Posts made by L.A.Horn

@ROWUK said in Best Off-brand Trumpets:

Let us take "best" out and replace it with high value/low price.

Alright, what do you consider the highest value trumpet with the lowest price?

@ROWUK Generally, when people consider off-brand trumpets, it's to save some money and/or stay within budget. Therefore, off-brand would be one that's not considered mainstream and requires significant investment. My hope is that your post isn't to dispirit an otherwise healthy conversation.

@Dr-GO They can have your daughters, but not your instruments. Spoken like a true musician.

Not too long ago, I purchased a new Allora ATR-250 in silver for my nephew. It was a bit of a roll of the dice, but it's working great and he's enjoying it, which is what's ultimately important.

Of course, it's not a Bach or Yamaha, but it sorta shows that not all off-brands are necessarily bad products. I'm wondering who else has had an experience with an off-brand that turned out be surprisingly pleasant?

Unfortunately, only Mark, Charles and Carrie are left and they're winding down administrative affairs and depleting inventory. The company doesn't seem to be continuing.

My understanding is that the financial woes began while Zig was still alive and were worsened by poor decisions after his death. Having been born and raised in Los Angeles, the end of the Olds, Benge, Kanstul lineage genuinely saddens me.

@Tobylou8 If you are referring to the current trade negotiations, they are temporary and the goals unrealistic. China is a country of manufacturers and America is a country of consumers.

https://ei.marketwatch.com/Multimedia/2019/05/06/Photos/NS/MW-HI924_us_chi_20190506112401_NS.jpg

https://www.facebook.com/coolisbac/videos/412760042935658

I stumbled onto the following trumpet for sale:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/KANSTUL-built-Sarade-Intermediate-Trumpet-Great-shape/352622612311

The horn struck my curiosity and I learned it was manufactured for Walter "Walt" Sarad by Kanstul. Sarad was a businessman and musician born in 1919. After returning from service in WWII (the Big One), he attended The Juilliard School. He eventually worked for Excelsior Accordion Co. as a factory representative and Vincent Bach as an engineer. In 1956, he patented an adjustable mouthpiece for brass instruments:

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/2758497.pdf

The mouthpieces were sold through at least 1965 and can still be found on the resale market. Sarad was good friends with Renold Schilke and Charles Magnante. Most of his life was spent in the business world and in 2002 he ordered the trumpets bearing his name from Kanstul. Walt Sarad passed away in 2008.

I inquired with a few professional trumpet players as to what the value of the trumpet might be and it seems the Sarad branding has decreased the interest and value of a trumpet that would otherwise be a fine Kanstul horn. Nonetheless, I found the history interesting.

I believe when asked for advice and/or suggestions, the person to whom the inquiry is being made, should act responsibly by asking the budget for the purchase.
I'm aware of instances in which the potential purchaser couldn't afford the recommended instrument and was too embarrassed to mention it. I even know of an instance in which someone stated that if X amount of money isn't spent, a trumpet shouldn't be purchased.
There are trumpets for all budgets. Of course, quality and performance improve as the price increases and it should be noted. Ultimately, it's about encouraging new players and guiding them towards the best purchase within their means.

Edit 05/15/19: I believe it's alright now to share that a sale of the company didn't happen and they're ceasing operations. I was informed an official announcement was forthcoming sometime in May.
It's truly saddening.

I suggest including a minimum number of upvotes as a factor in determining a Trusted seller.