Kanstul Eb Tuba

[darth2ba]

Hello!

I was wondering if anyone has tried the new Kanstul 66 Eb (4P+1R) and could give their feedback (I tried one at ITEC this past summer...but was more into trying/evaluating CC's at the time). I'm considering selling my current Eb and downsize to a smaller horn. I really enjoy the sound of York tubas and from what I understand these Kanstul Eb's (along with all their tubas) have that same sound!

Thank you for your feedback/opinions!

Joe

[Walter Webb]

I'd really like to hear about the intonation. If anyone has sat down and been REALLY critical with a tuner with a recent one and you post here or send me a PM or email that would be very much appreciated!

Are you suspicious about their intonation? What do you know? Share your thinking, please.

[Bob Kolada]

I played one for a little bit at Midwest, not enough to really get a feel of intonation. However, it felt a bit stiff to play and was somewhat uncomfortable. The valve set on the different C would fix that second part. I'll try to play one again at the Army conference.
As far as big bass tubas, I was REALLY impressed by the 1281.

[Walter Webb]

I played one for a little bit at Midwest, not enough to really get a feel of intonation. However, it felt a bit stiff to play and was somewhat uncomfortable. The valve set on the different C would fix that second part. I'll try to play one again at the Army conference. As far as big bass tubas, I was REALLY impressed by the 1281.

When you say "stiff to play," what exactly do you mean? And what was it that made you uncomfortable? Was it the weight (22 lbs.), the height of the mpc (21" or 22" from the bottom bow), the humongous bell (19") right above the top bow that leaves no room for a hand or arm? Did you play the side or top valve model? Inquiring minds want to know. These Kanstuls are so new that we are all slavering for play tests... at least the strange birds who play Eb.... I started on Eb, so I don't know any better.

It is possible that you played the very one I bought from Lee Stofer, a side valve 66-S. I already bought the farm, and made a firm committment to the key of Eb, so I wish to know if I did well. So far, to my early ability, I think it is amazing. The sound is certainly warm and fat, and it can be driven into a triple forte that rattles the windows of my house, and it plays nicely at a whisper level. I have not yet learned notes above the staff, nor much below G below the staff, nor gotten a clue about the whole-step-flat 5th rotor, but my tuner tells me that the horn is manageable, with variations that are to be expected from any tuba. I have learned that tubas are very personal. What works for one person may not work for another, and the variations of air and buzz pressure, and oral cavity volume that each of us possess might cause one horn or another to respond better or worse. Sometimes you just have to jump in with both feet and adjust to the strengths and weaknesses of the particular horn, no matter how cheap or expensive it may be.

[Bob Kolada]

Regarding stiff, it just didn't seem that easy to play.
I played a Conn Giant Eb in college and play a 56J somewhat regularly so I'm used to this shape. I didn't like the angle of the receiver or valve set that much but I am looking forward to trying it again.

[darth2ba]

Thank you fulerzoo for your helpful feedback!

Concerning your question about my current horn, I have a MW 2141. It's a great horn with a massive sound, but not what I'm looking for. I have a York CC and would love to have the same sound characteristics in my bass tuba.