Miraphone v. Kanstul

[TwitchHBM]

I know, I know, someone is going to say I should play on both, and I definitely agree. Just looking for anyone's first thoughts before I go that route.

I currently play a 5/4 Miraphone and one random perusal of the interwebs saw the Kanstul "Grand Tuba" line and the 33S. I don't think I'm interested in another 5/4, so the 4/4 is appealing to me.

I've played Miraphones my whole life (and I know some people are very particular about the brands people play) and am curious if anyone has any experience with Kanstul horns.

I know they're supposed to be reminiscent of the York tubas of old, but don't know anyone personally who has played on one.

Appreciate your taking the time give me the benefit of your collective experiences!

[thevillagetuba]

I will say that you really should try to play both of them, and every horn. I play anything I can get my hands on and it is such a fun experience to have. I can say that I have never played a Miraphone that played like a Kanstul and vice versa. So, I really don't know how to compare them. I grew up playing a 186 Bb, and I have owned a 1291 C. I was seriously considering the Kanstul 90 C before I bought the 1291, though that decision was probably made more on brand recognition and my younger self wanted a 1291.

The Kanstuls I have played have been pretty even horns and have had that classic "York"-style sound. Whether it's as close to those old horns as they claim is a whole different discussion (and one that I am not really qualified to speak on). The biggest thing that I did not like about the 90 was that the tuning slides were obnoxiously long. I empty my horn by pulling the slides and those slides would cause more problems with their length than they would help with intonation (who needs tuning slides that can be compared to trombone hand slides in terms of their length?)

I personally, prefer my Getzen CB-50 (which is a very similar style horn to the 90, though not build the same I am aware). Back to your question, though, the best I can really say in comparison of the two brands is that the Kanstuls that I have played have been a little less free-blowing than the Miraphones, though I have never had one of their "Grand" series in my hands.

If you get a chance, bring your Miraphone and play them back to back a little. Best of luck in your exploration.

[opus37]

I play a Kanstul and I enjoy it very much. I really like the more organ like sound you get from it. It is perfect for the church setting I primarily play. I suggest you think about your playing venues and style of play. You are talking different sound and piston versus rotary valves. They are very different in playing characteristics. I would test both horns side by side if possible. They are both great horns, just different.

[swillafew]

A friend of mine with the Kanstul Eb made it sound so good I considered learning to play Eb. I would run to that model if I was looking to buy that brand.

[michael_glenn]

I only have experience with the Kanstul Grand F. I thought the Miraphone F tubas were better (particularly the Elektra). The Miraphones sounded better, and were easier to play.

[opus37]

The only K instruments that remind me of York are those K "Monster" Eb York-lookin' tubas...but the bore size isn't the same as York, is it?

You'll have to ask Lee Stofer for sure, but my Eb is the same. I think Lee had something to do with the measurements for the design for one or more of the Kanstul models.

[TubaRay]

I'm wrong...I just checked...

The bore of the Kanstul copy is right as the same size as York... 21/32"

Note to self: On Mon., June 30, 2015, Bloke was wrong.

[Three Valves]

I'm wrong...I just checked...

The bore of the Kanstul copy is right as the same size as York... 21/32"

Note to self: On Mon., June 30, 2015, Bloke was wrong.

...and admitted it!!

[DPlander]

So I played on a large B&S Copy for about 6 years then made the Military move and played on several different horns during my 8 year tour. On my way out of the Military I bought a Kanstul 902-4C (the small 3/4 horn). I have to say it is the best horn that I have ever played on. I don't know where you live but if your anywhere close the central Florida you can come play on a few of the different Kanstul horns that several of us have. I friend that I play next too traded in his 4/4 Bb horn for a 4/4 Bb Kanstul and he loves it. I would say to you, that the best thing to do is to try one out. They really are very nice horns and most people just write them off.
Just my two cents.

[hduong]

or if you can make the trek out to Anaheim, you can test the tubas in their showroom. Hell, you can probably try out the cimbasso

[HashBrownJM]

or if you can make the trek out to Anaheim, you can test the tubas in their showroom. Hell, you can probably try out the cimbasso

Wouldn't that be a blast! When I was buying my tuba, I lucked out, as the seller was in Houston. (I'm in Austin.) Cali and Florida are both long treks for this tubist!

[jpetty24]

Kanstul got some good attention this year at ITEC. I had a friend that had the 5/4 or 6/4 CC, idk which, as his second choice. I had the pleasure of listening to him try out horns and all of them had a lovely tone. I also had the pleasure of watching Roger Bobo play their cimbasso!