Skylark on Kessler Custom Tenor Sax and Mouthpiece
Вставка
- Опубліковано 16 вер 2024
- Here's a short video of me playing a Kessler Custom Tenor Sax with a Kessler Custom mouthpiece (7). No editing on the sound just straight into my Flip video recorder. Recorded April 24, 2010.
Charles,
Joel Frahm here. You sound absolutely fantastic here. What a great tenor tone-- just beautiful, masterful ballad playing. Makes me want to try a Kessler! Or maybe just practice harder! lol Anyway, keep on doing what you're doing. So soulful.
Mr. McNeal, I wanted to tell you that you sound absolutely amazing here. Your tone is pure magic and your lines poetry in motion. I also wanted to thank you for the work you do in making transcriptions of the greats available to the rest of us. You do a tremendous service both in your playing and you've been a great example to spur me on. I just began playing two years ago and eagerly await the day when I'm even in the same neighborhood you are. Thanks again and keep up the great work!
@saxnova Hey Joel...thank you so much for your kind words, it means so much to me. Your sax playing has been an inspiration to me for a number of years and it's humbling to know that you took the time to listen to this video clip... Thanx again, Charles McNeal
I played a Kessler tenor several years ago, and was so impressed by it that I bought one of their sopranos. They are great players, and one of the best values that I've come across.
I'm so impressed with your sound - I just placed an order for you particular sax. Thanks!
This one of the most beautiful versions of this tune I've had the pleasure of listening to. Thank you!
For those interested in the Kessler tenors... I bought the Kessler "hand made Custom" in nickel-silver alloy in Nov 2015 as a "back up horn" for my Mark VI that I bought new in 1966. I have enjoyed playing the horn so much that I rarely play the Mark VI. The only issue I have had is chronic pad sticking. Dave Kessler sent me "pad juice" to clean the pads and tone holes. I am no where near the player you are hearing in Charles McNeal. But if you want to hear me playing the Kessler, go to Lake Martin Saxman. My playing Stars Fell on Alabama is a decent sample of my playing the Kessler. Also, I'll Be Seeing You. All these are recorded with cell phones, so not commercial quality! The mp on the Kessler is a Yani 6 metal.
Tghe best interpretation that I have ever heard. Wonderful.
Beautiful sound, Mr. McNeal!
A lot of people have been asking about Kessler horns on this thread. I own a Kessler Custom Handmade tenor that I picked up used for a bargain price and it's truly an excellent horn. Easily the best ergos of any tenor I've ever played and a very sweet tone, too. I'm actually embarrassed to admit that I prefer it slightly to my Serie III (which is also a wonderful instrument), as well as other horns I've compared it to such as a "purple label" YTS-62, King Super 20, Buffet SDA, Martin "The Martin", and even a Mark VI! It's not supposed to be that good, but what can I say? It is what it is. Of course, YMMV.
theantiantihero what is a good bargain price as you said for this horn? Looking to maybe save money by buying this tenor as my first sax. See one offered privately locally (CT) for $700. How's that sound? Thanks
If it's the "Custom Handmade" model, which is the one I'm familiar with, that's a steal, as those go for $2,100 new and are really nice instruments. I haven't played any of the other models in the Kessler line and there are several. However, based on my experience with my horn, I'd be inclined to give their other offerings the benefit of the doubt.
If the horn is in good playing condition and you like it, $700 is not a lot of money to pay for a tenor sax and you could certainly do a lot worse.
I own two Kessler saxophones: One sax I purchased directly from Kessler, the "custom performance" or standard line of soprano saxophones (in this case, the curved model). The other Kessler sax I own is a straight soprano from the "Hand Made" line, and purchased second hand. For the money, they are good value saxophones.
Killin' it Charles! Nice sound.
sounds great! i really like the sound of that mouthpiece!
Nice ideas; you have a very nice way of connecting phrases smoothly which is actually something I'm working on. I like how you play "Parkeresque" ideas on the head but still keep the melody in mind.
@56Mikew Definitely, I grew up playing Blues and R&B, that influence is always there. Thanx for checking out the video.
Have listened to a couple of your experiments with horns and mouthpieces. I really like this set up. Real tradition here but I hear how you could push it for a more R&B sound if needed.
@FearTheBeans - yeah, that NYSS is a jazz piece, just check the lefthand menu on his site and you'll find the page dedicated to descriptions of the various mouthpieces. The joint you got actually comes with the Handmade Jazz Alto he has, which is supposed to be real nice, so you must have a pretty decent piece.
Hank Mobley!:))))
Nice,very Nice!
Nice playing my man! TL
@IndelibLee Yes. I did get the handmade alto, and it plays real sweet and smooth.
This is a lovely version of a grand song. Some exceptionally nice runs. Are you the Charles McNeal who also does the website? If so, thanks for all you do.
Hi: I realize it's six years since you made this video so i hope your able to answer my questions? First off is the tenor a custom or the custom hand built? I love the engraving on the bell and you sound awesome. How is the horn holding up six years later?
Thank You
Hey Sirvalorsax...this isn't the handmade one (that came out after I had bought this one). My Kessler is a very good horn, not as heavy as a few of my other horns but good construction. I would definitely like to try the Handmade model so that I can compare the 2. Never tried a Cannonball horn either but I'm always interested in finding back-up horns. I own a GREAT Mark IV but I don't travel/tour with it anymore the airline can really be a drag these days.
Damn nice tone!! I'm in the market for a new tenor. Is this the Handmade model???
How heavy is this horn???? I'm selling my Cannonball Hotspur because it weighs a ton.
Fearthebeans, he should have gave you two mouth pieces, I believe the NYSS is a Jazz and the other classical. but anything that says New York Shank is prob. a Jazz mouth piece. And they are very good. I play on mine sometimes.
How has the durability been now that you've had this axe for a while Mr. McNeal? I am thinking of getting a Custom "Handmade" and know that all of these horns are pretty much "handmade" in the same factories or at least within the same neighborhood of each other in Taiwan. Dead giveaways are the neck joint mechanisms, the C/Eb key build, other little stuff. Just wanting to make sure this one holds up to gigging. Thanks man.
Hey man, I had one of these for 4 whole years and it's the one that Mr. McNeal is playing here. I recently upgraded about 6 months ago to a selmer reference 36 but use the Kessler neck. The octave mechanism is very wobbly and the screws Coke out of the Kessler very easy. It's a great sounding horn and very free blowing. If I were you, I'd spend the money on a down payment for a more well made horn and that will make you spend less money over all
Your sound is beautiful and your playing is superb! Is your middle name bird? Which Kessler model is this considered these days?
It is the Kessler Custom Deluxe Handmade Tenor Saxaphone
Have you played the sopraanos from kessler???
Hi, would you recommend saxophones made by Kessler?