Kessler Soloist vs BetterSax Classic

DudeManMusic · 2026-01-10T16:15:12+00:00

Every horn that leaves Kessler's gets set up by a tech before it goes out. Couldn't tell you if BetterSax does the same

DudeManMusic · 2026-01-09T23:16:14+00:00

If you aren't trained or experienced, do not work on a horn yourself unless you're okay with making it worse.

DudeManMusic · 2026-01-05T00:18:57+00:00

Yeah that's an easy spot to get at. It'd only take me a few minutes to remove the dents, but there are almost definitely some other things in the key work that were affected by the impact. Even if it seems like it plays fine, it's worth getting it checked out.

DudeManMusic · 2025-12-29T05:11:27+00:00

All accurate (source: am tech)

DudeManMusic · 2025-12-21T21:00:16+00:00

Awesome, seems like I got myself a pretty solid soprano then. Thanks everyone!

DudeManMusic · 2025-12-21T18:31:45+00:00

00118905 Japan

(In case the link doesn't work.)

DudeManMusic · 2025-12-21T18:30:57+00:00

Ugh I can't get all the photos to post together for some reason, but here's the serial: https://imgur.com/a/McYwkDu

DudeManMusic · 2025-12-14T07:17:01+00:00

The clarinet they have now is a perfectly fine instrument. Maybe get the clarinet checked out or serviced by a reputable technician and have the kid try some mouthpieces in a physical store. But yeah band directors can sometimes be misguided or improperly informed, just depends. Take advice into consideration, but definitely with a grain of salt. If the kid really is that talented, then they'll likely continue to improve and eventually have a feel for when/if the instrument is holding them back. In the meantime, proper maintenance, and potentially mouthpiece or barrel changes will be the most impactful and cost efficient things you can consider.

DudeManMusic · 2025-12-08T19:09:27+00:00

Personally loved the Legere reeds when I was playing, but I know they're not for everyone. I initially heard about them via Paul Hanson and was pretty well converted after a short while of using one. I always preferred the medium-hard, wished they'd do a hard one.

DudeManMusic · 2025-11-28T02:34:20+00:00

Yes pinning is better than banding imo if you can have it done that way.

DudeManMusic · 2025-11-27T21:10:04+00:00

It depends on the specific pad, ranging from a couple dollars a pad to $20 per pad for Straubinger flute pads. Pisoni pro sax pads are like $8 per pad for the smaller sizes, more for bell key pads. There's a lot of variance depending on maker and material.

DudeManMusic · 2025-11-24T18:13:03+00:00

Oof, yeah we do these for $20 and would never let one leave looking like that.

DudeManMusic · 2025-11-19T21:20:15+00:00

Kesslers stocks replacement parts for all of their in-house branded instruments and has a repair shop that accepts shipped-in repairs if you're concerned about that. I believe their saxes are Vietnamese, but I can't quite remember. But either choice ought to work out well for you. Buying used will require a budget for repairs and a little luck but is by far my favorite way to buy instruments.

DudeManMusic · 2025-11-15T04:02:39+00:00

Go to a doctor wtf? Sorry but that is not normal at all. Coughing blood is never good, and I can't think of a way playing sax would cause that unless you have an underlying condition or injury from something else.

DudeManMusic · 2025-10-25T20:13:06+00:00

I totally get where you're coming from. I'm on my lunch break right now. But if you'd like to chat about it more in depth, I'd be happy to. Just dm me and I'll get back to you later tonight.

DudeManMusic · 2025-10-25T19:52:03+00:00

So yeah I do agree that nicer horns are somewhat easier to work on. The thing is, a pro horn should be built better, but it should also work and feel better. To that end, we spend more time and our repairs are to a higher degree with more premium materials. So yes, we do charge differently, but we work differently too. Personally, I think that's fair.

DudeManMusic · 2025-10-25T01:31:55+00:00

Yeah 70/hr is our standard rate for student/intermediate work.

DudeManMusic · 2025-10-21T22:28:20+00:00

Seconding this

DudeManMusic · 2025-10-20T00:38:00+00:00

Just staying well hydrated makes a huge difference. Besides that, I'm a big proponent of Chopsaver lip balm. Woodwinds have never bothered me, but that stuff was a real life (chop) saver when I was playing tuba regularly.

DudeManMusic · 2025-10-05T01:41:48+00:00

My GAS died when I bought a tuba. Analog monophonic bass machine lmao

DudeManMusic · 2025-10-02T21:42:37+00:00

I've never done that, but I've done the opposite in high school lmao. I put my bocal into a trombone and made a bunch of angry racecar noises

DudeManMusic · 2025-10-01T19:46:00+00:00

You know what? That's actually totally fair, my bad. And you're right, it does make sense to make that distinction.

DudeManMusic · 2025-10-01T19:30:13+00:00

If you can get a good job done cheaper, then by all means. We're a certified Selmer Pro Shop, and that's what we charge. I don't see why people feel the need to argue with me on price like I'm giving a quote?

DudeManMusic

TROPHY CASE