Tom
I seem to be following you around here this morning.
This is Jack's corner here - but I thought I might clarify some things.
I absolutely agree with your assessment of the the 610. Unlike the 'throw-away' student trumpets being marketed by other manufacturers, the best way to describe the 610 is as one that will be passed to the next generations. Unfortunately, The market is not demanding better quality - it is demanding CHEAPER. Kanstul does not make a cheap trumpet and does not desire to try to fill this niche.
that's my take.
The one that was sent to Atlanta was actually one that I had played in my teaching studio for nearly a year. The price differential there was one of the things that was remarkable - but Tom, it was higher than you remember - and it was also disounted because it was a 'demo' .
The other factor in the pricing was that Zig had offered these horns to dealers at an incredible quantity discount at that time.
Interestingly, the quality of the student horns is one of the things that
impressed me the most with Kanstul to begin with. I was in a land of Bachs and Yamahas and Kings, and seeing one POS after another for student horns. different story - even with the Kansutl made Bessons that were out. It ws the only student horn I would have considered playable on a professional gig.
BTW - the one I use in the studio now I've converted to Amado keys. I've also looked into building more of these- as the capability is obviously there. What I discovered is that the 700 is virtually the same horn already - with the changes I would make to it if I were to have them built, which would be with a fixed slide ring, a real 3rd stop- (hate those plastic gizmos- even though Eternas had them ...), water keys that don't splash the bell and a 1st slide saddle. The other difference on the 610 is the brace. In comparing the 2 playing wise, I think that is the difference. The 610 is a very stable horn and slots right in, - the 700 feels a little easier to project. that's my take. Intonation with both horns is really incredible. I haven't seen anything come close in that price range of even the 700.
PC
----------
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by tom turner 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 |