Kanstul Musical Instruments, Inc

Kanstul Legacy T-shirt update

Some collaborations are born from a shared understanding of what an instrument should be—and what an artist needs it to become.

Today’s In the Studio takes us back to 1986 and the remarkable relationship between the great Guido Basso and Zig Kanstul. Guido’s artistry, discerning ear, and appreciation for a truly exceptional flugelhorn helped inspire a collaboration that brought together Boosey & Hawkes and Zig Kanstul.

The result was the Kanstul-made F. Besson BF15 Flugelhorn with trigger—an instrument Guido chose as his primary flugelhorn, praising its superior intonation and its warm, mellow sound.

What began as a special collaboration would eventually become part of the Kanstul family as the Custom Class 925.

Here is the story behind one of those special instruments—and one of the great artists whose sound helped bring it to life. 🎺

In the Studio… Guido Basso.

To Oder your shirt:

https://kanstulregistry.com/merch

Also to get a quality Kanstul instrument go to Marketplace at:
Kanstul.com

The legacy continues. 🎺

Introducing the Kanstul Legacy Collector Series—a limited-release collection created to honor the craftsmanship, history, and unmistakable legacy of Kanstul Musical Instruments.

These are not mass-produced shirts. Each design will be released in a strictly limited quantity, and once that edition is sold out, it will become part of Kanstul Legacy history.

For the musicians, collectors, craftsmen, and brass enthusiasts who know what the Kanstul name represents.

LIMITED. COLLECTIBLE. LEGENDARY.

Wear the history. Carry the legacy forward.

The link to the store is https://kanstulregistry.com/merch

Available now for shipping throughout the USA and Canada.

International buyers—stay tuned.

The Kanstul Legacy is going places.

⸻

For this week’s In the Studio, I’d like to share something especially meaningful to me.

Like Paul Cacia, I had the opportunity to study trumpet with the legendary Claude Gordon. Through those years of study, I also came to know Paul and witnessed firsthand the extraordinary influence Claude had on so many players.

Claude was about much more than developing range. He believed in developing the complete musician—technical ability, musicianship, discipline, and a commitment to reaching one’s full potential.

Paul once described Claude’s approach to his trumpet studies this way:

“He approached my trumpet studies as if he were preparing me in the same manner to become a world class concert pianist like his son Steven Gordon, the world champion of the Tchaikovsky Competition in Russia.”

That says so much about Claude Gordon. His expectations were high because he believed his students were capable of achieving more.

Today, Paul pays tribute to his teacher with his recording of the famous Carnival of Venice variations—a wonderful reminder of the lasting connection between a great teacher, his student, and the music that continues to carry their legacy forward.

I hope you’ll take a moment to listen and enjoy this special tribute. 🎺 Gordon

A legendary legacy deserves legendary style—the Kanstul Legacy T-shirt series starts here, and this one is Bad to the Bone. 🎺🔥

As Eddie settles into his favorite chair and relaxes for a little quiet reading, he’s ready to dig a little deeper into The Legacy of Craftsmanship.

And what better way to accompany an evening of reflection than with the soothing sounds of Louise Baranger playing “A Trumpeter’s Prayer.”

For a moment, the world slows down.

A comfortable chair.
A good book.
Beautiful music in the background.
And perhaps a little time to appreciate the artistry, dedication, and craftsmanship that live between the pages.

Eddie seems to have discovered that some legacies are best enjoyed one quiet chapter at a time. 🐾📖🎺

morning, everyone.

What happens when a great trumpet virtuoso comes to a master craftsman with a very specific idea of what he wants an instrument to do?

If that craftsman is Zig Kanstul, the answer can be something extraordinary.

This week’s In the Studio features the great Paul Cacia and a custom trumpet Zig built for him in 2005.

Paul knew exactly what he was looking for. He wanted a trumpet that would slot a Double A using the first two valves rather than an alternate fi*****ng.

Zig listened—and then took the idea even further.

The result was an instrument Paul described through his playing, and one you can still hear today on his most recent album, Legacy — The Last Sessions.

This week, we’re sharing a little of that story and a chance to hear Paul’s remarkable range soar on “Nessun Dorma.”

Sometimes the best stories in the Kanstul Legacy begin with a musician asking, “Can you build this?”

And Zig answering, “Let’s see.”

🎺 Jack Kanstul Kanstul.com KanstulRegistry.com

Today’s From the Workshop takes us back to the 1960s, when I was surrounded by some pretty extraordinary people and instruments at the F.E. Olds factory in Fullerton.

One of those people was the legendary Rafael Mendez.

Rafael had a larger-than-life personality, and you never quite knew when he might walk through the factory doors. Zig had built instruments for him, and there was always a story that seemed to follow wherever Mendez went.

This photograph captures one of those moments—and the story Zig told about how the factory always seemed to know where Mendez had been is one of my favorites.

Let’s take a look back at Rafael Mendez, the instruments he helped make famous, and a little piece of the history Zig was fortunate enough to witness firsthand. Kanstul.com KanstulRegistry.com