[limescout]

Hello,
I'm looking for a new step-up horn and I'm having a hard time deciding what to get. There are only a couple music stores in my area so the options are pretty limited in terms of actually getting to sit down and play before I make my choice. This leads me to my other question.

I've been considering several horns available online from wwbw and kessler music (both apparently have good reputations according to my research here on sotw.) Specifically, the antigua 3220 alto and the kessler custom standard model alto. What can I use to compare these two saxophones. Is one really better for me than the other? Or are they fairly simmilar and it just comes down to preference? I don't really know how to compare horns other than their price, and playing (which I can't guage online).

 

[ericdano]

Wwbw will ship both horns out to you to try and you can send the one you don't want back minus the shipping.

There really is no way to compare them. You need to try them.

 

[Dave Dolson]

I didn't know WW&BW was selling Kessler's house-brand saxophones. When did that start?

You could always go to Kessler's store and play one for yourself. Since you didn't say anything about where you live, I'll just assume you live in Las Vegas (that's as good of a guess as any . . .). DAVE

 

[Dr G]

Wwbw will ship both horns out to you to try and you can send the one you don't want back minus the shipping.

Does WWBW carry Kessler?

 

[limescout]

Sorry, I should have clarified. WwBw doesn't carry kessler horns, I read about them on the forums / kessler site / listened to samples. I guess I got the answer I was expecting, which was that play-testing is the only way. I guess it seems like, with all of the instruments available online, there must be some way to choose a good one over a bad one. I live on the east coast btw, so I can't visit Mr. Kessler's store unfortunately.
I'll expand my shopping radius and give wwbw a call Thanks.

 

[Dr G]

Yes, I was responding to Eric's comment.

Check the Sax vs Sax forum and raise the question there regarding those specific horns - there may already be a comparo.

For a given price point, I'd go with the shop that has a reputation of the better set up - in this case the nod would go to Kessler.

I'd also look at Viking (Rich Maraday was recently offering sales of the Vikings), MacSax, and Barone.

 

[JayeLID]

Well...what do the stores in your area carry ? Have you tried all of 'em ? Or just the ones which were tagged within your budget ?

You see, in situations such as yours I usually suggest just going into a local shop and playing as many as possible...ignore the pricetags completely because if you like a particular model, you can likely find it (used or new) online for cheaper.

 

[windman53]

It is in deed a hard choice that kessler has both of the hron in store. I would agree with most of the people say try both of them out than you can make a decision.

It is because No matter what, you are the one who is going to pay for it and play it. So you shoudl really try to get a test play on both of the good horns.

Everyone is different that is why you need to choose what works the best for you