A: Kanstul instruments are used by many high profile, accomplished artists, such as Wallace Roney, Herb Alpert, Doc Severinsen, Arturo Sandoval, Greg Adams, Marcus Belgrave, Richard Carson Steuart, Claudio Roditi, Tim Wendt, Bennie Cowan, Chuck MacKinnon, Phil Driscoll, Walt Johnson, Dontae Winslow, George Roberts, Mike Suter, Steve Reid, Charly Davis, Beth Mitchell, Rashawn Ross, John Engelkes, Les Benedict, Andrew McCandless, Alan Kaplan, Bob Payne, Mike Roylance, Robert Carpenter, Carson McTeer, Joe Barati, Jeff Cortazzo, Craig Gosnell, Phil Teele and many others.

I'm pretty sure it will be the Kanstul Chicago, but the Conn Vintage One is reported to be excellent also. I had both a Bach Strad and LA Benge 3X. The Benge had a serial number that dated it near the UMI take over and the end of California production,even though the bell was marked Los Angeles. Great horn Burbank Trumpet made by Kanstul. This is model 3 in star MLP 0.464 Large bore. Trumpet plays great and is silver plated. This instrument is made by Kanstul based on design of a 1950s Burbank Benge trumpets. Serial range is not far past#20xx. Same old Benge original mandrels were used to make this Burbank trumpet by Kanstul.

• Burbank Trumpet made by Kanstul. This is model 3 in star MLP 0.464 Large bore. Trumpet plays great and is silver plated. This instrument is made by Kanstul based on design of a 1950s Burbank Benge trumpets. Serial range is not far past#20xx. Same old Benge original mandrels were used to make this Burbank trumpet by Kanstul. Please see all photos.
• A life-long brass player, Duwayne worked at F.E. Olds & Son beginning in 1964—later at the Benge Trumpet Company—and has been with Kanstul from the start. With over 40 years of hornmaking experience, Duwayne is a superb craftsman and highly-valued member of our team.
• .Note on serial numbers: Zig Kanstul picked up the Callet serial numbers right where they left off with DEG, #4252. The numbers continued consecutively to approximately 7900. At that time, unfortunately, a change in production at Kanstul required that the sequence be discontinued. Therefore, there are serial number jumps in later Callet trumpets.

Our outstanding instruments can be heard at Disneyland, Medieval Times, and in our nation’s capitol including the top military service bands and ensembles: the Naval Academy Drum & Bugle Corps, the US Marines “Commandant’s Own” Drum & Bugle Corps, the 3rd Infantry “Old Guard” Fife and Drum Corps, the US Air Force Concert Band, The US Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Herald Trumpets, the Navy School of Music, the United States Military Academy at West Point and more.

A: All of our instruments are manufactured in Anaheim, California, right here in the United States of America. We are located about a mile and a half from Disneyland. Please note: Information on this website is for reference purposes only. Our doors are closed permanently and we will no longer be responding to phone calls or emails.

A: Please note: Information on this website is for reference purposes only. Our doors are closed permanently and we will no longer be responding to phone calls or emails.

A: Please note: Information on this website is for reference purposes only. Our doors are closed permanently and we will no longer be responding to phone calls or emails.

A: Our instruments are built to order, and the process usually takes four to six weeks, depending upon the volume of work in the factory at the time of order. Please note: Information on this website is for reference purposes only. Our doors are closed permanently and we will no longer be responding to phone calls or emails.

A: Unfortunately, due to safety and insurance concerns, we are no longer able to provide tours of the factory.

A: We do not offer repair services on instruments other than Kanstul products still under warranty. If you need repair work done on any other instruments, contact your local dealer, or you may be able to locate a repair shop at the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians website.

A: As with any antique or unique collectible, the value of a used instrument is simply what another person would be willing to pay for it. Kanstul does not buy or sell used instruments, and is unable to offer appraisal services. Many music stores offer appraisals, and you may also be able to find information on websites that sell used instruments, as well as online forums where enthusiasts discuss topics such as collectibility and value.

