Reviews
What saxplayers are saying about KB Sax necks
“I’ve always been skeptical about replacing the original neck on a vintage Selmer… but after spending time with Kim, learning about the research behind his designs, and trying the different models, I can honestly say this:
His C69 Canyon bare-brass neck plays better than my Mark VI neck.”
Ted Klum
Vanguard C-69 brass & Redwood hand hammered copper on Macsax & Selmer Mark VI 85,xxx
“Deep respect for anyone doing high-level craft work, using the finest materials, proprietary processes, and extensive trial and error to achieve undeniably great results!
Such a person is epitomized by the wonderful Kim Bock who produces fantastic playing saxophone necks one at a time with hours of his labor and effort, going into each and every one.
The results really do speak for themselves, and I recommend anybody looking for a better neck for their horn would be well advised to contact him for an appointment. I can’t say enough how playing his necks on your horn will change how you feel about the horn itself. Just incredible!”
theSaxophonist.org
“The ability to feel the brass ring beneath my fingers was intoxicating…”
KB necks: Shaping the sound of the saxophone
by Paul Harr
“Like a bespoke tailor, this is one of the truly custom options that live up to its billing.”
Make your horn sing again
by Mark Colby
“A wonderful line of handcrafted saxophone necks that saxophonists would be well advised to check out.”
by Zach Solitto
“The KB Redwood neck was well constructed and reminded me of the feel and sound I find when playing an SBA.”
Customer Reviews
Endorsers
“It has the immediacy of response that I look for with a richness of all the overtones ringing!”
Vanguard HH copper gold plated on Selmer Radio Improved
Canyon C69 silver plated on Selmer “Dorsey” BA
“The KB alto saxophone necks have opened up new sonic possibilities for me. They retain the qualities that I love so much about my original Mark VI neck, but offer more projection, power, and flexibility, as well as evenness and improved intonation. I’m stunned by the differences that the various options of materials and platings have on the way the necks play. Thank you, Kim, for considering us alto players! Every serious altoist should investigate these necks.”
Canyon M61 on Selmer Mark VI
“I really love the Vanguard model neck. It has a great balance of timbre and plays easy. It has a nice free blowing feeling and I get a bit of that top end sparkle which I love. Kim is a consummate craftsman with nothing but devotion and love poured into his work.”
Canyon M61 silver plated on Remi silver plate
Vanguard C69 gold plate on Selmer Mark VI
Associate Professor of McGill Schulich School of Music
“Playing with the KB sax neck has allowed me to focus on the music rather than struggling with intonation issues in the high range of my alto sax. The notes between high A and D, particularly the B, have always been a challenge on the alto for me, but with my new neck, these difficulties have vanished. Not only has it improved my playing, but it has also added a lovely warmth to my sound. I am grateful to KB for transforming my musical experience.”
KB by Kim Bock gold plated neck on Yamaha 82Z alto
“Wow! Great neck. It blows away my SBA necks and it is a step up from the No.5 prototype – tonally very happy with it.”
Vanguard M-61 brass on Selmer SBA
“I’ve always been skeptical about replacing the original neck on a vintage Selmer… but after spending time with Kim, learning about the research behind his designs, and trying the different models, I can honestly say this: his C69 Canyon bare-brass neck plays better than my Mark VI neck.”
Canyon C-69 raw brass on Selmer Mark VI
“I was shocked by the focus and power of these necks when I first tried them. Paradoxically, they felt both wider and more directed than my Mark VI neck. I must have played nearly 20 necks that first day, and every one was better than the neck I’d been using. I haven’t looked back!”
Canyon C-69 on Selmer Mark VI
“I find the added Buzz, Clarity and Dynamic range the KB Sax ‘Redwood’ Handcrafted Necks gives me a New Vibration in the body of my various horns. Try one and you’ll feel what I mean!!!”
Canyon C69 silver plate on Selmer SBA
Redwood hand hammered copper on Borgani
“I love your necks! I couldn’t wait to play again this morning – Your hand hammered copper neck feels and sounds perfect to me. It transmits what I say and imagine without resistance or impedance, reflecting my vowels and consonant choices. It is resonant – and allows me to sing freely. The rest is my responsibility.”
Vanguard hand hammered copper alto sax neck
“When I play I desire freedom, and that’s what KB Sax necks offer.”
Photo: Petra Richterova
Redwood hand hammered copper on Selmer Mark VI
Mark Turner
“I’ve been playing Kim’s silver plated Vanguard neck for about two years now. Originally was I looking for something very similar to my SBA 49k neck…but the sound of new brass and possibly silver plated. Kim delivered…right on point. The sound and resistance are similar…complex, warm and focused. This neck can take a little more of a push which is great but not nor overly done. I like the intonation a little better…more even scale from bottom to palm key F. Palm keys are a bit higher in pitch than original neck…more room to open sound in that register. Altissimo focused, open, even like original SBA. Records well. In short this neck is like playing a brand new late SBA neck with a bit more power and a more even scale. Could not ask for more”
Vanguard C69 silver plated on Selmer SBA
