Kanstul 1690 F Contrabass Trombone Used
$7,700.00
Item Details
This is an F contrabass trombone made in Anaheim, California by Kanstul Musical Instruments. It's less than 20 years old. The Kanstul 1690 is one of the premier instruments in the world of this type. Based on the design of the German J. Voigt model, the 1690 features a dual bore nickel hand slide, dual Kanstul CR rotary valves in C, Db, and A, a large brass bell and a hand rest for user comfort.
Specs
- .562″/.608″ nickel slide with extended water key
- inline CR rotors are stepped bore, in .630″ and .670″
- 10 1/4″ yellow brass bell
- Removable press-fit leadpipe
- Josef Klier 2A mouthpiece
- Cronkhite leather gig bag
Condition
This trombone is in spectacular condition with some repairs. It's clean inside, minimal tarnish or buildup, hand slide action is A+. There are a few points of lacquer loss at the hand braces. The bell flare has been dented and repaired, some scarring and unevenness is evident. Air travel is hard on these instruments. The hand rest foam is worn but serviceable. It's a piece of mouse pad, so you can easily make another. The Cronkhite leather gig bag has been attacked by the owner's adorable pet cat, whose claws needed to be sharper apparently. Just ask the cat. So the gig bag is serviceable and looks generally good, but has lots of scratch marks.
If you'd like to make an offer for the Kanstul 1690, please send us an email.
Spiel
One of the difficulties of designing such a large trombone is ergonomics. The size and weight of such an instrument can become a burden for the player, and without proper ergonomic design simply exchanges musicality for stress. The ergonomic design of the Model 1690 properly fits the trombone to the human hand – distributing the weight in a sensible manner – and is adjustable. Large diameter ergonomic cork barrels and rounded connector nut, a neoprene covered hand pad, and adjustable trigger paddles allow a player to remain comfortable and focus on the business of music.
Though the vintage BBb contrabass trombone may be more famous, Zig Kanstul chose the key of F for his instrument to create a nimble voice that works with the player, rather than against him. As a solo, orchestral, or studio instrument, you’ll find that mastery of our F contra bass comes quickly, and any transpositions and longer hand slide positions are quickly learned. Any perceived advantages of a BBb contra bass are quelled after one blow on a Kanstul. For the experienced bass trombone player, the addition of the Kanstul contra bass will add extra opportunity for you to share your craft.
Some of our favorite players currently using the 1690 include top studio players Phil Teele, George Thatcher, Craig Gosnell, and Bob Sanders; also Jeff Cortazzo of the U.S. Army Blues and Capitol Bones, Joe Barati (Harry Connick, Jr.) and Paul Pollard of the Metropolitan Opera.
The Model 1690 can be heard on Mychael Danna’s Oscar-winning score for Life of Pi; and also on Sufjan Stevens’ “Planetarium” tour in 2013.
