I was curious if anyone's tried Kessler's "Solist" flutes, and how they might stand up against a student Yamaha, which is what's typically recommended around here. Something that's got me leaning towards the Kessler as a beginner - aside from the their reputation around here and the price ($249) - is the fact that it comes set up, which one can't guarantee when buying a Yamaha from eBay. What would you all recommend? Is there a reputable flute dealer I'm not aware of that sells older Yamaha student flutes that are reliably set up and ready to play?
What on earth does "set up" mean? Almost every new flute sold is "set up". That may last minutes, weeks, months, or years, depending on how it was done.
To be done well takes time and expertise, which is unlikely for a new flute of that price. Indeed, for a cheap flute with low standard of manufacture, it may not even be possible without practically remaking the flute. On many new flutes, it really is not worth it - sending good money after bad.
On the other hand, for a second hand Yamaha there is a reasonable chance that it has been reasonably well serviced, and that relatively superficial original "set up" been improved upon.
Whether you buy a new or second-hand flute, it will very likely need better setting up sooner rather than later.
I guess when I said "set up" I meant that (a) it was put into excellent playing condition by someone in Kessler's shop upon arrival from wherever they're produced, and (b) would stay in said condition for at least a year or two. Sorry if I'm misusing terminology here, and I can see how "set up" could be obscure and/or a marketing gimmick. Perhaps I should have just said "in excellent mechanical and playing condition," which is a concern of mine when buying a Yamaha off eBay or some other cheap model from an SOTW member. I take your point about pre-owned flutes being better serviced than something new from the factory, and think I'll go that route if no one can speak to the quality of Kessler's. Thank you.
Her prices are higher than what you would pay on eBay but ahe has a good tech go through all of her horns so they arrive without needing work and she has a return policy if you are not satisfied. she will also send you three on trial. I believe that she usually has a couple of Yamahas on hand. If you want another reference, talk to Keith.
Absent any direct experience with the particular instruments, call Kessler's and talk to Chuck and/or Dave. They won't hard sell you anything and answer any and all questions patiently in order to meet your requirements. If they anticipate their flute won't meet your needs, they'll steer you in an educated and experienced direction.
Good luck with your acquisition and come back to let us know how this plays out! Cheers!
Absent any direct experience with the particular instruments, call Kessler's and talk to Chuck and/or Dave. They won't hard sell you anything and answer any and all questions patiently in order to meet your requirements. If they anticipate their flute won't meet your needs, they'll steer you in an educated and experienced direction.
Thanks for the responses, everyone. I'm going to contact Sherry and Susan at their respective shops, and also see if I can work something out with an SOTW member selling a used flute.
Resurrecting this thread. I'm also wondering if anyone has any actual experience with Kessler's flutes. Thinking about their Custom Artist Series with the C# trill.
Interested to hear of your experiences also. I have one of Kessler’s Solist baris, which has been great.
I know they do a setup of new saxes.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Sax on the Web Forum
3.3M posts
75.4K members
Since 2003
A forum community dedicated to saxophone players and enthusiasts originally founded by Harri Rautiainen. Come join the discussion about collections, care, displays, models, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!