A: Please note: Information on this website is for reference purposes only. Our doors are closed permanently and we will no longer be responding to phone calls or emails.

A: Please note: Information on this website is for reference purposes only. Our doors are closed permanently and we will no longer be responding to phone calls or emails.

A: Please note: Information on this website is for reference purposes only. Our doors are closed permanently and we will no longer be responding to phone calls or emails.

A: Monel is a trademarked commercial alloy that is available with a high degree of consistency from a number of sources. It is a compound of nickel and copper, and resistant to pitting or corrosion. Monel is a malleable yet durable material for pistons.

A: Kanstul Musical Instruments was founded by Zig Kanstul in 1982 and is celebrating 35th year. Zig had been designing and building horns since 1952, and his illustrious career included lengthy stints at Olds and Benge, and he had consulted for numerous other companies over the years. See more about Our Story on the About page.

A: That line is supposed to be there. Our copper bells are made from a single sheet of copper. The line is where the bell seam is joined by brazing. The filler metal (brazing material) is bronze-based, and yellowish in color in contrast to the reddish color of the copper.

A: We do not recommend any particular brand of valve oil, however any high quality pro oil is acceptable for use on Kanstul horns.

A: Please note: Information on this website is for reference purposes only. Our doors are closed permanently and we will no longer be responding to phone calls or emails.

A: The following information is reprinted with permission from www.mouthpieceexpress.com

Confused about tapers? Don’t feel bad—you’re not alone. Here’s the scoop on flügelhorn mouthpiece tapers. Just remember, if you are using the wrong taper, you may be experiencing poor intonation and response!

• LARGE Morse taper

  Commonly known as Standard Taper, the LARGE Morse taper is used by Yamaha, Getzen, Callet, Benge/King/Conn, Holton and older Kanstul 1525 flügelhorns.

  Note: Only a very limited number of early Model 1525 Signature flügelhorns were built with mouthpipes to accept the large Morse (Yamaha) taper. If you own a Model 1525, more than likely it has a receiver that accepts the small Morse (Bach) taper. The mouthpipe is marked with a letter “B”.

• The so-called “Bach Taper.” Bach, Courtois, newer Couesnon, Kanstul 1525 and some European flügelhorns use the SMALL Morse taper.

• FRENCH (straight) taper

  Also known as Couesnon Taper, French taper is used by original Couesnons, Flip Oakes “Wild Thing,” Kanstul CCF 925, and original F. Besson flügelhorns.

A: For horns with a lacquered finish, wipe clean with a soft cloth, such as double knap flannel (like a cloth diaper) or microfiber. We use Tarni-Shield on silver plated horns. We mix the product half and half with water. It goes on evenly, dries quickly and polishes off easily with double knap flannel.

A: The Amado water key, while quite popular, has a much smaller hole where it is attached to the crook. It is best to keep the inside of your slide(s) free of debris by cleaning them frequently using a snake. For best results, simply tilt the horn downward and open the water key. The water should drain on its own, or with a light “puff” of air. Do not blow hard into the mouthpipe because this will push the water past the hole.

A: In addition to our own full line of Kanstul brasswinds, we are a supplier to the industry, providing services, tooling, parts and instruments to many companies in North America and Europe.

A: While we are happy to have endorsements from players of our instruments, we do not offer formal sponsorship or endorsement programs at this time.

A:We work with yellow brass, bronze and copper. Our bronze is sometimes referred to as 85-15 and is roughly the color of champagne. We also work with red brass, that’s 90-10. Bell materials are generally available in thickness ranging from .017″ to .040″.

A: Please note: Information on this website is for reference purposes only. Our doors are closed permanently and we will no longer be responding to phone calls or emails.

A: Please note: Information on this website is for reference purposes only. Our doors are closed permanently and we will no longer be responding to phone calls or emails.

