Brent

Hello all:

I am considering exploring Benge trumpets. As I understand it, the Kanstul Chicago is supposed to be a copy of the Chicago Benge.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with both, and could share their recommendations.

Thanks!

Brent

trumpet blower88

If my facts are correct, Ziz Kanstul used to work for Benge, making their horns. Then when he startd Kanstul Musical Instruments he used the same design and specs from the old Benges and made his Kanstul Chicago line of instruments.

So, I guess you could say the Kanstul Chicago is the "new and improved" Benge...

Sorry if I'm wrong...

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gzent

Also, I believe Kanstul has some or all of the original tooling from the Benge line.

At any rate, if you want a horn that plays like the original Benge then the Kanstul Chicago is your best bet.

Oh, I had a couple Benges, a 3X built around 1974 I owned for 25+ years and a 3X MLP built around 1982 I owned for about 3 years.

When I tested a new Kanstul Chicago a couple years ago it played very similarly to those horns.

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gtromble

The Kanstul Chicagos are great horns and do indeed play with the Benge feel and sound. In fact, with a shorter valve action than the Benges, they may even be an improvement. I've played one in a big band setting and it was near perfect -- plenty of sizzle and good feedback to the player (me).

GT

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Silver Spring, MD

Mark Bradley

I have a ML Kanstul Chicago and it's among the finest horn Kanstul makes, IMO. A friend has the same original Benge version, from around 1972 I believe and they play very much the same. Great horns-- comparing it to the good 'ol Bach Strad 37 which is the trumpet reference point in the trumpet world it matches up well, but is definitely a different animal. l like Bachs fine but find that I really enjoy playing my Chicago more... we all have our druthers. I'd look at the Kanstul over the old Benges (something that's been played to death, poor compression, etc). Trumpets aren't like violins, they don't improve with age.

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MU37strd

the way i understand it, when benge was bought out, they only wanted the name, not the tooling. i heard that they didn't take any of the tooling so kanstul has it.

Brent

Thanks for all the feedback.

I agree with Mark Bradley on this subject. I've tried a number of vintage horns that were supposedly in "great" condition, when in reality they're anything but! Plus, they're often just way too overpriced: I noticed vintage Committees are starting to sell on Ebay for over $2,000. Considering what you could get new for about the same cost, it's just getting out of hand.

Brent

Richard Oliver

I just got this one gussied up recently.




She's a 1946 Chicago Benge C. Gave her a run through today. Really really good horn. After rehearshal this evening, I took it out and played a Bb arpeggio -- just noodling a tad against a brick wall.

Director stopped dead and remarked what a great tone it had. He wasn't looking in my direction nor was I looking to get positive feedback. So, I'm happy to have confirmed what I've heard from my side of the horn and felt as I've played it.

I own 2 vintage horns. Boy, and I would not have it any different. Call it the luck of the draw.

During rehearsal, Jr. College Concert Band with players mostly better than I, the K just roared on "Light Calvary" and "Poet and Peasant."

It has a quality, projection primarily, that I've not experienced with any other horn. Great timbre. Shapely.

Playing 2nd on LC and 3rd on P & P.

I'll have a chance to compare the K-Modified against a "new" horn soon. Stage 1 Model 7 that's being birthed as we speak.

My experience with Vintage Horns has been wonderful!

All the Best,

Richard Oliver

talcito

Last night I did a rehearsal with a guy who was playing a "Burbank Trumpet"....looked just like a Benge........Does anyone know about this horn?

camelbrass

I think that it's yet another Kanstul this time from the 80s and I seem to remember Eldon Benge's son being involved.

Regards,

Trevor