Overview
This Kanstul Model 1690 F/C/Db/A contrabass trombone was in extraordinary, nearly showroom-new condition when offered. It looked as though it had barely been used, but played even better after receiving a complete professional setup in our shop.
Built in the United States, the 1690 was Kanstul’s largest trombone and one of the company’s most ambitious professional designs. This instrument included two mouthpieces and a nearly new black leather Cronkhite contrabass trombone case with adjustable backpack straps.
The previous owner was a well-known professional musician who had recently recorded music for a Star Wars production. Between its provenance, condition, professional setup, and complete package, this was an exceptional example of a very rare American-made contrabass trombone.
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Design and Playing Characteristics
The Kanstul 1690 is pitched in F with independent valves providing C, Db, and A configurations. It uses a long nickel-silver handslide with a .562–.608-inch dual bore, an extended hand support, and a removable leadpipe.
Kanstul’s independent Controlled Resistance rotary valves use stepped .630- and .670-inch bores to support airflow and response through the lowest register. The valve arrangement is highly adjustable, and the ergonomics are excellent for an instrument of this size.
Contrabass trombones can sometimes feel awkward or unnecessarily difficult, but this instrument was remarkably comfortable and responsive after setup. The slide, valves, and playing position could all be adjusted to suit the player. It had the depth and authority expected from an F contrabass while remaining manageable throughout the register.
Condition and Professional Setup
This instrument was in exceptional condition with an appearance very close to showroom new. It had been only lightly used, with no significant wear, damage, or repair history.
The trombone received a complete professional setup before being offered. The handslide, valve alignment, linkage, and general playing condition were inspected and adjusted so that the instrument performed at its best. No additional service was required.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Kanstul Musical Instruments
- Model: 1690
- Instrument type: F contrabass trombone
- Valve configurations: F/C/Db/A
- Handslide: Nickel silver, more than 40 inches in length
- Slide bore: .562–.608-inch dual bore
- Bell: 10.25-inch brass bell
- Leadpipe: Removable
- Valves: Independent Kanstul Controlled Resistance rotary valves
- Valve bores: .630 and .670 inch
- Manufacturing: Made in the USA
- Condition when offered: Nearly showroom new
- Service: Complete professional setup
Included Case and Mouthpieces
- Case: Black leather Cronkhite contrabass trombone case
- Case features: Adjustable backpack straps
- Mouthpiece: Ferguson 2A
- Mouthpiece: Kanstul 2A
The Cronkhite leather case was itself in nearly new condition and had been only lightly used. Together with the two contrabass mouthpieces, it made this a complete professional package of considerable value.
Original Kanstul Pricing and Package Value
Kanstul’s confidential 2019 dealer price list shows a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $10,920 for the lacquer Model 1690 and a minimum advertised price of $8,190. The instrument was sold by Kanstul without a case or mouthpiece.
This example included a nearly new black leather Cronkhite contrabass trombone case, a Ferguson 2A mouthpiece, and a Kanstul 2A mouthpiece. Based on Kanstul’s final published pricing and the substantial value of the case and mouthpieces, the complete package represented more than $9,000 in equipment at the time.
An Important American Contrabass Trombone
It is unfortunate that Kanstul is no longer producing instruments. The company built some remarkable professional brass instruments, and the Model 1690 demonstrates just how ambitious its trombone designs could be.
This example combined rarity, condition, provenance, excellent ergonomics, and a complete professional setup. You will not encounter many Kanstul 1690 contrabass trombones, and finding another preserved this well with a leather Cronkhite case and both mouthpieces would be especially difficult.
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The Brass Exchange historical archive documents professional Kanstul tenor, bass, alto, and contrabass trombones, including rare models from the company’s years of American production.