The Kanstul 1662i was one of the company’s standout bass trombone designs, featuring an independent CR valve system with tuning-in-slide construction and a 9.5" bronze bell paired with a nickel silver handslide. This particular example came through our shop in excellent condition, receiving a full chemical bath and setup. It showed no dents, no significant wear, and the slide action was excellent.
From a player’s perspective, the 1662i is much lighter than many contemporary bass trombones, making it especially appealing for commercial, big band, and concert band use. The instrument offers a colorful, resonant sound that draws comparisons to the Conn 62H bell design while also being reminiscent of the George Roberts Kanstul signature model. Unlike the single-valve George Roberts horn, however, the 1662i was built with a full double valve system for extended range and versatility.
The removable leadpipe system gives the player additional flexibility, and the horn was sold with a Protec case. At the time these were offered new, the Kanstul 1662i carried a retail price of over $4,000, and even then was difficult to find either new or used.
Kanstul Musical Instruments, based in Anaheim, California, closed its doors roughly at the end of 2019. The company had built a loyal following among brass players, producing instruments that drew inspiration from classic American designs while adding their own innovations. For a brief time before Kanstul declared bankruptcy, we were approached by the company to serve as a dealer, which gave us insight into their craftsmanship and catalog. Although the company is gone, instruments like the 1662i remain excellent examples of their legacy and deserve a place in any historical archive of modern brass making.
Q&A
📌 What makes the Kanstul 1662i unique among bass trombones?
Its independent CR valve system and tuning-in-slide design gave it a lighter, more agile feel compared to heavier modern double-valve bass trombones.
📣 How does it compare to other models like the Conn 62H?
The bronze bell and tonal color are similar to a Conn 62H, but the Kanstul is lighter and has design cues reminiscent of the George Roberts model, with the added versatility of dual valves.
This Kanstul 1662i has been sold and is now displayed here as a historical reference for collectors and bass trombone enthusiasts. Looking for similar instruments? Browse our current trombones 🔎
