Inspirada
Sloan Canyon
Springs
St Rose
Kessler Custom by Theo Wanne Jazz Alto Sax Mouthpiece
$159.99
Kessler Custom by Theo Wanne Mouthpieces
Jazz Alto Sax Mouthpiece – “NY Short Shank”
We have worked with Theo for long time and have always wanted to do a collaboration mouthpiece, but the concept of high performance at an affordable price is paramount to our Kessler Custom branding. While Theo’s mouthpieces are truly on a different level than the rest, they also sat at the upper echelon in price! That all changed in late 2024 with the Theo Wanne Essentials Series of mouthpieces. This new line of mouthpiece from Theo brings incredible quality and affordability. That’s when we realized that it was time for the Kessler Custom by Theo Wanne mouthpiece line to finally come to life! Introducing the Kessler Custom by Theo Wanne Jazz Alto Sax Mouthpiece!
We worked with Theo and his team to create this new model. This is not just a standard Essentials Series model rebranded, but a unique model based around a New York Meyer’s performance concept and made for the modern player. This model will also replace our previous best selling Kessler Custom “New York Short Shank” hard rubber model alto sax mouthpiece. So to honor that model, we are keeping with the Short Shank concept in the new model moving forward.
Kessler / Wanne Facing
This is not a “Meyer Copy”. That’s been done many times over… even Meyer is doing a great job with it on their own “New York” alto sax models in production.
Instead, this is a facing, baffle and chamber that are designed to bring in the performance principles from the original vintage New York Meyer Bros, adapted to modern manufacturing and market concepts (like synthetic reeds – don’t worry, it works great with cane too). This is similar to the “NY Bros” model that Theo offers as well, but still a bit different. The end result is an affordable performance jazz alto sax mouthpiece with great tonal body and warmth that is combined with a free-blowing, easy response.
Available in 3 facing options:
-
- NY5: .071″
- NY6: .076″
- NY7: .081″
Ligature Bundle
Your ligature makes a big difference in performance. So it is important to us that you get the right ligature for your new mouthpiece to fit your desired performance. We offer 3 ligature bundle options with the mouthpiece:
- Rovner Dark Ligature
Due to the perfectly flat table (instead of a concave table), the Rovner Dark ligature works really well with the mouthpiece to produce a mellow, but responsive tone. Additionally, customers can find that inverting the Rovner ligature (placing the screw on the reed side of the mouthpiece) can actually add a little richer tonal core to the setup as well. So if you test and don’t love the ligature with the screw on top, then simply flip it around and test it out with the screw on the reed side. Trust us, it works! - D’Addario H-Ligature
If you prefer the quickest response, the D’Addario H-Ligature is a great option for performance. An inverted metal ligature, 24k Gold plated, these offer minimal reed contact for as much vibration as possible. The only draw-back to the H-Ligature is that it can scuff / scratch the mouthpiece’s textured exterior. So if you choose the H-Ligature, make sure to be careful not to damage the mouthpiece during testing. - Rovner VERSA-X
Based on the heavy mass concept of the original VERSA model, the VERSA-X offers a dark, rich tonal core with exceptional response and versatility. The X model integrates the “Mass Loaded Resonating Ribs” into the ligature to simplify its use. The original VERSA model allows for the customer to change out how much weight is present, but those weights can fall out… so the VERSA-X model eliminates that issue. - No Ligature
You can also opt for no ligature if you prefer at a small discount.
Additional Information
Reed Preference
This mouthpiece is pretty reed friendly thanks to the quality of Theo’s manufacturing. We do find that if you are using cane reeds, that a thicker hearted / thicker vamp cut works better than a thinner cut. Synthetics also work VERY well with the design due to the perfectly flat table. This helps to eliminate some of the “buzz” that some mouthpieces get from synthetic reeds.
Cane Reed Recommendations:
- Vandoren: V16, ZZ, Traditional
- D’Addario: Jazz Select, Reserve, Hemke, Plasticover
Synthetic Reed Recommendations:
- Legere: American Cut & Signature Cut
- Vandoren: VK7 Jazz Cut
- D’Addario VENN (Gen 2) and Fibracell also work well
Quality and Innovation:
- Crafted side-by-side with Theo’s SIGNATURE mouthpieces at their factory in Bellingham, USA
- Made with a proprietary, industry-first, Additive Manufacturing Process (A.M.P.™).
- The material is a proprietary bio-safe polymer, producing an incredible resonance and has a similar density and weight to vintage hard rubber.
- Quality control is held to the same high standard as the top end SIGNATURE models.
- Exceptional consistency from piece to piece… no more searching for a “good one”.
- Advanced Technology: Designed by Foremost Expert Theo Wanne: these are most consistent, advanced, and high-quality saxophone mouthpieces ever made.
- Made In USA: Theo Wanne is known for making the world’s best mouthpieces, and many of the top saxophone players play his designs. They are manufactured using only the best materials and the most advanced machining.
Trial Policy
Kessler & Sons Music offers a 3 day trial / return policy by default on instruments and mouthpieces (excludes special order sizes). There are no cleaning fees or restocking fees (assuming that the item is returned in proper condition).
Please read our terms & conditions (link at the bottom of the page) for full details on this policy.
Related products
