[KSBalto]

Hi all,
After months of research and comparisons, I've decided to take a gamble and purchase a Kessler.
I e-mailed Kessler late last year, and still haven't heard a reply from them, so I have now just sent them another e-mail. Does anyone know how long it should be before I get a reply?
Also, does anyone have any info or reviews on these horns? And does anybody have any info on the acoustical adapters (Kessler Tone Boosters)?
Kessler Custom Deluxe Model Alto Sax - Black with Silver Keys
Kessler Custom "Handmade" Model Alto Sax
Kessler Custom "Jazz Handmade" Model Alto Sax
Thanks

 

[ratracer]

If you've already had that experience, chances are very good that your email was filtered as spam. That has happened to me too many times to trust email exclusively. Call them and talk to Dave and/or Chuck. Get them on the phone and they will take as much time as necessary to answer any and all questions about their models and the tone booster.

Can't help you with any personal experience with the altos but I've read good things about them. Since I have some experience with sax playing, when I bought my tenor four years ago, Chuck didn't think I would need the tone booster installed. He was right. If I remember correctly, it will help lock in intonation and perhaps aid in centering it if you are a beginner, need that support, or just want to ensure that aspect of the tone is locked in. (But don't quote me on that!) Best to confirm with Dave/Chuck.

 

[KSBalto]

Thank you for your reply Well I've been playing for five years on alto, I just wasn't sure if the tone booster would be necessary for the boost up from a student to an intermediate/pro.
I would call Dave, but one of the problems is I am in Queensland, Australia. I will probably have to give it a go if I don't get a reply from this email.
Thanks again.

 

[KSBalto]

Also, just a quick note, whilst it may not make a difference, I did PM Dave just incase my e-mail went into spam (or there was a similiar issue again). I doubt this would make a difference, I'm pretty sure his inbox would be busier than a one armed bricklayer in Baghdad, but I gave it a go anyway.

 

[curly]

Kessler does not post to Australia........Give Phil Barone a shot. He knows how to post, and with our dollar stronger than the US dollar, you cant go wrong.

 

[soprano]

My past experience was around a week later.

 

[KSBalto]

@ Curly: He has just recently started offering all international posting. Or so it says on the website? I'll check out the Phil Barones though.
@ Soprano: Thank you very much

 

[ratracer]

Thank you for your reply Well I've been playing for five years on alto, I just wasn't sure if the tone booster would be necessary for the boost up from a student to an intermediate/pro.
I would call Dave, but one of the problems is I am in Queensland, Australia. I will probably have to give it a go if I don't get a reply from this email.
Thanks again.

Ah, missed that you're in Australia! Doh! Yeah, that adds an additional layer of complexity.

However, it is incorrect that Kessler's will not ship internationally but the terms can be restrictive. See this link for the details.

If you've been playing for 5 years, I doubt you'd need the tone booster, especially if you are pleased with your tone and it's not all over the spectrum as you do play.

And for sure, PMs are not a done deal as well. Been there done that, got the t-shirt! I've never called over seas but imagine that to be quite a pain given the cost and time difference. Still, if you're going to buy a horn from Kessler's you're going to have to bite the bullet. I don't think they can order online, yet. (Someone correct me if I'm mistaken, well they do sell on eBay but that's where they won't sell over seas for sure, iirc) They still like the personal touch that the phone call gives you and them.

Good luck!

 

[KSBalto]

Yeah, it is making this a bit of an issue. Hopefully he might pop by here and maybe check the e-mails, but I've decided that if I haven't got a reply in a week, I'll definately give him a call.
Thank you for your help!

 

[KSBalto]

Also, btw, does anyone know if there is sort of a customizeable aspect, as they are hand built?
I love the 'handmade' models as they are obviously the professional models (blue steel), but I hear the red brass gives a warmer sound. I have heard that the black lacquer gives a darker sound, so a combination of the two (or maybe the delux with blue steels) would be perfect. I just can't get over that look!

 

[KSBalto]

Oh, and finally I think my last question.
Does anyone know if there is a return policy or what it is? This I couldn't find.
I'm just not 100% sure of it as it's sight unseen and I haven't played it.
Im not extremely worried though, I believe I should get my money back at least should it not be right for me

 

[ratracer]

When I bought my horn four years ago there was a three day return policy starting once you took receipt of the horn. Not exactly sure what it is now. When you call, see if you can't get it extended for a day or so - bet you could if you ask nice!

Yeah, just checked - here's the web page. Bet that's just a minimum though! Everything is negotiable! (imho that is!)

 

[KSBalto]

When I bought my horn four years ago there was a three day return policy starting once you took receipt of the horn. Not exactly sure what it is now. When you call, see if you can't get it extended for a day or so - bet you could if you ask nice!

Yeah, just checked - here's the web page. Bet that's just a minimum though! Everything is negotiable! (imho that is!)

Ah there it is. Thank you and everyone else who has answered my questions. I can only hope Dave drops by this thread, but failing that I'll just have to call him. I may have a few more questions on here in the future, so please keep an eye out
Thanks again everyone!

 

[CrazeeAyDee]

It took dave a few days to get back to me after leaving several messages. When he did call he took a great deal of time getting to know my requirements and was very open to finding the best solution for my son. The hand made series although a little pricier sounds like the way to go. The antique style alto took my fancy and at $825 looks to be a really good deal. The handmade jazz series was what we setlled on, its the best pro hand made deal he has. If I had not found that Cannonball locally, that was going to be what I got.

antique - http://www.kesslermusic.com/KesslerCustomSax/AltoANE.html

handmade jazz. http://www.kesslermusic.com/KesslerCustomSax/kcahmj/sax.htm

Kessler International Shipping - http://www.kesslermusic.com/html/intshipping.html

 

[Dave Dolson]

Dave Kessler previously admitted that e-mail is not his best feature. Better to telephone, but your Australian location may make that difficult. His horns are players. I've purchased two (a tenor and an alto) and several other saxophone brands and a clarinet from him over the years. Some were shipped, others I picked up at his store.

The tenor is now in my oldest daughter's possession and the alto is a daily player by my now 14-year old grandson (high school jazz band and marching band). He was 11 when I bought it.

During one trip to Kessler's store in Las Vegas, I tried the tone-booster thing (an insert in the neck) and it did nothing for me (but I've been playing for 50+ years). By the way, the horn's finish doesn't matter.

I'd do business with Kessler again. Good products, good service, honest business practices. DAVE

 

[KSBalto]

Thank you CrazeeAyDee, and Dave. It's good to hear personal accounts on the sax, as I wasn't sure going to a Taiwanese instrument quality wise. But from the reviews and performance for price, I just couldnt walk past it. Figuratively speaking
Overnight I've decided to go for either of the handmades, I don't know which one yet, I can't tell the difference between them so a bit more research may be needed.
Thanks again!

 

[CrazeeAyDee]

jazz handmade is not ribbed.

 

[trice]

I also recommend Kessler. I have bought a Yani and other various gear from them with a high level of satisfaction. They are great. But they are not big e-mailers. Just call.

 

[KSBalto]

Dave got back to me over the weekend. I now know what postage I need and a basic price, he was very knowledgable and I will definately buy one of these horns once I have the money in order. Thanks to everyone who helped me out!