed talking with Dave and I'm glad I gave him my business. You'd never know the horn underwent any shipping...it appeared to be in perfect shape when I opened everything up. Since I'm new to sax playing, I can't really put it to the test completely; I've been basically playing anything I can think of within the first octave (from C to C), and everything seems to be just fine. I like the way it feels to play, and all of the action seems smooth and positive from what I can tell. I obviously have a lot to learn, but I have been able to get notes out that sound reasonably OK too, so I'm encouraged. Time to hook up with someone for some lessons....

Greg

[ratracer]

Congratulations on the acquisition of a very nice instrument! I received my Kessler Custom Deluxe tenor back in January. Same experience. I exchanged numerous emails with Dave and then spoke to Chuck when I ordered my horn. Horn was shipped out to Maryland, boxed well, and played great right out of the box. Especially considering how out of shape my embouchure is. They were both very generous with their time and never gave me the impression that I was "bothering" them. I do believe the tag line on their web site is very accurate :)

I have the lacquered finish with the 50/50 OL7 mouthpiece. Very nice setup for an amateur like me. It was difficult to choose between this one and the brushed horn. Both beautiful horns. Decided that if and when I can replace my old alto, I may spring for one in the brushed finish. But that will be a while. Having too much fun with the tenor for the time being. That and some unexpected expenses have depleted any excess funds for consideration of another horn purchase :(

If you need any practice books check out the sponsors on the forum's home page. Order from Amazon, you can get anything you need, and you'll help support the forum with each purchase. I read everything on this site I could get my hands on about buying a sax and it paid off very well. Didn't buy above my budget and/or skills. Delivery was very quick so you don't have to wait long or fight traffic to get to the bricks and mortar to "hopefully" find what you're looking for.

You mentioned you're new to the sax but reading 'tween the lines you may have some other music in your background. When you hook up with an instructor, or perhaps get the opportunity to have an experienced sax player give it a test drive, we'd be interested in their first impression as well!

Have fun! Let us know how it's going in another couple of weeks!

Cheers!

[rhythm]

ratracer,

Nice to hear about your experience as well. I have the same finish and mouthpiece as you. You were right about me having prior musical experience...I've played piano and guitar for a lot of years now, and have studied music theory quite a bit too...I enjoy the subject a lot! I'd like to get the Larry Teal book that is so highly praised, and if I get with an instructor soon I'll get his/her input on other books that I may want to pick up, too.

I'll be sure to let you all know what kind of feedback I get on the new horn from a teacher/more experienced player when it happens.

Thanks,
Greg

[ratracer]

Teal's book is excellent and a good choice. I ordered it off Amazon through the SOTW links. It's about $11-$12 if memory serves me right. Btw, if you order $25 or more the shipping can be free so order a couple of books! The web site indicated that the free shipping would take 7-9 days for delivery but I don't think I waited more than 3-5 for any of my orders, and that included some non-sax books in the same order as well. So when your instructor tells you to get any particular books, check Amazon through SOTW. Shoot, that works for music CDs and sheet music too! And welcome to the sax world!

Cheers!

Doug