Just got a new Kanstul 66T monster Eb

[LCH3]

Got it while visiting Lee Stofer's shop a few days ago. I can't stop playing it and maybe the smile will never come off my face . If you don't know, this is a modern re-incarnation of the famous old York monster Eb (right down to the unique bell alloy). The sound is totally addictive and the false tones are thunderous. This tuba has only recently become available and I don't think there are a lot of them out there. I'm trying hard to not over emote so if you have questions............fire away.

Greetings,

Confirming you have the 4-valve top version?

I am interested in a full report with two specifics for now - what mouthpiece are you using and how does the horn respond to low A(2-4) on down (to at least low D-2)?

Thanks...LH

[Brown Mule]

Have you played it yet in a group including CC anBB horns? My specific question is how does it blend? If I'm not out of place asking, what is the price range of this horn? Hope its not another one of those purchase by invitation only horns!-----Still waiting at mail box every day waiting for my invitation to buy "Yama-York"

[Walter Webb]

These are not "invitation only" tubas. But, I'm guessing there is not a "stock" of these and they might need to be built upon your order (probably delivered in a few weeks but this is my GUESS).!

My fear, which Lee Stofer addressed adequately, was that Kanstul would soon update or change these new horns, and that they were not fully ready for the market. Nobody wants to be an early adopter of a work in progress, but it appears that these are "out of the gate," and ready for prime time. I have not found a negative remark about these: only rave reviews. Anybody else try a 66-S or T?

[opus37]

Thank you for this post. I am also considering a new Eb. I have been thinking about this horn, except front action valves. My current horn is top action. I was wondering why you chose the top action over the front action especially when you are used to front action....

[rodgeman]

Thanks for the review. I am intrigued by these tubas. Can you post pictures?

[rodgeman]

Thanks for the review. I am intrigued by these tubas. Can you post pictures?

http://www.kanstul.net/category.php?cat ... roundBrass" target="_blank" target="_blank

Thanks. I have seen those. I was hoping pictures of people holding them so I can get a sense of the size in context.

Anyway congratulations on a good horn.

[Lee Stofer]

Dear members of the tuba world,
This is your official invitation to purchase one of Kanstul's new York-model tubas.

Of the 6 new Kanstul tubas I received three days before the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, I have sold three and the others will probably not be here much longer, as I'm fielding more inquiries by the day. I have more on order, and am planning on keeping Kanstul tubas in stock as much as possible.

Amongst the latest developments from Kanstul is a new receiver, with 3 different threaded inserts available so that a given instrument could accept different-size mouthpiece shanks. The receivers are standard American size, a large Euro-sized one, and an in-between that will help cover most variations. I have bought several of these and plan to use them on various instruments, as I think this is an excellent idea.

We have had a number of pros play-test the Kanstul York-model tubas, and one of the most interesting comments has been that they find the top-piston models to be more ergonomic and comfortable than they had expected. The majority of players indicated that the top-pistons simply were not an issue, and in fact make for a more compact instrument.

To the poster who wondered about the comparative size of these tubas, the outside, overall dimensions are roughly comparable to the new-style King 2341, relatively short and stout. The top-piston Eb and BBb have a .656" bore, with 4th being a little larger (I do not have the specs in front of me at the moment). The front-valve Eb, CC, and BBb also have a somewhat graduated bore, and have the same outer dimensions.

I should have at least one of each of the new Kanstul tubas at the Capitol Tuba-Euphonium Conference in January, one of each of the 4-valve Kanstul euphoniums, and a special-order Kanstul euphonium. I am continuing to tweak the factory prototype F-tuba, and will be showing it also. I think that it is exciting that American tuba- and euphonium-making is coming back, and is better than ever.

[imperialbari]

You probably will get the best F in the staff with 4th rather than with 1+3.

F# will be best with 2+3.

G with 1+2 often tends sharp. Hence 3rd alone often provide a better pitch.

Klaus

[imperialbari]

What you have told about your tuba all is perfectly normal even with higher end instruments. I think one might find rare permutations of tubas and mouthpieces, where there is nothing to tell about the 5th partial.

I have 4 Eb basses, 3 of them considered very reasonable, one being playable, but old (1870). All benefit from the notes in the interval between Eb in the staff and Bb on top of the staff being fingered like the notes an octave lower.

Klaus

[rodgeman]

Thanks. Great pictures.