Kessler Tenors

[agno3]

How well do Kesslers hold up? The price is right but I am concerned about the quality. If they aren't really all that great, what is another inexpensive (new prefered) tenor? I'm looking for something that would be good for just general playing, maybe in a community band once I get back into saxophone. I played alto for several years and then bari for two.

[The A Train]

I don't own or haven't played a Kessler but I've heard they are made at the same factory as the Antiguas. I have a 550BC(Antigua)that I bought from Dave before he started his own line and have played it in my community band among other things since 2004 without one problem to date. If the Kessler is as well made as the Antigua -I would go for it.

[ratracer]

Well, I own a 1.5 year old Kessler Custom Deluxe tenor and it's holding up very well. It feels as solid as any of the other horns I've noodled with but not owned. I'm at best a weekend duffer. I just play my sax, I'm not a real "player" like some of the guys here.

It arrived all the way across the states and played very well right out of the box. I should have taken it in for a checkup/setup but didn't. Didn't have the time, inclination, or a tech IDed at the time. I've knocked a piece of cork off the LH3 (G) key that makes a bit of noise if I don't close the LH2 key as quickly as I should but other than that, I'm not expecting or looking for any big repair bills. It has played pretty much in tune since day one. Could there be some adjustments? Perhaps, and that's part of the reason for taking it in. Could it use some key oil? Probably, but it's action still meets or exceeds my capabilities. Thanks to the SoTW members, I've had a couple of techs recommended so now it's just making the time to take it in have them look it over and do what need be done.

Knocking a cork or two off from time to time are not big deals. Having been on SoTW for the 1.5 years+ I've learned a ton about sax maintenance and care and issues others have had with their horns. I could replace the sliver of cork myself but why when I can have an tech expert do it and make some adjustments along the way, get their professional opinion, and perhaps pick their brains if they're not too busy!

This is experience from just a population of 1 Kessler horn so it's really of limited value actually. Others may have had different experiences. I would expect that. Same as with pretty much all other makes as well so you have to take if for what it's worth.

The Taiwanese horns are getting better all the time. See posts by Pete Thomas or Steve Howard for others. Phil Barone has a sax that gets good reviews. Terjeo is another one who has a sax available. These guys have saxes that are at least in the same ballpark $$ wise as the Kessler. I'll let you do the search to see what others are saying about those but so far it's been favorable. Kesslers (Dave or Chuck) will give you outstanding service that is well attested to on the Board but then I imagine so will the other guys. This online community kinda holds the feet to the fire for accountability so if anything goes awry with a deal it will be very difficult for the offending party to hide from it.

Happy hunting from one sax alumni to another! Do some home work/search here and when you've exhausted any and all resources give Dave and/or Chuck a call with educated questions. They will have the most experience with the durability of their own horns. The Kessler's are stand-up, honest folks that will shoot straight with you. I would not hesitate to do business with them again, even if it were to buy a non-Kessler product and you'll get the same impression from many on the Board.

Cheers.

[agno3]

Well, I ordered a KC Tenor in lacquer finish. It should be here next week. Hope it works out!

[ratracer]

Hope it works out!

It all depends upon your expectations. If you really wanted a vintage horn or one of the big four then only one of those will really do. You get 72 hours to put the Kessler through it's paces to see how it works out, iirc. If not, you send it back and get your refund and go on to something else. Hey, Kessler even hassanother brands (e.g. Antigua or Unison) you can try out!

Good luck and let us know your impressions, both initial and 72 hours after you've had it whether you decide to keep it or not.

[agno3]

It just arrived today! I haven't played in years, but I was able to play all of the notes I was interested in and I really like it so far. I start lessons on Monday. Hopefully it won't be too hard to relearn reading music. Haha.

[ratracer]

That didn't take too long. :cheers:

Now, don't just play the music, "feel the music... be the music." :cool:

(or something like that!?)

Most of all, have fun! :thumbrig:

[jrvinson45]

It just arrived today! I haven't played in years, but I was able to play all of the notes I was interested in and I really like it so far. I start lessons on Monday. Hopefully it won't be too hard to relearn reading music. Haha.

Spoken like a real rock 'n roller!!! :D

[ratracer]

It just arrived today! I haven't played in years, but I was able to play all of the notes I was interested in and I really like it so far. I start lessons on Monday. Hopefully it won't be too hard to relearn reading music. Haha.

Don't forget to give us your first impressions and an update now that you've had it a few days! :)