A: Kanstul instruments are used by many high profile, accomplished artists, such as Wallace Roney, Herb Alpert, Doc Severinsen, Arturo Sandoval, Greg Adams, Marcus Belgrave, Richard Carson Steuart, Claudio Roditi, Tim Wendt, Bennie Cowan, Chuck MacKinnon, Phil Driscoll, Walt Johnson, Dontae Winslow, George Roberts, Mike Suter, Steve Reid, Charly Davis, Beth Mitchell, Rashawn Ross, John Engelkes, Les Benedict, Andrew McCandless, Alan Kaplan, Bob Payne, Mike Roylance, Robert Carpenter, Carson McTeer, Joe Barati, Jeff Cortazzo, Craig Gosnell, Phil Teele and many others.
Our outstanding instruments can be heard at Disneyland, Medieval Times, and in our nation’s capitol including the top military service bands and ensembles: the Naval Academy Drum & Bugle Corps, the US Marines “Commandant’s Own” Drum & Bugle Corps, the 3rd Infantry “Old Guard” Fife and Drum Corps, the US Air Force Concert Band, The US Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Herald Trumpets, the Navy School of Music, the United States Military Academy at West Point and more.
There is no serial number chart extant for Couesnon. I do, however, find it difficult to believe that they produced saxophones after 1980, as their construction is far inferior to the Buffet SuperDynaction 'transitional' models or S1, the Dolnet M70 or the Selmer Mark VII/S80. Couesnon Flugelhorn(est. Late 1970s) The serial number is 73844. Accurate Couesnon serial numbers are not available due to a factory fire. Non-sequential numbering and missing records. Based on the more modern bell stamp and blogs of other owners, I am estimating that this horn is from the late 1970s. In 1978, the contract with Gretch to import Couesnon instruments to the United States was terminated and new Couesnon instruments have been very rare in the US since that time. The fire resulted in loss of all the company records, including those which would make it possible to determine the year of manufacture from the serial number. Early instruments have a lion's head near the serial numbers and marked The King. Before 1918 the engraving read simply as 'H. In 1918 the company was incorporated and 'Co' was added to the engraving., In 1926-1928 the Sterling Silver bells first used.
Couesnon Monopole Flugelhorn - serial number 43077 Finish: 100% Silver (minimal tarnish).
A: All of our instruments are manufactured in Anaheim, California, right here in the United States of America. We are located about a mile and a half from Disneyland. Please note: Information on this website is for reference purposes only. Our doors are closed permanently and we will no longer be responding to phone calls or emails.
A: Please note: Information on this website is for reference purposes only. Our doors are closed permanently and we will no longer be responding to phone calls or emails.
A: Please note: Information on this website is for reference purposes only. Our doors are closed permanently and we will no longer be responding to phone calls or emails.
A: Our instruments are built to order, and the process usually takes four to six weeks, depending upon the volume of work in the factory at the time of order. Please note: Information on this website is for reference purposes only. Our doors are closed permanently and we will no longer be responding to phone calls or emails.
A: Unfortunately, due to safety and insurance concerns, we are no longer able to provide tours of the factory.
A: We do not offer repair services on instruments other than Kanstul products still under warranty. If you need repair work done on any other instruments, contact your local dealer, or you may be able to locate a repair shop at the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians website.
A: As with any antique or unique collectible, the value of a used instrument is simply what another person would be willing to pay for it. Kanstul does not buy or sell used instruments, and is unable to offer appraisal services. Many music stores offer appraisals, and you may also be able to find information on websites that sell used instruments, as well as online forums where enthusiasts discuss topics such as collectibility and value.
A: Please note: Information on this website is for reference purposes only. Our doors are closed permanently and we will no longer be responding to phone calls or emails.
A: Please note: Information on this website is for reference purposes only. Our doors are closed permanently and we will no longer be responding to phone calls or emails.
A: Please note: Information on this website is for reference purposes only. Our doors are closed permanently and we will no longer be responding to phone calls or emails.
A: Monel is a trademarked commercial alloy that is available with a high degree of consistency from a number of sources. It is a compound of nickel and copper, and resistant to pitting or corrosion. Monel is a malleable yet durable material for pistons.
A: Kanstul Musical Instruments was founded by Zig Kanstul in 1982 and is celebrating 35th year. Zig had been designing and building horns since 1952, and his illustrious career included lengthy stints at Olds and Benge, and he had consulted for numerous other companies over the years. See more about Our Story on the About page.
A: That line is supposed to be there. Our copper bells are made from a single sheet of copper. The line is where the bell seam is joined by brazing. The filler metal (brazing material) is bronze-based, and yellowish in color in contrast to the reddish color of the copper.
