ZKT 1600WB

Tom · Veteran Member Joined: 07 Jan 2003 Posts: 212

Could you tell me something about that horn? The caracteristics and so on... Price maybe?
Thanks

bgwbold · Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 3:55 am Post subject:

I've only tried them. I've never owned one. I thought it was somewhat comparable to the 72 lightweight model Bach, but not that much like it. It had a darker sound and felt like it had a little tighter blow. Do they come with a 5 inch bell? I didn't have my tape measure with me, but it looked a little bigger than the standard bell which is about 4 7/8 inches. I like big bells though it probably does not make a whole lot of difference. It seemed like something you could use for an everyday horn to me.

Mike

_Kanstul-Krazy · Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 4:57 am Post subject:

Tom,

Tha Kanstul 1600 "WB" is a really great horn. It happenes to be my favorite and personal choice. I'd suggest doing some searchs on TH under "Kanstul WB" (or variations of that). There's been many discussions on this Forum about the WB. You'll probably find one negative comment that several players out there have to say about it. For some reason some players have problems with water collecting in the second valve slide. If you do a search you'll see my theory on it (playing and horn rotational position AND over blowing when emptying the water keys). Personally , I've never had any problems with this issue.

As far as the horn goes, it's based on Bach's design of the 72*, BUT Zig Kanstul has added his personal touch and has tweaked the Leadpipe, 3rd slide stop is set-up differently than a Bach's, & Amado water keys. The bell is a one piece Tempered Bell and it's 4 7/8-inches.

I had my WB made with the "Scratch/Brushed" finish and Lacquered. So far, we've sold them in polished silver, scratch/brush silver, scratch/brush gold, & polished brass with lacquer as well. All have looked real nice! We also had one that was custom made with a lightweight copper bell, too.

As far as the sound goes, it has a warm mid-range and then when you raise above the staff it brightens up. I've never played a horn quite like it. IMHO, I feel that it is a "free blowing" horn and is a .460 bore. I made the switch from a Connstellation (.438) and it plays quite different than that. It has added some range and I've been able to have better endurance with it as well. I really appreciate on those times of the last set of the night! BTW - I have it paired up with a Kasntul Modular Mouthpiece. It based on Bach's 3C cup with an "S72" backbore.

I wish I could give you a price, but this Forum isn't about selling and dealing horns, so I have to honor TH with that. Please undersatnd my position. Feel free to email or call us, we'd love to talk with you.

Hope this helps and good luck!
_________________
Lon A. Heim
Kanstul Model 1600 WB
Kanstul Model 925 w/ Copper Bell

the chief · Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 11:53 am Post subject:

Lon, may I show him some pics?

_________________
"Your mind is your kingdom; that's where you exist"

_Kanstul-Krazy · Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 12:57 pm Post subject:

Ahhhhh Chief, you got a knack for coool trumpet pictures!

That brushed GP was the one we sold. It was a "special" order. Beautiful Horn! Oh yeh, played GREAT, too!

Thanks Bro,
_________________
Lon A. Heim
Kanstul Model 1600 WB
Kanstul Model 925 w/ Copper Bell

the chief · Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 2:15 pm Post subject:

Well, Kanstul has a knack for creating cool-picture-worthy horns.

_________________
"Your mind is your kingdom; that's where you exist"

SatchmoGillespie · Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 3:47 pm Post subject:

I bought my 1600WB back in November after having tried it out at the DFW Trumpetfest and after having an adjustment period with it, I have to say that I am glad I bought this horn. Like Kanstul Krazy said, it really does have a nice,warm middle register and the upper register is really bright.
I actually took it to a mini jam session with my dad last weekend and he thought the horn sounded great. When he said that, I knew he was talking about the horn and not me.

In any case, I recommend that if the opportunity is to be had to try one, I say go for it. They're terrific horns.
_________________
Jim New S5 M and MS with C Backbore
Del Quadro Grizzly
Stomvi USA Bb
Getzen Severinsen
Kanstul 1525 Flugelhorn

Tom · Veteran Member Joined: 07 Jan 2003 Posts: 212

Thanks guys, you are great. I like the pictures.

Rich G · Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 5:15 pm Post subject:

I received my 1600WB today in the scratch brush finish. My reactions that follow should be taken with the realization that I have had less than two hours playing time on the horn.

First reactions:

(1) The sound is warm, but not lacking in resonance. It seems like the difference, visually speaking, between "warm air" versus "cold air" coming out of the horn. But it does get bright if you push a bit more air into the horn. It does not take much effort to do this.

(2) Notes are very well-centered. This seems to happen automatically, as though it is harder to "miss" the center of the note on this horn. The notes just seem to lock in "on center" as you play.

(3) The slots may be a bit narrower than I am accustomed to on my Getzen Severinsen, resulting in some "chipping" or "splattering" of notes on my part. (Overshooting or undershooting). The notes may simply "reside" in different places than I am accustomed to on my other horn. I will know more about this as I acclimate myself to its playing characteristics. I'm sure I will adjust to this in a week or so. I would describe it's blowing characteristics as leaning a bit on the "tight" side. There is more resistance than my Severinsen. But it is definitely not stuffy! I can play louder on the WB with less effort than I can on the freer blowing Severinsen.

(4) Interestingly, I have discovered that my number one mouthpiece - the mouthpiece I play that sounds the best on my Severinsen (GR Primal 62 with tight 7272 backbore) - does not "dial in" as well on the 1600WB. But... my backup mouthpiece, a Warburton 8S top with 5* backbore (both opened to a 26 drill) sounds phenomenal on the WB!!! The sound is huge, open, resonant, and flexibility is outstanding! I have a feeling the WB will do better for me with a more open backbore. I am considering getting a GR Primal 62 with the 7671 (more open) backbore.

(5) Fit and finish is very good. The valve compression is excellent (as should be expected) but I have to adjust to the clinging and pinging of the metal valve guides, which are inherently noisier than nylon guides.

I avoided making any comment about range at this time because I was too tired at this time to try to work the upper register to any extent. I will say that the F above high C slotted very nicely and was brilliant and full.

I'm sure I will learn more about the nuances of this horn in the weeks ahead, but from what I've experienced thus far, it's going to be worth the time to be patient with it. More to come perhaps, as I become more familiar with it.

Rich G.

NOTE: I am considering contacting Kanstul regarding getting a round tuning slide if I feel a need to lessen resistance. But I am getting ahead of myself at this point. The crook on the WB tuning slide is very Strad-like or "square". Since Kanstul has offered both round and square tuning slides on other horns they made (The Stamm 92A/B and 94A/B), it would allow me to fine tune the resistance a bit if desired.