| Hi,
That little Kanstul 610 was the hit of a horn test conducted by Lee Adams and myself in Atlanta about a year ago. I consider this instrument to be the modern-day equivalent to the legendary Olds Ambassador trumpet of the 50's. It's that good of a basic trumpet! As a matter of fact, I call it the modern "Ambassador."
IMHO, Kanstul has made a big mistake in phasing out this horn, for it is a fine starting trumpet.
Actually, at the Atlanta test, reviewers all seemed to like the 610 better than the Kanstul 700 and some put it ahead of the Kanstul 900 series and Zeus trumpets in the test that most considered a slight step above.
No, it ISN'T a Kanstul Signature Series trumpet, and the differences in performance of the Signature Series are great enough for serious players to instantly grasp at the test, but . . . for the money . . . the little 610 is a horn that must be too good for its price.
The one in Atlanta sold for under $400 new if I recall. The newer price reflects both the real value of the instrument plus the extra profit needed to allow a rental agreement and, all things considered, is still a fair price for the instrument.
If Kanstul would bring back the 610 with just a couple of changes (one being that @#@#$%@# spit valve), it could be the best thing going out there for those on a tight budget.
Sincerely,
Tom Turner |