pmaustin

Actually Tom, they just sounded like the same notes - We were in "G" and I believe you folks were in "Bb" Seriously though, it's all great for the activity and the competition will make everyone better. You folks did yourself and MCA proud last Saturday,and we look forward to seeing and hearing Capitol Brass in Harrisburg! Also a shout out to Amoskeag Sound and Dave Lafond who did a terrific job in going on very early in the show. That's great news that you've decided to make the trip out to Rochesta. See you (hopefully) at Legends Paul

Hey Rick, Congrats on your new Kanstul, it's a great horn and I wouldn't want to play anything else! I purchased my horn used as well and the original case was also trashed. After a lot of searching, I decided to purchase a Ritter Bell-Up Euphonium gig bag which is close to a perfect fit. They are fairly cheap at about $77 and provide a good level of day to day protection (from car to rehearsal and back again). There is no way in the world that I would lug a full sized case around for everyday practice - it would be like moving a dishwasher. I intend to use my beat-up original case with secondary straps when I'm flying to performances this year and it will work fine. As far as holding the horn, you're going to have to get to a point in which your left hand is carrying about 75% - 85% of the horn's weight. I use a padded half fingered glove on my left hand for comfort as I find that almost all of the horn's weight is assumed by the area surrounding the main index finger knuckle on my left hand. You'll eventually build up a good sized callus on your "pinkie" where you hold the "octave key" which will help with the remaining weight. You're right on about the disfigurement comment, the knuckle on my pinkie is twice the size of the one on my other hand! Lots of luck with the horn, you'll grow to love it! Regards, Paul

Jim, I couldn't agree more with you, Sully's move to the Bridgemen in 79' was a huge loss for North Star and obviously a huge gain for your corps! Of course, that happened back in the day when movement between corps was more of an aberration than the norm that it seems to be today. Hope to meet you in Harrisburg, Paul

That's cool ATTREIDES, thanks for the kind words. We were always huge fans of the Bridgemen, as we knew you folks were always going to push the limits of performance and production. It's funny that you mentioned Sir Duke, as our Bari soloist in that tune (Dave Sullivan - Sully) left North Star the following year and marched with you folks in 1979. Regards, Paul

Hi John, I've just read through your post announcing that the Bridgemen are using Euphs this year. That's great news and I look forward to seeing and hearing the corps in Harrisburg! It seems that more and more corps are using these "pigs" to fatten up the low brass sound. I'm playing Euph myself with Mass Brass and Legends of Drum Corps and there's no question that these horns require a little more effort - in terms of the obvious physical issues, but also in terms of technique (air support - you can't get lazy) when playing on the high end of the horn. For me, the extra effort is worth it because of the beautiful dark sound. We play mixed parts at Mass Brass, so I get an opportunity to play all over the horn's range and it's just a lot of fun. I lug my horn around in a Ritter upright euphonium gig bag and it's almost a perfect fit - I think I paid about $75 for it. As for mouthpieces, I'm using a Steven Mead SM5 with the intention of moving into my SM4 hopefully by Rochester - it's a little bigger than I'm used to and I need to work up to it, but they both have nice deep cups with very comfortable slightly rounded rims as compared to the Bach pieces. Bill Moore, I heard a rumor that you might be in the Boston area next Thursday as we take a turn through " "Flag of Stars" with "Legends" for the first time. If so, I'll make a point to say hello and introduce myself. Regards, Paul

Strutta, That's a great line-up of Mini-Corps, and it should be a terrific show. Hopefully this event will be a success and will lead to many other Mini-Corps shows in the area. Regards, Paul

I am posting this message on behalf of a (somewhat) computer challenged friend who owns the horn. The baritone has some minor dents and dings (that don't effect playability) and is missing some plating around the valves, but is in overall decent shape. I would rate it a 7 out of 10. I have personally played the horn and it plays and sounds fine. I have a few photos available that I can forward to you if you PM me. Regards, Paul 7/18/2006 The horn is SOLD! Thank you, Paul

Mike, As discussed, please consider it sold!!! Regards, Paul

I'm interested in purchasing a Kanstul "G" Euphonium (3 valve) for use in my Alumni Corps. I own a very nice Kanstul G Baritone that I will be selling once I locate the Euphonium. I'd appreciate a response if anyone out there is aware of one of these beasts that might be available. Thanks

Sorry about pointing you in the wrong direction on that Dynasty horn, the seller added the extra detail on the key after I had looked at it. Unfortunately, I won't be selling my Kanstul Bari until I locate a euphonium. Hang in there, Dynasty's show up all the time. Regards,

I'd be interested in parting with my Kanstul Bari, but I want to replace it with a Kanstul G Euphonium. You don't have one of those hanging around do you?

Just do a search for "Dynasty Baritone" and you'll find the other one. The bid ends on June 1st. I have a Kanstul Bari myself that I'll be selling, but I'm trying to locate a Kanstul "G" Euphonium first. Regards

There are two Dynasty three valve "G" Baritones currently for sale on Ebay, one of which will be gone in 18 HRs, the other in a few days. They're not Kanstuls, but they'll get the job done. Good Luck, Paul