Kessler Custom Deluxe on its way

[oneply]

I recently ordered the Custom Deluxe. The horns have arrived and mine has shipped out late last week. Can't wait to get my paws on it :D

Anything I should look for in a new horn? How to go over it to make sure it's playing right etc? Dave goes over the horns himself but a lot can happen over 3000km of bumpy roads and less than careful mail handlers....

[DaveKessler]

Dave goes over the horns himself

My father Chuck goes over the horns. (just wanted to clarify).

:)

[oneply]

Got the shipment this Wednesday - owned the horn for a whole 2 hours and off to band practice I go. Needless to say, after only playing a short time on a rental picking up an unfamiliar horn after a long time off (2weeks) takes some getting used to.

The horn looks great. I need to spend some time with it to get a feel for it. For now, the only things that bother me are the bis key which is closer to the A than the B (big gap) and the left thumb rest which seems to be at an odd angle such that my thumb actually rests on the sharp edge of the button vs just sitting flat. Looks like if need be that will be easily altered.

That's it for now, next week I'll let my teacher have a crack at it and we'll see what a he thinks of this horn :)

[oneply]

A few days pass - getting used to the horn. Becoming a happy camper again as my fingering skills increase (remember I was horn less for about 25% of my sax playing career).

I'm getting a gurgle in the low B flat and can't yet speak for anything higher than a high D.

My teacher will get a look at it tomorrow, I'll post his impressions then.

[Dave Dolson]

I had a similar problem with mine - on the low end. The horn had been shipped to me. I finally found the problem - a leak in the hi-F pad at the top of the body. Once that was sealed, the horn played like a dream top to bottom even though my tenor playing leaves a lot to be desired. DAVE.

[oneply]

Well, my teacher picked up the horn and played all the notes a sax can play in about 10 seconds. Boy can his fingers fly! He said that I did quite well for the price.

I will probably have to get the bis key moved as there's quite a gap between the B and the bis key. The octave key will also need to be adjusted as it's too high at the moment.

The gurgle has been overcome - embouchure fixed, gurgle gone :)

Great horn, should serve me well for years to come. I still want a yani, but maybe in a few years once my wife gets over this one :)

[njmac]

I found this forum last week while I was searching for reviews on saxophones. I haven't played seriously in over 4 years, and am looking to get back into it again. My old Jupiter 676 from 15 years ago is shot so I needed to get a better horn. After searching on here and ebay I learned about the Kessler saxophones, and after calling him on monday and speaking with him for 30 minutes I decided to go with the Red Brass Custom Deluxe. Cant wait for it to get in on Monday so I can wail away on it. Then I can give my low amateur opinion on the horn.

The other horns I was looking at were Yamaha YAS-52/475 or a YAS62. Selmer AS100/200, Yani 901.

By the way this site is great :)

[oneply]

Gurgle's back :( I had another teacher spend a few minutes with the horn yesterday and he mentioned that one of the pads could be leaking. I will go see a tech in a couple of weeks and we'll sort this out.

The bis key may not be an issue, just a matter of getting used to it.

I will probably need the octave key lowered too.

Other than these little quirks, I'm a happy camper.

[oneply]

A few weeks pass.....

No more gurgle as the embouchure improves. Can play from low(est) B to high E thus far (still learning) - horn has no issues. The left thumbrest was fixed with a little home surgery and the bis key I've become accustomed to.

More later as my skills increase.

[SteveD]

oneply, I've been following your thread. I'm interested in getting a tenor, and the Kessler is on my list--custom deluxe, antiqua, and yani 901 (if I have the money). It sounds like you're pretty happy with your purchase, and that's re-assuring to me.

Anyway, I saw that you mentioned the gurgle when you play some of the low notes, and thought I'd pipe in. I've had a similar issue on the Antigua Winds Alto 520LQ a while back. I've determined, as well as my teacher, that it's my embroucher and not the horn. I've been playing a little over three months now, and figure that my embroucher hasn't fully developed yet over the entire range of the sax. I notice that when I keep a fuller emboucher (open throat and not much lip pressure on the reed) the tone of my horn improves across most of the notes I play from bottom end to top.

I try to practice at least five days a week, more if I can squeeze in the time. Part of my practice session involves playing the C major scale to improve my embroucher, especially for the lower notes. This helps me a lot.

Glad you like your Kessler horn. Is it an alto, tenor, soprano?

[steve0617]

See if throwing your mouthpiece cap into the bell cures the gurgle. That what I do since I flat out don't have time to practice my Kessler alto that much since I play so little alto.

