A special sub-collection of instruments produced in the Netherlands. This particular alto saxophone is very special to me: it was gifted to me by none other than Dulf Schenkelaars, son of the founder of the company.
Over the years, I have collected quite some original Adolphe Sax instruments. This baritone I purchased from a fabric dealer in Paris.
Have a look at some innovations on the saxophone and saxophone-inspired toys.
Who made these instruments? There are some mysteries in my collection. For some I simply cannot remember where I bought them, others have no identifying marks.
Though many old instruments are great even today, this Hanken tenor from around 1880 was never of great quality.
![A photograph of a Kessels employee testing a saxophone.](https://saxophonemuseum.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/4-testen-eines-Kessels-Saxophons-768x975.jpg)
Background stories
I’ve spent years researching various aspects of the saxophone and its history.
As I am based in Tilburg, NL, this is where I started: learn about the Kessels saxophones and the early introduction of the saxophone in the Netherlands. Over time, you can expect to find more of these stories on this site.
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I am 100% sincere when I say this website is extremely dear to me, and I am so happy I am finally able to share years and years of research publicly. However, to keep this space running smoothly and to continue gathering and sharing information, the website relies on the generosity of visitors like you.
Your donations contribute directly to website maintenance and enable us to add more valuable content for everyone to access. By donating, you become a crucial part of our mission to make quality saxophone research accessible without barriers. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact.
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Thank you.
![Salzgitter, Germany, 2022, performing Walter Hartley's Duet for basses, which he wrote for me in 2003, with my companion Leo van Oostrom](https://saxophonemuseum.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image00047-300x225.jpeg)
![I took this instrument on a tour accross Europe (almost three weeks in total) in 2010, performing with the BEAM ensemble and singer Daniel Johnston](https://saxophonemuseum.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Geert-fotos-Tour-2010-140-225x300.jpg)
![with Leo van Oostrom, and Martien Maas at the piano, in Salzgitter, Germany, 2022](https://saxophonemuseum.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image00123-169x300.jpg)
![DSC_0650](https://saxophonemuseum.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC_0650-199x300.jpg)
![performing my arrangement of Vincent d'Indy's beautiful work "Choral Varié" with 'orkest zuid', Breda, Netherlands, 2013](https://saxophonemuseum.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/orkest-zuid-2013-3-300x225.jpg)
![OEHcrop1802©janoehlen](https://saxophonemuseum.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/OEHcrop1802©janoehlen-200x300.jpg)
![IMG_7870](https://saxophonemuseum.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_7870-scaled.jpg)
![with my Reunion Blues gigbag in Schweighofen, Germany, 2011](https://saxophonemuseum.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image003-210x300.jpg)
![Kloosterkerk, The Hague, Netherlands, 2006](https://saxophonemuseum.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2006-300x207.jpg)
![Summerwinds 2014, Germany](https://saxophonemuseum.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/zoelen3-206x300.jpg)
![Museum Kempenland Eindhoven, Netherlands, 2009](https://saxophonemuseum.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC_3186-300x199.jpg)
![Andreas and Marc van Mil 2010](https://saxophonemuseum.online/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IMG_2795-300x225.jpg)