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I have been looking around at some horns to possibly test and purchase. And I've been hearing a lot of things about these tubas. Any thoughts?

I spent some time with both horns back to back at the latest NAMM show. The King 2341 BBb and Kanstul Model 90 CC (and the new Kanstul tuba line altogether--front or top action) are nearly the same body size, I think. The biggest physical difference is the Kanstul has a taller top bow and a "elongated" valve section. In contrast, the King's top bow and valve section are more "compact."

I spent a few minutes on the Kanstul CC and I really liked it. I agree with the "pretty and puffy" sound comment by tuben. Keep in mind I was sitting in a large convention hall, but the projection on the Kanstul didn't seem as direct as a "German" horn, like a Miraphone or Meinl-Weston. But the Kanstul had a unique sound (supposedly, a "York" sound) that I didn't hear in any other tuba at the NAMM show. I think the new Kanstul is a fine all-around tuba for both quintet and large ensemble playing and I feel it's a good fit for my playing needs. I'm a CC player and if I could afford a new tuba, I would seriously consider the Kanstul...especially considering I live minutes from the factory and could probably avoid shipping costs

How are the valves on this tuba? I was considering to switching to a piston tuba because my fingers hurt while I play any piston tuba.

Not sure about the Besson, but I can hardly imagine a Cerveny 693 or Fafner ever having much "puffiness" at all.