[oneply]

See if throwing your mouthpiece cap into the bell cures the gurgle. That what I do since I flat out don't have time to practice my Kessler alto that much since I play so little alto.

No need. The gurgle is gone. It was my lack of muscle development and not the horn.

[oneply]

oneply, I've been following your thread. I'm interested in getting a tenor, and the Kessler is on my list--custom deluxe, antiqua, and yani 901 (if I have the money). It sounds like you're pretty happy with your purchase, and that's re-assuring to me.

Glad to be of assistance :D



Anyway, I saw that you mentioned the gurgle when you play some of the low notes, and thought I'd pipe in. I've had a similar issue on the Antigua Winds Alto 520LQ a while back. I've determined, as well as my teacher, that it's my embroucher and not the horn.
Me too.


I've been playing a little over three months now, and figure that my embroucher hasn't fully developed yet over the entire range of the sax.
Sounds like we both started playing around the same time.


I notice that when I keep a fuller emboucher (open throat and not much lip pressure on the reed) the tone of my horn improves across most of the notes I play from bottom end to top.
According to my teacher the pressure at least at the beginning really shouldn't change. It's all in the throat - try it sometime play a middle D with the octave key then release the octave key and try to play the low D. Your throat will have to make a change.


I try to practice at least five days a week, more if I can squeeze in the time. Part of my practice session involves playing the C major scale to improve my embroucher, especially for the lower notes. This helps me a lot.

Glad you like your Kessler horn. Is it an alto, tenor, soprano?

I try to play everyday. If I'm not playing for more than one day in a row I feel like I missed a weed, especially on Wednesdays (band day).

My horn is an alto. I'm using a C* mouthpiece and most of the time a Legere 2.25 synthetic reed. The ligature I use most of the time is an AlSax. All but the mouthpiece were purchased at Kessler.

And I'd love to get the Yani myself, but spending almost three times as much on a horn right at the start was not an option. Perhaps if one day I get better and have the funds I'll consider it.

[DaveKessler]

Glad to hear that you are getting along well with your horn.

I always hate to chime in on this issue too early because 9 times out of 10, the "phantom gurgle" is either improper embochure or mouthpiece not being on far enough (too long of a wind column)... but when I chime in on that issue, it can be perceived that it is simply me trying to lay blame elsewhere. Ugh.

In either case, you got it working for you and I'm glad to hear that. We have been really pleased with the RedBrass horn's performance and overall reviews.

[SteveD]

According to my teacher the pressure at least at the beginning really shouldn't change. It's all in the throat - try it sometime play a middle D with the octave key then release the octave key and try to play the low D. Your throat will have to make a change.

That's funny. My teacher was showing me the same thing earlier this evening. She started with low C. Cool stuff.


I try to play everyday. If I'm not playing for more than one day in a row I feel like I missed a weed, especially on Wednesdays (band day).

Yeah, if I miss two days, my embroucher goes south, and getting it back in shape is a real pain.

And I'd love to get the Yani myself, but spending almost three times as much on a horn right at the start was not an option. Perhaps if one day I get better and have the funds I'll consider it.

Agreed. The Yani would be a nice to have whenever it is that I can afford to by one. But, you know, I'm really enjoying my Antigua 520LQ. It's a great horn. Even though I haven't tried a Kessler, I keep hearing good things about them. I'm looking forward to when Dave and his dad get that batch of black horns with silver keys.

[Kandyman]

Dave, why did you discontinue the costume deluxe brushed tenors?

[DaveKessler]

Dave, why did you discontinue the costume deluxe brushed tenors?

Lowest selling item in the line. Plus, the engraving really didnt stand out as nice on the brushed finish.

[Joe Jazz]

Glad to hear that you are getting along well with your horn.

I always hate to chime in on this issue too early because 9 times out of 10, the "phantom gurgle" is either improper embochure or mouthpiece not being on far enough (too long of a wind column)... but when I chime in on that issue, it can be perceived that it is simply me trying to lay blame elsewhere. Ugh.

In either case, you got it working for you and I'm glad to hear that. We have been really pleased with the RedBrass horn's performance and overall reviews.

When I got my Kessler soprano I initially had a gurgle also. I just had to push the mpc down a bit further. I've had the same experience on the Yani SC901's and SC991's I've had.

