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Shermy · 06-19-2007, 10:44 AM

Hi All,

Wow, it's been five months since I started this venture! Well, after a lot of contemplating, a few experiences playing some Kanstuls - the Chicago and a 1500 - haven't been able to get up to Hi Horns, I've decided to take the plunge. I will be ordering the Kanstul ZKT1601 later today from Hi Horns. Unfortunately, Clayton is in the process of moving (he operates Hi Horns out of his home) so he won't be able to deliver until the end of this month. I got in touch with him yesterday and he let me know that he has the very horn I want in stock and ready to ship when his move is complete. Here is what I will soon be in posession of:

Kanstul ZKT1601 in lacquer with traditional water keys as opposed to stock amado water keys and both a single radius and double radius tuning slide.

Here's the thought process I've been going through over the last several months.

Q: Do I NEED a new trumpet?
A: No - at least not necessarily. My current set up has served me well for the past 20+ years. Sure, it's looking pretty old, has had two overhauls including replating, replacement of water keys, finger hooks and rings, has quite a few dings on the light weight bell, etc. But it sounds great, with a few limitations. Those limitations being a ceiling in its practical range at around high C, it slots too well for jazz - my preferred and most practiced and performed musical idiom, and the tone isn't as easily colored as I would like, i.e. bending notes, changing tone color.

Q: If I were to get a new trumpet, what would I want it to do?
A: Basically, I would want it to overcome all the shortcomings I list above. Most importantly, I would want a jazz horn - I don't plan on selling my Strad. By jazz, I mean solo book in big band, and combo work. I don't play lead and don't really aspire to, but would like to be able to play those notes with ease if the need arises - afterall, the second book (a.k.a. solo book) often times goes up into that register too. I would also like a horn that is easy to color. In addition, not mentioned above, I would like a horn that has more consistent intonation throughout its range. Lastly, though I plan on keeping my Strad, I would like a horn that I can make a quick modification to (change to the double radius tuning slide) and be able to fit nicely in a symphonic setting.

Q: Why the Kanstul ZKT1601?
A: First of all, it overcomes all the shortcomings listed above. Secondly, though the price is a tiny bit higher than the mass produced "professional" horns, I feel the quality that I've seen thus far of the Kanstul line and the reputation of service I've seen and heard of with Kanstul horns more than justifies the extra cost. Also, it is actually less expensive than the higher end horns with close to the same attention to detail. Though I would love to own an Eclipse, Taylor, or other horn in that category, for the limited amount of times I will be able to play, the difference in price simply can't be justified. So, after talking with Clayton, perusing this forum, talking with others that own this horn, playing a few other Kanstuls, and finally getting permission from my CFO - a.k.a. the wife - I have come to the conclusion that the 1601 is THE horn. Also of note, Clayton has a 7 day audition period, so if I decide I don't like it, I'm only out the cost of shipping.

06-19-2007, 10:44 AM	#5 (permalink)
Shermy Pianissimo User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 71	Re: Kanstul TW1601 and WB1600 Hi All, Wow, it's been five months since I started this venture! Well, after a lot of contemplating, a few experiences playing some Kanstuls - the Chicago and a 1500 - haven't been able to get up to Hi Horns, I've decided to take the plunge. I will be ordering the Kanstul ZKT1601 later today from Hi Horns. Unfortunately, Clayton is in the process of moving (he operates Hi Horns out of his home) so he won't be able to deliver until the end of this month. I got in touch with him yesterday and he let me know that he has the very horn I want in stock and ready to ship when his move is complete. Here is what I will soon be in posession of: Kanstul ZKT1601 in lacquer with traditional water keys as opposed to stock amado water keys and both a single radius and double radius tuning slide. Here's the thought process I've been going through over the last several months. Q: Do I NEED a new trumpet? A: No - at least not necessarily. My current set up has served me well for the past 20+ years. Sure, it's looking pretty old, has had two overhauls including replating, replacement of water keys, finger hooks and rings, has quite a few dings on the light weight bell, etc. But it sounds great, with a few limitations. Those limitations being a ceiling in its practical range at around high C, it slots too well for jazz - my preferred and most practiced and performed musical idiom, and the tone isn't as easily colored as I would like, i.e. bending notes, changing tone color. Q: If I were to get a new trumpet, what would I want it to do? A: Basically, I would want it to overcome all the shortcomings I list above. Most importantly, I would want a jazz horn - I don't plan on selling my Strad. By jazz, I mean solo book in big band, and combo work. I don't play lead and don't really aspire to, but would like to be able to play those notes with ease if the need arises - afterall, the second book (a.k.a. solo book) often times goes up into that register too. I would also like a horn that is easy to color. In addition, not mentioned above, I would like a horn that has more consistent intonation throughout its range. Lastly, though I plan on keeping my Strad, I would like a horn that I can make a quick modification to (change to the double radius tuning slide) and be able to fit nicely in a symphonic setting. Q: Why the Kanstul ZKT1601? A: First of all, it overcomes all the shortcomings listed above. Secondly, though the price is a tiny bit higher than the mass produced "professional" horns, I feel the quality that I've seen thus far of the Kanstul line and the reputation of service I've seen and heard of with Kanstul horns more than justifies the extra cost. Also, it is actually less expensive than the higher end horns with close to the same attention to detail. Though I would love to own an Eclipse, Taylor, or other horn in that category, for the limited amount of times I will be able to play, the difference in price simply can't be justified. So, after talking with Clayton, perusing this forum, talking with others that own this horn, playing a few other Kanstuls, and finally getting permission from my CFO - a.k.a. the wife - I have come to the conclusion that the 1601 is THE horn. Also of note, Clayton has a 7 day audition period, so if I decide I don't like it, I'm only out the cost of shipping.