Additional information about Besson instruments, including model numbers and descriptions, can be found at The Besson Loyalist.

A: This model Besson C trumpet (sometimes referred to as the Besson Meha C) shipped with three mouthpipes, each marked with a two-digit number to distinguish them from one another. The first digit referred to the mandrel – either the no. 6 (ML) or the no. 7 (Large Bore). The second digit referred to the number of eights of an inch from the small end that the pipe is cut. The 68 mouthpipe, for example was from the no. 6 mandrel and cut 1″ (8/8ths) from the small end.

A: For years, Kanstul Musical Instruments manufactured a range of horns for Boosey & Hawkes (now known as The Buffet Group). Some information about F. Besson instruments, including model numbers and descriptions, can be found at The Besson Loyalist.

A: Wrap and pack the horn carefully, and ship via UPS Ground (or your preferred carrier). Please do not send us the case—just the instrument. It has been our experience that the horn can be made more secure when not packed inside the case. Thank you in advance.

In the unlikely event that a horn arrives with shipping damage, we will advise you to contact the carrier.

A: In the unlikely event that your horn arrives with shipping damage, it is very important that you SAVE THE CARTON. Then contact the Kanstul factory for instructions.

A: A standard piccolo trumpet mute fits the 920, and the A and Bb bells of the 1520. A D trumpet mute fits the G bell of the 1520.

These cases are custom made for us by G & G Quality Cases in Los Angeles. The deluxe style case has solid brass combo latches, and instructions for setting the combo are included in the case. In the event that your case arrived without the instructions here they are:

1. With the lock open, slide the button inward towards the number wheels and hold
2. Set the number wheels to the desired combination
3. Release the button
4. Make a note of the combo in case you forget

We can email a small pdf file that includes a diagram.

We do not know how to reset or open the case if the combo is forgotten.

Years and Serial Numbers are Approximate.
Buescher Trumpet Serial numbers are most often found on the 2nd valve casing - OR if that is buffed off, check on one of the valves themselves! Pull out a valve and look on the section just below the button and stem. In MOST Buecher trumpets in the 1950s and earlier, you can find the serial number here as well.
Please see the Bell Logos section to see samples of each Bell Logo.

If your Buescher Trumpet/Cornet bares an engraving of an ELK on the bell, please see the note below the serial number chart.

*1950 Serial number is different on various sites.. so I have listed BOTH numbers, I think the number MORE accurate would be 326000.

Please note that there are a FEW exceptions to this chart.
1) Some of the modern Buescher labeled trumpets from the 1970-present that have serial numbers that do not correspond to this chart. Most seem to have the 'Upsidedown Nike' Bell Logo and are model BU-7. Selmer must have done a serial number 'reset' at some point.

2) I have also noticed some of the 1960s 'Side Scroller' and possibly 'Top Scroller' logoed trumpets/cornets that have serial numbers in the 100,000 range. These obviously are NOT subject to this serial number chart. These are most likely mid to late 1960s instruments.
3) Most (if not all) Buescher trumpets that have the 'ELK' logo have a separate serial number listing. The Valve Block on these instruments are made by Elkhart and thus have a completely different numbering system.

Any Trumpet or Cornet with the engraving of an ELK (see below) will NOT match up on the Buescher Serial number list. They also bear the inscription 'BUILT BY BUESCHER'. These instruments had their OWN serial numbering system. Most were made post World War II possibly up to 1960. If you see one of these horns and the owner is claiming they are from the 1920s or 1930s or before, then they are using the wrong serial number chart. I do not know if an Elkhart Serial number list exists or not.

Big Thanks to Dr Rick's Vinllage Flute and Sax Shop website for providing some of the serial numbers and years produced.
I also gathered information for this page from MusicTrader.com website that cites Albert Mensinga as the source for MANY of the serial numbers.
If you happen to have any additional information that would make this chart MORE accurate, please feel free to email me.

Kanstul 1500 Trumpet

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