Today, I will be reviewing the brand new and surprisingly affordable Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece made by Kessler & Sons music in Las Vegas in collaboration with Theo Wanne. Dave Kessler of Kessler & Sons Music reached out to me in August asking if I would be interested in reviewing his new line of custom saxophone mouthpieces that he had designed and made in collaboration with Theo Wanne. Unfortunately, at the time, I couldn’t commit to reviewing them, but now, five months later, I am excited to try these new Kessler Custom saxophone mouthpieces. Dave Kessler sent me a Kessler Custom 7* tenor saxophone mouthpiece, a Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece and a Kessler Custom 7 soprano saxophone mouthpiece to try out.
Kessler Custom NY7 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece by Theo Wanne
Here is some information about the Kessler Custom saxophone mouthpieces from the Kessler & Sons website:
Our Kessler Custom brand launched in 2005 in order to provide musicians with high quality, affordable performance instruments and accessories. Theo Wanne Mouthpieces are considered the highest quality and performance sax mouthpieces ever made. So as part of our Kessler Custom brand’s 20th anniversary in 2025, we reached out to Theo’s team to develop a new line of Kessler Custom saxophone mouthpieces to meet the needs of musicians while still offering exception value. That’s how the Kessler Custom by Theo Wanne mouthpiece line was born!
Built on Theo’s exceptional “Additive Manufacturing Process” or “A.M.P.”, which is similar to the concept of 3D Printing, but at a much higher quality level / resolution, these mouthpieces offer the most exceptional value (in our biased opinion) available on the market today. This isn’t your basic 3D printed mouthpiece – these are mouthpieces that rival CNC manufacturing at a fraction of the cost!
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. - 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
- D’Addario VENN (Gen 2) and Fibracell also work well
Kessler Custom NY7 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece by Theo Wanne
The Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece was shipped well packaged and protected. The mouthpiece comes in a Kessler & Sons designed box with stylish printing on it with all the details of the mouthpiece inside. Inside the box, the Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece is wrapped in a soft white material to protect it during shipping. The ligature (four choices listed above to choose from: Rovner Dark, Rovner Versa-X, D’Addario H Ligature and no ligature) and cap you select is included in the box with the mouthpiece.
Kessler Custom NY7 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Box
The Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece I received came with a Rovner Versa-X ligature and mouthpiece cap. Due to the fact that I am only reviewing the mouthpiece, I decided to not use the Rovner Vera-X ligature provided but instead used a Vandoren Optimum alto saxophone ligature that I have used on many other hard rubber alto sax mouthpiece reviews just to keep the variables constant from review to review. Although, I sometimes use other ligatures in my reviews, I tend to try using ligatures that I don’t feel change or impact the tone too much unless I have to. (*I will try the Rovner Versa-X later and add to the review if I find the Versa-X makes a huge difference…..)
The Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece is similar in size to a standard hard rubber alto saxophone mouthpiece like a hard rubber Meyer and all the ligatures that fit a standard hard rubber Meyer sized mouthpiece should work on the Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece.
Kessler Custom NY7 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece by Theo Wanne
The Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece material is the same black AMP material that the Theo Wanne Essentials saxophone mouthpiece line are made of. In the description of the AMP material, it is describes as a “proprietary bio-safe polymer”. Regardless of the materials name, the material the Kessler Custom mouthpieces are made of looks and feels solid and stable. Theo describes the material as having a similar weight and density when compared to hard rubber.
On the body of the mouthpiece is engraved “Kessler Custom by Theo Wanne” on the top of the mouthpiece body. Beneath the table on the shank of the mouthpiece is engraved “NY7”. This 7 tip opening equates to a .081 tip opening.
Kessler Custom NY7 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece by Theo Wanne
The Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece tip, rails, baffle, table and chamber all look well crafted, symmetrical and even. The side rails and tip rails are precise and thin near the tip. The table looks flat, even and well made although the reed does hang off the rear of the table slightly. The tip rail curve lines up perfectly with the BSS (Boston Sax Shop) alto saxophone reeds I tried on it.
The Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece has what I would describe as a medium three stage baffle that you can see clearly in the photo below. The first stage of the baffle travels about 3/8ths of an inch from the tip where it rolls over slightly to the second stage of the baffle. The second stage descends at a greater angle for another 5/8ths of an inch. The last stage of the baffle has a line right before the entrance to the chamber. After this line the chamber floor is scooped out to make the chamber floor lower than the floor of the bore.
I would describe the chamber as a medium to medium-large chamber. When I hold the Kessler Custom NY7 mouthpiece next to my Meyer Brothers NY alto mouthpiece (new version), the chamber of the Kessler Custom NY 7 looks a little larger in size to the Meyer chamber with the exception that the chamber floor is a bit higher than the Meyer mouthpiece. Taking into account those differences, I am not sure if the total chamber volume of the Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece equates to a medium chamber like the Meyer or perhaps a little larger like a medium-large chamber.
The sidewalls are scooped out slightly (not as much as on the Kessler Custom tenor sax mouthpiece I just reviewed) for almost the whole length of the sidewalls distance from the tip to the chamber entrance. The bottom of the chamber floor is scooped out smoothly so that the chamber floor is slightly lower than the bore of the mouthpiece. The roof of the chamber is nice and thin under the mouthpiece table (much thinner than on my Meyer alto saxophone mouthpieces).
Kessler Custom NY7 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece by Theo Wanne
The Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece played great with a variety of reeds and passed the suction test with every alto saxophone reed that I tried on it. I gravitated to the strength #3 reeds which in my opinion were the perfect strength on the Kessler Custom alto saxophone mouthpiece. I ended up recording with a Boston Sax Shop #3 Silver Label alto saxophone reed which I think paired perfectly with the Kessler Custom alto sax mouthpiece.
The Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece had what I would describe as a tone that sat on the brighter side of the dark to bright alto saxophone tone spectrum. The tone seemed strong and focused sounding while the tone sounded large, fat and round.
The Kessler Custom NY7 had a perfect amount of resistance to blow against which I really loved as it makes the mouthpieces response while playing so much more expressive and immediate. I felt like I was blowing against something (the good resistance) which allowed my air stream to easily manipulate and shape the sound that I was imagining in my head. This expressive quality can be heard in the vibrato, bends and the expressive dynamics I could easily produce while playing.
The Kessler Custom NY7 also had a great high register that reminded me of the descriptive I use sometimes when I feel the upper range of the saxophone’s tone is beautiful and lyrical. I call it a “singing” quality. I describe it as a quality that is very resonant, full and exciting sounding. It’s like when you hear a great singer hold a note and you get goosebumps because the sound you are hearing is so amazing and emotive.
There were times when I was playing the Kessler Custom NY7 where I thought the tone reminded me of Paul Desmond, and other times it was Cannonball or Phil Woods. This shows me that the Kessler Custom NY7 is very moldable to the players sound intentions and can be steered in a multitude of directions musically.
Kessler Custom NY7 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece by Theo Wanne
The intonation of the Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece was excellent on my Selmer Reference 54 alto saxophone. All the notes seemed in-tune without any major adjustments needed on my part to tame the intonation of any notes.
The Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece had a good amount of power and volume available to it. I would rate it as a 8 on my 1-10 volume scale for alto saxophone mouthpieces. My impression, is that when compared to a typical hard rubber Meyer alto saxophone mouthpiece, the Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece has more of a focused power and brightness to it than many of the Meyer alto saxophone mouthpieces I have played. That being said, I have played a few Meyer alto saxophone mouthpieces that could be incredibly powerful and bright as well but those were the exceptions.
The Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece performed great in the altissimo range of the saxophone and the low notes were easy to play and nice and fat sounding. The low notes could be sub-toned easily to produce a beautiful lush sound down low. The notes could be easy manipulated and shaped to be expressive and bluesy sounding.
The articulation was clean and crisp and the Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece performed well on fast jazz lines while applying articulation.
Kessler Custom NY7 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece by Theo Wanne
On the sound clips below, I try to give a good range and variety of alto saxophone sounds and textures so that you can hear how the Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece performs in different styles. I demonstrate the sound of the Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece with all my usual lines and melodies so if you want to compare it to my other alto saxophone mouthpiece sound clips and reviews, you should be able to find many of the same lines to compare this sound clip to.