A: We do not recommend any particular brand of valve oil, however any high quality pro oil is acceptable for use on Kanstul horns.
A: Please note: Information on this website is for reference purposes only. Our doors are closed permanently and we will no longer be responding to phone calls or emails.
A: The following information is reprinted with permission from www.mouthpieceexpress.com
Confused about tapers? Don’t feel bad—you’re not alone. Here’s the scoop on flügelhorn mouthpiece tapers. Just remember, if you are using the wrong taper, you may be experiencing poor intonation and response!
- LARGE Morse taper
Commonly known as Standard Taper, the LARGE Morse taper is used by Yamaha, Getzen, Callet, Benge/King/Conn, Holton and older Kanstul 1525 flügelhorns.
Note: Only a very limited number of early Model 1525 Signature flügelhorns were built with mouthpipes to accept the large Morse (Yamaha) taper. If you own a Model 1525, more than likely it has a receiver that accepts the small Morse (Bach) taper. The mouthpipe is marked with a letter “B”.
The so-called “Bach Taper.” Bach, Courtois, newer Couesnon, Kanstul 1525 and some European flügelhorns use the SMALL Morse taper.
- FRENCH (straight) taper
Also known as Couesnon Taper, French taper is used by original Couesnons, Flip Oakes “Wild Thing,” Kanstul CCF 925, and original F. Besson flügelhorns.
A: For horns with a lacquered finish, wipe clean with a soft cloth, such as double knap flannel (like a cloth diaper) or microfiber. We use Tarni-Shield on silver plated horns. We mix the product half and half with water. It goes on evenly, dries quickly and polishes off easily with double knap flannel.
A: The Amado water key, while quite popular, has a much smaller hole where it is attached to the crook. It is best to keep the inside of your slide(s) free of debris by cleaning them frequently using a snake. For best results, simply tilt the horn downward and open the water key. The water should drain on its own, or with a light “puff” of air. Do not blow hard into the mouthpipe because this will push the water past the hole.
A: In addition to our own full line of Kanstul brasswinds, we are a supplier to the industry, providing services, tooling, parts and instruments to many companies in North America and Europe.
A: While we are happy to have endorsements from players of our instruments, we do not offer formal sponsorship or endorsement programs at this time.
A:We work with yellow brass, bronze and copper. Our bronze is sometimes referred to as 85-15 and is roughly the color of champagne. We also work with red brass, that’s 90-10. Bell materials are generally available in thickness ranging from .017″ to .040″.
A: Please note: Information on this website is for reference purposes only. Our doors are closed permanently and we will no longer be responding to phone calls or emails.
A: Please note: Information on this website is for reference purposes only. Our doors are closed permanently and we will no longer be responding to phone calls or emails.
Couesnon Flugelhorn Serial Numbers List
Additional information about Besson instruments, including model numbers and descriptions, can be found at The Besson Loyalist.
A: This model Besson C trumpet (sometimes referred to as the Besson Meha C) shipped with three mouthpipes, each marked with a two-digit number to distinguish them from one another. The first digit referred to the mandrel – either the no. 6 (ML) or the no. 7 (Large Bore). The second digit referred to the number of eights of an inch from the small end that the pipe is cut. The 68 mouthpipe, for example was from the no. 6 mandrel and cut 1″ (8/8ths) from the small end.
Serial Numbers Nero
A: For years, Kanstul Musical Instruments manufactured a range of horns for Boosey & Hawkes (now known as The Buffet Group). Some information about F. Besson instruments, including model numbers and descriptions, can be found at The Besson Loyalist.
A: Wrap and pack the horn carefully, and ship via UPS Ground (or your preferred carrier). Please do not send us the case—just the instrument. It has been our experience that the horn can be made more secure when not packed inside the case. Thank you in advance.
In the unlikely event that a horn arrives with shipping damage, we will advise you to contact the carrier.
A: In the unlikely event that your horn arrives with shipping damage, it is very important that you SAVE THE CARTON. Then contact the Kanstul factory for instructions.
A: A standard piccolo trumpet mute fits the 920, and the A and Bb bells of the 1520. A D trumpet mute fits the G bell of the 1520.
These cases are custom made for us by G & G Quality Cases in Los Angeles. The deluxe style case has solid brass combo latches, and instructions for setting the combo are included in the case. In the event that your case arrived without the instructions here they are:
- With the lock open, slide the button inward towards the number wheels and hold
- Set the number wheels to the desired combination
- Release the button
- Make a note of the combo in case you forget
We can email a small pdf file that includes a diagram.
We do not know how to reset or open the case if the combo is forgotten.
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