Kessler & Sons Music

Ordered a horn, a neck, and a mouthpiece from Kessler Music, all were delivered in great condition, quickly. Love doing business with these guys.

We have bought instruments for both of our kids at Kessler and Sons. Patrick and Jackie all have been so knowledgeable, not just in regards to instruments, but also steering us in the right direction for private lessons. They are so willing to help and answer any questions, and they are so trustworthy, and sell us only what we need. As beginners, we were thrilled to find such a trustworthy store that really cares about their customers/​students! We also take private lessons at Kessler … And LOVE our teacher!

When you take your instrument in to a music store and they charge you 100 $ for repairs you would expect it to be in better condition then when you it. Not here. The spit valve fell off as soon as we got it fixed and the slide is more sticky now. They barely listen to what you are telling them and they try to charge you for things you don’t want fixed. Just go to Sam Ash or family music where they have actual repair techs. Total fail

I contacted Dave and Chuck in November about purchasing a custom order flute that I was interested in. I was a bit annoyed that I was being talked to like I was a student needing their unsolicited guidance on what features I needed on an instrument and what not to order but after all, the majority of their sales I imagine are to young students needing guidance. Finally after a lot of chatter (and a couple weeks later and communication was jumbled between Dave and Chuck), Dave offered to order two of the instruments I wanted custom and offered me a great price I simply couldn’t turn down.
He told me that he would get the instruments in by Christmas. Christmas went by and I heard nothing. Finally at the very end of December he sends me an email. Unfortunately by this time I had gotten pretty severely sick and the first five weeks of the new year were very unpleasant and I was in no condition to play and then I slipped and needed some unpleasant and very expensive dental surgery (not covered in insurance).
I made it a priority to recover both physically and financially in order to hold my agreement with Kessler. Starting Monday, I tried calling Dave to purchase a flute and have both sent out to me for trial. No response. Then the same two more times during the week. Finally I got a response from Dave:
As confirmed by an employee, neither of the custom instruments ordered for me had been sold and they were both in stock so when talking to Dave today, I thought he would have been glad to hear from me as I was going to purchase the flute.
I was ASTOUNDED when he told me that he wouldn’t send the instruments to me because someone had walked into the store that he knew that was on the fence about buying one of the instruments on Wednesday. He told me that he would let her have the pick of the instruments she preferred if she was going to buy and then he could send me what was left over and if she didn’t purchase, then I could try both next week. I made sure to have him repeat this several times to make sure I understood clearly. I told him that I was ready to make payment on an instrument immediately (no being on the fence at all) and he refused to send them to me for selection. Keep in mind that these instruments were custom ordered for me to begin with and I had started contacting him again before his walk in had expressed any interest. I told him that I found this to be completely unacceptable and incredibly disrespectful as well. I also made it clear after his decision was final that I would relay my experience with him.
I’ve had amazing experiences ordering from Weiner Music and Muncy Winds. I wasn’t a difficult customer. Being sick at the new year with fresh deductibles set me back and despite that, I was able to raise the several thousands of dollars to keep my agreement and word which means a lot to me, with Kessler Music. Kessler Music clearly doesn’t value their word and honor nearly as much.
Do business with them if you’d like. But there are clearly risks. I’ll be looking for an instrument elsewhere.

went to this store because my grandson needed reeds for his instrument. he had a card from his high school that gave him a 45% discount. after the discount, the box of vandoren contra bass reeds was 52.25 before taxes. I was stunned. I immediately went home and got on my computer and checked out amazon and found the same box for 46.00, without a discount. they must raise the prices to reflect the discount. I won’t be buying them there again.

1^st week of school & I need to rent an instrument. I’m not mad that it took 45 min. I was uncomfortable with receiving incorrect information on pricing. After signing a 1 yr contract I asked the cashier to please go over the renting information with certain employee. She pauses gives me a look and answers rudely «I’ve been renting instruments for so amount of years.» I’m baffled and reply «No need to get defensive I’m simply pointing out that the information being given is not correct and that it should be corrected. She (cashier: short hispanic girl) continues to argue, and gives me my things. She moves on to help the next person and doesn’t even say thank you. :/​You would think they would try to be nice or at least pretend, after you just spent hundreds of dollars.

After significant internet research, I decided to buy a Kessler alto saxophone, but could not decide what to buy. I called and talked to Chuck Kessler. He was very friendly and knowledgeable and helped me with my decision. He took my order over the phone. The sax arrived when he said it would arrive and I am very happy with my choice and with my experience with Kessler Music.

We were visiting the area for vacation when my son spotted this store. We went in without any intent to purchase, to just look around. 2 hours later, as my preteen son tried every violin in the shop, the staff was still very friendly and patient with us. In the end we made a purchase for a more advanced violin with coda bow and outfit and one happy kid as we made our way back to Northern CA with it.
Later research showed we got a fair deal on a great sounding violin, very durable case, and upgraded bow. Two years later, he’s still playing on it happily.

Initial impressions are good for this place. We arrived around 2pm on a Saturday. The store is slightly small, but has plenty of items and knowledgeable staff. I really just needed a couple clarinet reeds, and ended up with a map to their repair shop (for reference) and a beginner book for clarinet.
The staff are friendly and welcoming and didn’t try to upsell or change my mind about anything. Overall, a good experience and the kind of music store I’ve been looking for for a while. This will definitely be my «go to» place.
And, they also had lessons going on in the back.

I’m not a musician. I just play one on the internets.
I’ve known about Kessler & Sons for more than a decade. We used to shop at their stores when my brother played alto sax in middle school. They’ve moved locations quite a bit, but their top notch friendly service is intact.
I recently visited this location to purchase a reed for my brother’s alto sax. The guy behind the counter understood my complete newb-​ness and offered some great information and advice.
I’m still not a musician. But if you are more musically inclined, definitely stop by and visit K&S.

Real Quick — Professional, efficient and really cool.
1. Knowledge — The staff here know it all and know it for the basic musician parents we all are.
2. Sales — They will not oversell you on something you don’t really need, unless you really want to pay it ou t.
3. Fair — Rental payments go toward full retail price of new equipment.
4. Prices — Reasonable
5. Quality — So far, so good. Gotta love it.
The staff sell from a customer service, technical point of view. Many parents come in from a «emotional» point of view, the best for my kids, buy the best, rent the best. The staff here will set you straight, or let you make emotional decisions if this makes you happy.
Go here, very good and very relaxed!

Luv these guys for their service and passion for the industry. Having purchased many instruments from them both in the shop and through the mail, I find their selection to be top drawers, their prep of a new horn to be the best in the business, and the speed at which they accomplish this, astonishing. I send all my musician friends here.

I came in on short notice and saw one of the owners, Dave. He is very knowledgeable about flutes and gave me a free appraisal. He never rushed and talked me through my flutes’ histories. He also talked to me about various brands, quality, and sound. I learned a lot and also got great free service. They carry beautiful instruments and provide lessons too. I would return and recommend.