The first sound clip is recorded with some reverb added on a BSS (Boston Sax Shop) #3 silver label alto saxophone reed. I put this sound clip with reverb first just because I love the sound of this mouthpiece with reverb added so much. The reverb seems to fatten up the natural brightness of the alto saxophone.
The second sound clip is the same as the first clip with no reverb added to the mix. It is a “dry” recording meaning no effects have been added at all. I like to always include a dry recording so that you can hear how the mouthpiece sounds with no reverb added to the clip.
The third sound clip is of some bluesy lines and a little bit of altissimo with some reverb added so you can hear how the mouthpiece sounds in that range of the saxophone with reverb. I am using the same BSS #3 silver label alto saxophone reed for all the sound clips.
The fourth sound clip is a clip of me playing the simple melody of “When I Fall in Love” with reverb added.
Kessler Custom NY7 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece by Theo Wanne
In my opinion, the Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece is a fabulous budget friendly alto saxophone mouthpiece for those looking for an alto mouthpiece that delivers a medium bright and powerful tone that can be expressive and beautiful. The Kessler Custom NY7 is a great mouthpiece choice for a section player, lead alto player or jazz soloist. The Kessler Custom alto saxophone mouthpiece is a great affordable choice for jazz, big band, small group settings or contemporary music. This is a great alto saxophone mouthpiece choice for any professional or student who needs an alto sax mouthpiece that can take them a step closer to sounding like some of the alto saxophone greats throughout history whether it be Desmond, Cannonball, Stitt, Bird or Phil Woods.
I am very impressed with the unique design of the Kessler Custom NY7 by Theo Wanne and give props to Dave Kessler and Theo Wanne for creating a different alto sax mouthpiece design that allows the player to arrive at a sound and experience like the sound and resonance of a great playing NY Meyer or Meyer Brothers alto saxophone mouthpiece.
Kessler & Sons and Theo Wanne and his team have done a terrific job designing a versatile alto saxophone mouthpiece perfect for jazz alto saxophonists while still being relatively affordable compared to most of the other options out on the market today. Dave Kessler tells me that these new Kessler Custom saxophone mouthpieces are included as stock saxophone mouthpieces with all the Kessler Custom saxophones they sell and that many customers have been very happy with the pairing of these excellent Kessler Custom mouthpieces included with their saxophones.
If you like the sound and look of the Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece by Kessler & Sons Music and Theo Wanne, you can find them at the Kessler & Sons Music website.
If you are lucky enough to play a Kessler Custom NY7 alto saxophone mouthpiece or have any other thoughts or comments, I would love to hear what you think in the comments below. Thanks, Steve
Kessler Custom NY7 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece by Theo Wanne with BSS #3 Silver Label Reed
Kessler Custom NY7 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece by Theo Wanne – Reverb Added-BSS (Boston Sax Shop) #3 Silver Label Reed
Kessler Custom NY7 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece by Theo Wanne – Same Clip as Above with No Reverb Added-BSS (Boston Sax Shop) #3 Silver Label Reed
Kessler Custom NY7 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece by Theo Wanne – Bluesy Lines with Reverb Added – BSS (Boston Sax Shop) #3 Silver Label Reed
Kessler Custom NY7 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece by Theo Wanne – When I Fall in Love Melody with Reverb Added – BSS (Boston Sax Shop) #3 Silver Label Reed
Excellent review as always. Eager to hear what you think when you try the Versa-X with it – I personally think it helps fatten up the sound a little more.
Thanks, Dave. It’s funny you write that about the Rovner Versa-X ligature. About the same time you wrote that comment I was working on the Kessler Custom soprano mouthpiece review and writing that I used the Rovner Versa-X on it because it seemed to make the tone bigger and fatter on the soprano. I will definitely try the mouthpieces with the Versa-X after experiencing it’s effect on the soprano mouthpiece. I’ll add to the reviews when I do. These are great mouthpieces! Thanks again for letting me try them!