Cheap Tenors esp Kessler Bronze

[Dave Collins]

I'm again thinking of getting a tenor, and I'm trying not to spend too much on it. I was looking at the Kessler bronze tenor, and the price seems right, but I was wondering what you guys who've tried it or oneof the other Kessler tenors thought of it. Also, what other tenors, if not that one, can you reccommend for me to try. I'm hoping to spend around 1500. Thanks a lot.[/i]

[Randall]

Dave, a shameless plug here....but I have an almost mint condition, satin silver, near 80 year old, George M. Bundy tenor with fresh overhaul for 1500.00 and I am in Fukuoka, not far at all from you. Shipping will be cheaper...
This horn will is a tremendous player and reminds of a Conn Chu Berry. I have gigged with this horn one time as has my band mate (one time), and he was going to buy it to replace his stollen MK VI. He backed out of the sale when the cops found his horn at a pawn shop, so....
This is not the student line Bundy you are familiar with....this is a fantastic horn.
If you are interested I can send you pix....Just leave your email.

[shmuelyosef]

For that money, you can get some real nice middle-aged pro horns. If you're not into the eBay thing, check out some of the restorers (Junkdude, Cybersax, VintageSax, Worldwidesax, Saxquest, etc). For example, for that money, you could have a Conn 10M, King Zephyr, Buffet SuperDynaction, Martin Handcraft fully overhauled from WorldWideSax...even more choice from Junkdude in a variety of conditions

[Randall]

yosef has a point, but he knows nothing about the quality or playing of the horn I am offering! If you would like to see pix, please email me and I will gladly send them. This horn is hardly a student horn....

[Morry]

Unsolicited: I can assure you that nothing Randall has is student line crap. If you check out these boards, you'll see that he has lots of primo gear.

[shmuelyosef]

I apologize if you thought I was disparaging the Bundy...I was merely trying to open DC's thinking about a broader set of options. I have worked on old Bundys and concur that they are great horns, particularly the ones from the 40s, but the earlier ones certainly rival the similar vintage Conns and Bueschers for the sound...

[Randall]

It's ok....without seeing it (and playing it) though it is really hard to appreciate what a gem of a horn this thing is.
When I lucked into it I couldn't believe the condition it was in. It still had the original pads in it. After the repad/overhaul....wow!
These horns are true sleepers. Mine plays every bit as well as less pristine Chu's going for $2500.00 and up.

[Dave Collins]

Randall,
Hey, I don't doubt that your horn is high quality, and I hate finding great horns when I'm broke, but that's the situation now. I'm putting money aside saving for a tenor. Just wanting some opinions on what woul dbe a good buy when the time comes around. Sorry bout that.

Dave
sigmasax@hotmail.com

[Randall]

Hi Dave,
No worries....I understand your situation perfectly.
New for 1500.00 is hard to find good quality, but they are out there in almost new condition. One make that comes to mind is a Cannonball Big Bell....they go for about this much used on Ebay...but you still have the auction gambit to think about and also shipping from the US.
You can find a lot of dodgy Taiwan horns in this price range and lower. You could also go the new Jupiter route for about this much money and you wouldn't go wrong I think.

I sent you some mail :D

[1saxman]

Dave; Make sure you try the Jupiter Artist tenor before you plunk down any bread. As far as the Kessler horns, my bari player bought one a couple years ago and it's been a decent bari. Also a tough one, as it got knocked off it's stand by a drunk fan one night (we took care of her, alright) but sustained no damage to the neck or body - just some bent keys. This bari never fails to get attention because it's satin gold plated with a large area of engraving on the bell. Kessler's saxes (Taiwan, of course, like the Jupiter and Woodwind & Brasswind) have been improved over the last few years. I'd try one if I were you and could get it on trial. Things to look for: Ease of playing, tone, intonation, feel, volume, appearance, quality in general. Compare it to more expensive horns, like the Yamahas and Yanagisawas. Another possibility - the Woodwind and Brasswind 'Pro' tenor. I have only played their lowest-priced student tenor, but have played four of them and they were all good saxes that I could have gigged on. I would imagine their 'Pro' line is even better, and they will definitely accept a return.

[Andres]

Also, the Prestini Classic is a very good horn...on par with the best of the Taiwanese makes, IMHO. there's at least 1 dealer on this board (Jerry K.)

[johnyesmar]

Speaking of cheap Tenors I bought a horn with the name The Woodwind Company engraved on it It is nearly brand new and plays pretty good but I can't find out anything about it. Has anyone heard of this brand.

[rrex54]

The Woodwind should be a Taiwanese horn from Woodwind and Brasswind in IN. See www.wwbw.com. WW&BW claims the play test each horn -- and offer several different qualities.