Kessler Custom Standard Series Tenor Sax
Dark Lacquer
Standard Series Tenor
Our Standard Series Tenor Sax features the same advanced bore design and wonderfully strong brass that we use on our professional models. They all feature fully ribbed body construction for a richer, more complex tone. Depending on the finish, either Mother of Pearl or Abalone finger touches are standard on Standard Series Tenor Sax models as well as our upgraded case and several professional mouthpiece options. These saxophones posses a great focused and rich tone with great response and intonation!
Why buy a Kessler Custom Standard Series Tenor Sax?
Our Kessler Custom saxophones are the epitome of our philosophy of offering musicians with the highest quality gear at a more affordable price. By dealing directly with our factory rather than dealing with distributors, we are able to keep strict control over the quality of our saxophones and their design, as well as eliminate the typical middle-man markup that is associated with many saxophones on the market today. We sell our Intermediate alto sax directly to customers so that they are getting the best value.
Additional Information
Vintage Dark Lacquer
Our Dark Vintage Style Lacquer is quickly becoming a fan favorite! Designed to emulate the look and feel of 50+ year old lacquer, the dark lacquer is truly unique. It is paired with black cultured pearl finger touches to give a beautiful look that is only matched by the saxophone’s sound!
Other Finishes
Our Standard Series Intermediate Tenor Sax is available in 3 finishes as well as a “Deluxe Series” version that features elaborate hand engraving. These models are all built to the same quality, design and features. The only difference is cosmetic. Does the finish impact the saxophone’s performance? That’s a loaded question and really depends on who you ask… but if you want Dave Kessler’s opinion on the topic, go read his blog post about it by clicking here.
Professional Setup
Every horn we send out to a customer is not released from us unless it has been completely setup in our shop first. This is because the setup on the horn is of the utmost importance! Sometimes, a saxophone (regardless of who the manufacturer or the price point is) comes in needing 20 minutes of adjustments and then the very next one can require 2 hours! So if you were to get 5 of the same model right out of the box, they will all play different which leads people to believe that they are “good” or “bad” saxes… but the reality is that the one that was the best out of the 5 was likely the one that needed the least amount of work and on the flip side, the “bad” sax was the one that needed 2 hours worth of adjustments!
Once the same 5 saxophones are properly regulated and adjusted to perfection, they become near identical saxophones that even the pickiest of players would be challenged to pick a true “favorite” horn. However, since most stores do not or even can not perform this setup, the player never knows this and is simply relying on the luck of the draw. This is why we perform our setup (in our www.SaxophoneRepairs.com ProShop) on them before delivering your new sax to you. You trust us with your purchase and we want to make sure that you are rewarded by giving you your ideal saxophone setup flawlessly!
Bore | Professional French Style Bore |
Body Material | Brass (70% copper) |
Body Construction | Fully Ribbed Body Construction |
Pads | High Quality Leather with Metal Domed Resonators |
Range | Low Bb to High F# |
Finish | Vintage Style Dark Lacquer |
Finger Touches | Black Pearls |
Mouthpiece | Kessler Custom Plastic (upgrades available) |
Ligature | Rico H-Ligature in Gold Plate |
Case | Deluxe Backpacker Case |
Case Upgrade Options
Case Options
Our Kessler Custom Standard Series saxophones comes with a great “trekking-style” case, but maybe you want something a little different. We stock a carefully selected variety of premium cases for your new sax! The best in our opinion are offered from either GL Cases or BAM. So we have made it so that you can upgrade the case on your new sax to one of these other fine cases at a reduced “bundled” price! Options are:
Case Upgrade Options (Click to View)
GL Cases – GLE Series Contoured Case – Upgrade Fee: $100.00
Read more about this case on its product page by clicking here.
BAM SoftPack Case – Upgrade Fee: $270.00
Read more about this case on its product page by clicking here.
BAM Trekking Case – Upgrade Fee: $300.00
Read more about this case on i’s product page by clicking here.
birdtrane_99 –
Initially had a problem with the G# key sticking. Dave recommended a quick swipe of sandpaper (600 grit or finer, sandpaper touching the tonehole, smooth backing against the pad) and viola. This sax plays great. The feel reminds me of a 60’s Naked Lady Conn but with more weight. Perhaps it’s in my head, but the dark lacquer gives it a smoother tone. I’m highly satisfied with this horn. When I get the chance I’ll try one of the “handmade” Kessler’s.
ajkohlhepp0 (verified owner) –
If you are questioning buying this horn do yourself a favor and just do it! I am amazed at how amazing this horn plays. The action is awesome and the keywork is silky smooth!! The natural lacquer gives it a cool jazz vibe, BUT this horn can play it all from funk to straight ahead swing!