[ratracer]

My Custom Deluxe tenor gurgled when it was brand new as well but since then I've seem to have beat it out of that habit! :shock: Now it only does it when I tighten the 'ol embouchure a bit too tight. Go figure! :shock: :!: Sassy little thing ain't it? :D

[njmac]

Took my red brass Kessler out to my first rehearsal practice last night, and boy did it get some nice comments by a few very experienced sax players. The horn plays beautifully, with a very warm sound. The only issue is that my G#sharp pad sticks a little when I first take it out of the case, but goes away after I warm up. All in all I love the horn and plan on buying a Kessler tenor soon down the road.

[DixieSax]

A sheet of yamaha powder paper should do wonders for that sticky G#. That's pretty common on a lot of horns.

[ratracer]

Yeah, G# is problematic. I use something, a popsicle stick, to prop it open till it dries. Use the dollar bill treatment once a week or so, depending on frequency of play/practice, and it's good.

Something I have ran into is the C key, middle finger left hand, sticking after practicing pretty much continuously for a couple of hours. Horn's due for a checkup up so I'll see if I can get that spring stiffened up just a tad perhaps. Not a big deal. I get to practice that long maybe once a month if that.

[Yamahaaltoplayer]

The A/C key? That key is normally open. Weird that it sticks.:? My problem is the body octave key. It sticks all the time. Even after I open it with my finger (and it closes again). My D5, E5, and sometimes F5 go crazy if the wrong octave key opens!:(

[ratracer]

The A/C key? That key is normally open. Weird that it sticks.:? My problem is the body octave key. It sticks all the time. Even after I open it with my finger (and it closes again). My D5, E5, and sometimes F5 go crazy if the wrong octave key opens!:(

Agreed. After a couple of hours it gets sticky and doesn't open or becomes a whole lot less responsive. Kinda annoying going from A to C or any note where that key should be open. Fortunately/unfortunately, I don't get to play/practice for that long often so I don't run into too frequently. When it happens, I use the dollar bill treatment and it straightens up. Probably wouldn't hurt to use a bit of lighter fluid on the rim of the tone hole either.

[Yamahaaltoplayer]

What? You keep you're finger on that key when you switch from A to C and vice-versa. You move the B key open/close. That's all.:?

[ratracer]

What? You keep you're finger on that key when you switch from A to C and vice-versa. You move the B key open/close. That's all.:?

Oops, I misspoke. It sticks when going from C to B or C to say C#. Any time the A/C key should be open.

Trying to get in some SoTW on a quick break and I wasn't paying close enough attention. Bummer

I stopped to think and forgot to start again! :)

[Yamahaaltoplayer]

Haha, oh.:)

[njmac]

cool, I will give those things a try. I noticed while practicing that my horn gurgles a bit too, gotta work on my embouchore a bit I think.

[oneply]

^^ true, I only get an occasional gurgle now in the low b. C is solid. I'm a coming along. Another 5 years or so and I'll be able to tell others that I play the sax, instead of I "play at" the sax...

[Kandyman]

I just want to say thanks to Dave I just received my Red brass Sop shes a beauty plays sweet. It a solid horn and I had a few techs a Sam ash run a light on it just in case of shipping adjustments they all were pretty astonished its was a student model horn. I'm a completely satisfied costumers but did leave you an email dave

[Glenn P]

Hi Kandyman and other interested parties,

I am seriously considering the Kessler Custom KCS2. Should I think it inferior to the Antigua 586 or 582? Basically, $800 is the top end of my budget. Also, I understand that Dave has a new soprano mouthpiece. Has anyone tried one of his mouthpieces?

[jrvinson45]

Hi Kandyman and other interested parties,

I am seriously considering the Kessler Custom KCS2. Should I think it inferior to the Antigua 586 or 582? Basically, $800 is the top end of my budget. Also, I understand that Dave has a new soprano mouthpiece. Has anyone tried one of his mouthpieces?

Glenn,
I have a relatively new Kessler Custom Deluxe soprano, and have played the Antigua 582. It's not really a matter of inferior or superior with these horns, rather it's whether you would rather have Yani-like keywork, or modern (read Selmer Serie II vs. Selmer MkVI) type keywork. The Antiguas use a Yani format while the Kesslers use the modern Selmer style. Workmanship may be a wash, but I have nothing but praise for the workmanship on my Kessler.

The Kessler came with a Rico mouthpiece and a no-name Taiwanese piece. I got mine just before they came out with the Kessler Custom Piece. The horn plays fine with the Rico piece, and I also have a couple of other pieces BUT I did buy the Kessler mpc too. Be aware that the KC does not come with a ligature, and that it "needs" a ligature to be compatible with it's concave table. All in all it's a very good set up, but you don't really need it if you can use the Rico it comes with. The Yamaha 4C is very similar to the Rico, btw.

