Kanstul Musical Instruments offers the most accurately designed and consistently produced line of precision brass instrument mouthpieces in the world.
Digital Scanning and CNC Machining have been combined to offer a greater selection of mouthpieces than any other single source.
Kanstul has created a digital library, using a highly precise digital scanning process, which includes most of the standard mouthpieces offered by the most popular makers.
Kanstul mouthpieces are available direct from the factory or from an authorized Kanstul dealer. With the exception of custom mouthpieces, most mouthpieces are in stock. Expect a week or so for delivery of stock mouthpieces, and anywhere from two to three weeks for custom. We accept orders by fax at 714 563 1661, or contact us by email at sales@kanstul.com
|
|
Mouthpiece Comparator 2.0!
The Kanstul Mouthpiece Comparator represents the first time an interactive process, by which musicians may compare different mouthpieces, has been made available to the entire community of brass players.
Manufacturers have, for many years, relied upon a variety of comparative processes through which they have evaluated the physical dimensions and characteristics of different mouthpieces. Drawings on onionskin paper have long been used to achieve an overlay. Plastic, rubber, and lead casts of mouthpieces have been examined using optical comparators, and drawing dimensions have likewise served as the basis for comparisons in the past. The Kanstul Mouthpiece Comparator version 2.0 is the first interactive tool available to musicians by which mouthpieces may be quickly compared, and a unique feature exclusive to Kanstul. Improvements include updated cross-browser support and the addition of mouthpiece specifications.
Every profile in the Kanstul Digital Library has been derived through digitized scanning of actual mouthpieces. Visit our Digital Scanning and CNC Machining pages for a better understanding of these processes.
Kanstul invites any manufacturer who wishes to add their mouthpieces to the Mouthpiece Comparator to contact Jim New at mouthpieces@kanstul.com
This remarkable technology allows Kanstul to offer the most comprehensive mouthpiece duplication and modification sevice available today.
|
|
Modular Mouthpiece System
Modular design, with interchangeable cups and backbores, enables the performer to test and select the most desirable combinations of standard models in stock.
The Kanstul Modular Mouthpiece System uses the same familiar model numbers as the major manufacturers, and is compatible with popular modular mouthpieces.
Interchangeable backbores provide flexibility and customization options:
These unique mouthpieces combine the best of the most popular designs and the most accurate technology available today. We are currently building a stock of mouthpiece tops which includes the most popular models on the market today as well as some that would be considered special order from other manufacturers. All are in stock and ready for delivery. Modular mouthpieces mean interchangeable backbores that allow using your favorite top with a Piccolo, Symphonic, or Commercial backbore. This provides the flexibility you need in today's musical environment. The custom combination without the wait. More importantly it provides the consistency from one mouthpiece to another so that if you lose or damage one we can replace it.
In general, a large cup lowers the pitch of an instrument, while a small cup cup raises the pitch. Therefore, it is important to match the cup of the mouthpiece with the pitch of the instrument. Also, due to variations in embouchure, air support, and physical characteristics among musicians, individuals should select a cup which improves overall intonation. Large cups will amplify the volume of sound, resulting in a fuller and darker timbre, by amplifying the lower partials and diminishing the high frequency overtones. Players should refrain from using very shallow cups to compensate for the lack of experience.
The correct depth of the cup depends upon the pitch of the instrument, and, to some degree, the bore. For example, a Bb piccolo trumpet requires a shallow cup, while the flugel horn demands the use of a deep cup. A good starter mouthpiece would be one with a C or B cup. Then, with experience as your guide, try others according to the styles of music you play. For example a jazz musician who continually plays in the extreme high register and desires a brighter sound should use a shallower mouthpiece such as a B3D, B3E, B3F, with the 76 or 41 backbore. Or a B5SV with a 25 backbore. The symphonic player might chose the B1 1/4C, B1X, or 2C with a 24 backbore.
We suggest trying various models and consulting with your instructors and peers.
The backbore of a mouthpiece has a relationship to the rim, cup shape, and throat. If the backbore of a mouthpiece is too small, the high register will be stuffy and flat in pitch. If the backbore of a mouthpiece is too large, the mouthpiece will not have sufficient resistance and the player will need to build his endurance. Backbores are best described by their playing qualities. It is not actually possible to identify backbores by size alone because they also vary in shape. Various combinations of size and shape make the tone darker or more brilliant, raise or lower the pitch and increase or decrease volume.
|
