Cannonball Big Bell Tenor or Kessler

[Kwollo]

I realize I'm posting to the Kessler discussion group, but I'm wondering if anyone can give me an (relatively) honest comparison of the Cannonball Big Bell tenor, compared with a Kessler.

I'm a weekend warrior, and I play by ear, but I can get by. So I know the very expensive horns are out of my range and probably wouldn't make me the saxophonist I dream of being.

Anyone?

And thanks.

Kwollo

[DixieSax]

See my PM, I responded to yours.

[Swingtone]

Eric Darius plays a Cannonball. Need I say more? Sometimes, actions speak louder than words. Look--

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F5LYqjjkLE&feature=related

But I'll add that this guy is playing at a much higher level than about 99 percent of the forum membership, so if Cannonball is good enough for him....

[Saxplayer1]

In Vegas and dropped by Kessler Music last Thurs. to try out the Kessler tenors. They are real nice horns, however, Chuck pulled the "New Handmade Red Brass Tenor" for me to try. They have them on their website for $1695.00 and I truly believe I can say this particular horn is a fine comparison to the new Cannonball Stone Series horns. The sound was rich and filled the room, keywork is superb, refined & comfortable, horn is wonderfully crafted and attention to detail was clearly evident in comparison to the other Kessler horns such as the deluxe; a definite step up in terms or craftmanship due to the additional hand crafting over the other models. The handmade red brass tenor is on their website. I was impressed and would say this particular tenor definitely compares well in terms of manufacture ...... sound, mechanics and attention to detail in manufacturing to the Cannonball. It's definitely a pro horn.

In comparision to the standard brass Kessler horns which I would classify as intermediate, the Cannonball would definitely be the better horn & choice in terms of overall sound, mechanics and overall quantity of manufacture.

Cannonball is making fine horns these days and would be the more desirable horn in my view and perhaps offer better resale value. Nevertheless, the "New Handmade Red Brass Kessler Tenor" was amazing to play and a good value. I had a blast playing it. I play a Ref. 54 and a Silver Z tenor and was very impressed.

[kerry]

Lord knows I have respect for dave kessler(thanks for the beautiful reference 54...best horn every-LOVE IT!)) but I would go for the Cannonball myself.

[Bossman]

Eric Darius plays a Cannonball. Need I say more? Sometimes, actions speak louder than words. Look--

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F5LYqjjkLE&feature=related

But I'll add that this guy is playing at a much higher level than about 99 percent of the forum membership, so if Cannonball is good enough for him....

Yes, you do need to say more. That youtube clip was probably the cheesiest music I've ever heard.

I've never tried a Kessler horn but I wouldn't hesitate to get one. I play a Cannonball tenor and I sold my mark 6 since getting it, if that means anything. To me they're great horns.

[Saxplayer1]

Try some other You Tube clips of Eric Darius. This young man is now 24 and is an excellent sax player, definitely up and coming. I've seen him both with Brian Culbertson and as a solo act at the Hollywood Bowl for the JVC Jazz Festival a few weeks back and he was no longer playing his Selmer II alto, but the Cannonball. Excellent performance and sound. He can play both mainstream forms and contemporary jazz. It's encouraging to see young people these days still interested in playing an instrument and excelling the way Eric has. I'm proud of him.

[Kwollo]

Thanks to all of you. I appreciate the input.

[ratracer]

Welcome to SoTW kwollo, and good luck on the decision. If you haven't already, check out the Cannonball thread. There has been a lot of discussion about Cannonball on the forum. Lot's of folks are sold on them. I'm a Kessler fan. Both of their horns and the business. You won't go wrong doing business with them. I've had my Custom Deluxe tenor for over a year and a half and have had no issues with it. It's a very flexible horn depending upon your reed/mouthpiece combination and your concept of sound. Put a link-like mouthpiece on it and it's warm, smooth, and seductive. Put a higher baffle piece on it, push it, and it can scream demanding the listener's attention. It can be a fairly nice broad tone, or it can lock in good centered one. Alot will depend upon you and the set up you prefer.

Cheers and happy hunting!

[Kandyman]

Yes, you do need to say more. That youtube clip was probably the cheesiest music I've ever heard.

I've never tried a Kessler horn but I wouldn't hesitate to get one. I play a Cannonball tenor and I sold my mark 6 since getting it, if that means anything. To me they're great horns.

I would like to hear/see a clip of you asap. If you have any since you're quick to criticize Eric Darius.



I too Love cannon balls they have come a long way with these big bell stone series From the raven and had the same questions as you but i plan on getting the Kessler myself and plan to contact Dave kessler personally in the next week.

[dirty]

Yes, you do need to say more. That youtube clip was probably the cheesiest music I've ever heard.

Cheesy? Of course. Embrace it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVv365ET9Cg&feature=related

I kind of like smooth jazzers when they play without the effects rack. Stripped down, they're good, old-fashioned R&B players.

[IntrestedSax]

Yes, you do need to say more. That youtube clip was probably the cheesiest music I've ever heard.

I've never tried a Kessler horn but I wouldn't hesitate to get one. I play a Cannonball tenor and I sold my mark 6 since getting it, if that means anything. To me they're great horns.

Who doesnt like some good old percy sledge come one my director backs on tenor for him so i like him. That is percy sledge and eric darius he's an amazing player.

[JustJeff]

Re: Cheesy... I just wish I could be so fine when performing in front of so many people. Of course the clothes...8-)