My $0.02 is the KCS2 is an excellent buy and from what I've heard the red brass is even better. Don't start buying mouthpieces until you've ruled out the one you get with the horn and you'll do a much better job of staying in your budget. YMMV.

[Yamahaaltoplayer]

jrvinson, what do you mean by a concave table?:?

[jrvinson45]

jrvinson, what do you mean by a concave table?:?

I mean the "table" or flat part of the mouthpiece the reed lays against is slightly concave (almost imperceptibly) and that the recommended ligature (a Bonade) has two small tabs on the inside circumference of the ligature that apply pressure to the centerline of the reed so that it "seats" appropriately/fully against the table. I'd also add that I've tried the KC with a standard ligature, and frankly that worked fine anyway. I'd also add that I've only used the mpc with Vandoren V16's and have a very limited sample from which to draw for comparison. Seriously, I would recommend that if you get a KCS2, you go with the Rico shipped with it and give it a chance. You'll probably find varying reed strengths until you get one you like will make more of a difference than playing mouthpiece roulette.

[tanbark813]

The Kessler came with a Rico mouthpiece and a no-name Taiwanese piece.

I actually liked the no-name piece a lot more than the Rico piece. The Rico seemed too stuffy to me.

I used a V16 S7 for a while on it and really liked it. It had a very sweet but jazzy sound.

The JJ DV I'm using on it now screams though. 8-)

[Glenn P]

tanbark,
Given what was said of the KCS2 earlier, what do you think about the Red Brass Kessler? Can it really produce a warmer tone than the KCS2. I play primarily hymns and prettier music and a dark / warm tone is a must. As you can tell by the questions, I am a little knew to the sax, again. I played for years in my teens, put the horn away and about 3 years ago bought a Buescher C-Melody and a Martin Stencil Alto but absolutely love the soprano, more so when I discovered that I really can produce some farily sweet sounds with the two that I have. As I stated earlier, my budget is around $800. Would you get the KCS2 or the Deluxe Red Brass for my kind of play?

[tanbark813]

The red brass is the only Kessler soprano I've played so I can't say how it compares to the others. I will say, though, that even using a piece as bright as a JJ DV it doesn't sound harsh (at least not to me :D ). With a darker piece I don't think you'd have trouble getting a warm/dark tone out of it.

[jrvinson45]

tanbark,
Given what was said of the KCS2 earlier, what do you think about the Red Brass Kessler? Can it really produce a warmer tone than the KCS2. I play primarily hymns and prettier music and a dark / warm tone is a must. As you can tell by the questions, I am a little knew to the sax, again. I played for years in my teens, put the horn away and about 3 years ago bought a Buescher C-Melody and a Martin Stencil Alto but absolutely love the soprano, more so when I discovered that I really can produce some farily sweet sounds with the two that I have. As I stated earlier, my budget is around $800. Would you get the KCS2 or the Deluxe Red Brass for my kind of play?

If you can swing it cost wise, I'd go for the red brass.

[IntrestedSax]

im glad to hear great comments i called today and didnt get called back. but they're going to sell me an alto. Jk. Im gonna call tommorow a little earlier i cant wait to get it with all the reviews i've been hearing which have been nothing but good. Wow i hate its gonna take 5 days to get hear but pretty much a week cause of the weekend thing. I hate that i live in virginia and they're in nevada. Oh well i guess i shall place my order tommorow and probally right a review of the horn. Not to mention all district band tryouts are on december 13th so hopefully i'll have enough time to warm up to the horn before then.

[ratracer]

im glad to hear great comments i called today and didnt get called back. but they're going to sell me an alto. Jk. Im gonna call tommorow a little earlier i cant wait to get it with all the reviews i've been hearing which have been nothing but good. Wow i hate its gonna take 5 days to get hear but pretty much a week cause of the weekend thing. I hate that i live in virginia and they're in nevada. Oh well i guess i shall place my order tommorow and probally right a review of the horn. Not to mention all district band tryouts are on december 13th so hopefully i'll have enough time to warm up to the horn before then.

I had a tenor shipped from Vegas to Maryland. The anticipation was killing me but it arrived well packed in a nice case that was in a bigger box surrounded by peanuts. Horn played great out of the box. Kesslers does a great job of packing, after Chuck play tests the horn for you. It helped that it didn't look like the box got tossed around alot either. Unless you're changing the mouthpiece radically, I can't imagine you not being ready for districts by mid-December.

