So i was only able to play test the saxophone.com tenor (the Kessler was not local) and i have to say this is a VERY impressive horn for what i need/want...and so i bought it!
Link to what i got...
https://saxophone.com/store#!/Saxop...-Model-TS85-642UP/p/17092920/category=3612520
First of all, it is built extremely well! The horn is two years old, not very used at all by the clarinetist i bought it from (he went to alto, as he said the tenor was 'too heavy'?>> i guess when used to a clarinet...).
Of course i would love to say i own a Selmer Mark IV or an Yani but i honestly don't need that level of horn as i only play at home for fun. I am a trumpet player who just can't practice as much any more and wanted an instrument with a bit more leeway, and sax has done that. The bari is fun for funky, punchy things but the tenor lets me play all my trumpet music (mostly NOLA stuff is what i like) and get lots of melodic enjoyment.
I am sooooo impressed by everything about this saxophone.com tenor, it is built much much better than my Jupiter bari, the case is fantastic, everything just great quality.
This is a raw red brass model and is stunningly vintage.
I collect vintage trumpets and love the old build quality, this sax reminds me of that level. My ear isn't good enough (nor am i to do enough about) pitch across the sax, but its honestly better than i need.
Kudos to Garrett for designing such wonderful instruments!
Btw, the guy i got it from has a saxontheweb.com alto that is essentially brand new. He bought it, and his dad passed and left him his Selmer! It has less than 6 months spotted play time. He's asking $500. I would have snagged it if i thought i would have been let back in my house (which i would have after my wife hit me over the head with hit i guess). Anyway, its amazing, located in Queens, if anyone is interested.
So now the question of the hour....i need a GOOD mpc for the tenor without going nuts.
For Bari i play a Jody Jazz 7, soon to be a Durga 3 just because, but don't want to spend anywhere near either of those for tenor but need something other than the crummy Yamaha 5C i bought by default just to get going.
Any suggestions? Selmer 80C?
Thanks to all for advice!