A GOOD MOUTHPIECE can make a BAD instrument play BETTER and A BAD MOUTHPIECE can make a GOOD instrument play WORSE. This scenario helps us to see HOW IMPORTANT the selection of the RIGHT MOUTHPIECE is for your instrument. How does one determine the difference between a GOOD or BAD MOUTHPIECE? And which MOUTHPIECE is RIGHT for you?

To answer the first question about DIFFERENCE between GOOD or BAD MOUTHPIECES it comes down to Two Things: THE DESIGN and THE CRAFTSMANSHIP. To help us understand the design element a simple illustration may help. There are different sizes to BRASSWIND INSTRUMENTS like TRUMPET to TUBA. You would not think of using a TUBA MOUTHPIECE (if it could fit) in your TRUMPET anymore than you would think of using a TRUMPET MOUTHPIECE in your TUBA. The latter would fit but not right and that is the point. THE DESIGN is wrong for the size of the instrument. It needs to be MATCHED to the size of the instrument. The second point is it needs to be CRAFTED RIGHT. That is the machining of the metal, it’s dimensions and tapers need to be smooth and accurate to the finest degree. This is no easy task.

Now we come to the fun part: WHICH MOUTHPIECE IS RIGHT FOR YOU? FIRST we need to know WHAT A MOUTHPIECE DOES. Basically it is used to help your EMBOUCHURE to SET UP PROPERLY to make a SOUND in that RESONATING TUBE called a BRASSWIND INSTRUMENT. Sound Easy? Not Really! As there can be literally THOUSANDS of combinations. The key words here are SET UP PROPERLY. And it get’s more complicated in that NOT EVERYONE PLAYS with the same EMBOUCHURE. Some use a more SMILE APPROACH and others a more PUCKER APPROACH and everything in-between. Also you have differences in the ORAL CAVITY of the player which will make a difference in which size of CUP, wider-narrower…deeper-shallower, FEELS THE BEST. HOW CAN LASER TECHNOLOGY HELP?

ENTER KANSTUL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. My father, Zigmant Kanstul, has developed a REVOLUTIONARY approach to MOUTHPIECE MANUFACTURING. Using a RUBY LASER PROBE he has been able to make an exact copy of any mouthpiece OUTSIDE and most importantly INSIDE. Yes right down to the BACKBORE. Then using a MODULAR SYSTEM of design it allows you to match ANY MOUTHPIECE CUP to ANY MOUTHPIECE BACKBORE of MOST MANUFACTURES MOUTHPIECES. Also to help in this regard you can use his amazing MOUTHPIECE COMPARATOR which allows you to overlap one over the other to see the differences.

To give you guidance in all of this I offer my knowledge and assistance. Having been raised and trained by the best in the industry I have insights into BRASS PEDAGOGY. I can help you to select the right combination for you and your playing situation. So give me a call.

To The Music And Selection Of The Right Mouthpiece,

Jack Kanstul

Few things can be termed “Legendary” in their time. The Kanstul 1525 Signature Copperbell Flugelhorn is one. With it’s pure Copperbell and unmistakable sound, it is simply pure joy to play. Comments to describe it have been,” The most incredible instrument I have ever played! Unbelievable!” –To–”The instrument plays itself.” These are actual comments from some World Renowned brass players. It is the one I play on our introduction video on YouTube and my website.

Many players have asked, “What makes it play so incredibly?” That can be summed up in one word–ARTISTRY. That is the artistry-craftsmanship of my father, Zigmant Kanstul. To understand this more clearly you need to appreciate the difficulties of making a brass instrument, especially a more conical instrument like the flugelhorn. What makes a brass instrument unique is it’s taper. Unlike a Flute or Clarinet a brass instrument’s taper changes dramatically from beginning to end. The sound is bouncing down this taper so changes are happening. Unless you know how to “tame the taper” you will have trouble with the beast. That’s where the ARTISTRY comes in. I have personally witnessed my father work on this. Without giving away any family secrets, let’s just say it was fascinating to watch a real artist/craftsman at work.

Some players have asked if the copperbell makes a difference. I would have to say emphatically, YES. But that is not why the Kanstul 1525 Signature Flugelhorn sounds the way it does. Because if you put a brass bell on the horn it still get’s that unmistakable sound, just not with the properties that copper gives(that will be for a discussion at another time). It has mainly to do with ARTISTRY.

ARTISTRY is defined in the dictionary as: artistic workmanship, effect, or quality. That is a good definition of my father and Kanstul Instruments, especially the Signature 1525 Copperbell Flugelhorn. I encourage you to give me a call and discover for yourself the pure joy of the Kanstul flugelhorn. Nobody stands behind the instrument the way we do. With our exclusive Lifetime Warranty and Try Before You Buy you are ensured of 100% satisfaction.

To The Music,

Jack Kanstul