Cheers! The delayed gratification will be worth it! (Barring any unforeseen circumstances, that is.)

[njmac]

Not to get your hopes up but my horn arrived in 3 days to Delaware. Dont know why it got there so fast but I wasnt gonna complain. 7 months later and I absolutely love this horn, I am really starting to make it sing. I started using the Kessler 5m replica MPC last night, the sound is really starting to come out.

[IntrestedSax]

Not to get your hopes up but my horn arrived in 3 days to Delaware. Dont know why it got there so fast but I wasnt gonna complain.

Wow that is quick that would be amazing if mine arrived that quick. but idk cause the website says something about not shipping on weekends so the sooner the better. My sax stuff from wwbw got put on backorder so thats a bummer but oh well.

[Glenn P]

Hello Intrested Sax,

You gotta keep me posted! I too live in Virginia and going to place an order for a KC S2 Soprano next week. Let me know how quickly it arrives. I can only assume that your review will be consistent with all the others that have purchased the Kessler horns. I am really looking forward to getting my hands on one.

Keep me posted.

[IntrestedSax]

My alto comes december 2nd so i will !!

[Glenn P]

Intrestedsax,

I couldn't wait for your response! After reading all the great reviews on the Kessler line I went ahead and bit the bullet this past Saturday. I ordered a KCS2 Brushed finish Soprano with a Kessler Custom mouthpiece. All the reviews thus far were spot on - Dave was great to deal with and a pleasure just to have a conversation with.

I can't believe how pumped I am to get my hands on my new horn. Part of my problem is that I am constantly listening to Soprano saxes from every imaginable artist. I know I won't be able to emulate much of (most of) what I hear but it is amazing what you can do when you listen alot. I still very much want to here how quickly you received your new horn and what you think of your purchase.

[IntrestedSax]

I have the same problem. I'm always listenting to sax players and i just want to go play the kessler and get it in my hands! comes tommorow!!!! (knock on wood) but i got my otto link stm and its amazing! it can be smooth and edgy at the same time its cool and i just can't to test that and my new meyer on the kessler. i purchased my horn the thursday before thanksgiving so its taking awhile, but ill keep you guys posted. Sadly i have christmas parade practice so i won't be able to get it in my hands till after that. Wow reading this makes me more anxious

[Kandyman]

Well I've been gig after gig its that season you know! So sorry for the late delay is response.


As for the kessler Saxophone, I cant really speak for antigua, however my old horn was a yani so in comparason there is some weight and keywork difference. But I don't think I have spent a better sum on a any horn I ever bought. I spoke to Dave on a couple occasions and he assured me he wouldn't slap his family name on any piece of brass and sell it... Dave as humble as he is trying to be, I'll brag for him I haven't touched a horn at that cost with that type of quality. Whats not important is how other musicians view the unknown name, however what is important is that when i play the horn they recognize the tone quality to be superior and elite.

I've had a few players ask me what is the set-up of my horn and what kind it was after a few gigs... which is always a good sign. Though I was a bit reluctance to tell them of my special source for selfish reason I felt it would only be fair to Dave to indulge them since he has been more then fair to me.

When the horn arrived I played the rico... Nothing special there (for me) rico I just cant do it. Mouth piece (X) worked far better on both neck... Then I picked up a old Yah 4C cheap piece and that had this girl singing like a bird... I'm flying to Denver for the holidays and some small gigs out there...and pick up some gear for my rig. have a few lakey, links, bergs, duks, and JJ's, I want to try out on this horn... actually kind of scared it might get better then this.


Thanks Dave ju the mayne! By the way Hope the families doing well with the new addition.


G. Miller

:D

[JustJeff]

Hi Kandyman and other interested parties,

I am seriously considering the Kessler Custom KCS2. Should I think it inferior to the Antigua 586 or 582? Basically, $800 is the top end of my budget. Also, I understand that Dave has a new soprano mouthpiece. Has anyone tried one of his mouthpieces?

After four months of playing with the plastic mouthpiece that came with my student model Stephanhouser SAS600 I purchased a used Kessler NYSS #5. I had previously talked to Mr. Kessler and he had told me it would make a difference. Smooth, low, and mellow just begin to describe the sound coming out of my horn...and I might add...my wife. (what she heard, not a flatuence problem)She thought that my playing had gotten better but it's just that the mistakes sound better. I do look forward to adding one of Mr. Kessler's saxophones to the mouthpiece in the future, if not for the quality, just for the helpful information freely given without a sales pitch whenever I've been in contact with him.