PRISTINE "Bb" and "C" BURBANK SILVER TRUMPETS

PRISTINE "C" AND Bb" BURBANK TRUMPETS

I have been a collector of top quality professional trumpets and cornets for over fifteen (15) years.  The time has come to create space for other things besides my hobby, so I've decided to part with several of my precious instruments.

These two BURBANK trumpets, both a "C" and a "Bb" are in truly magnificient condition.  I found these several years ago in two different locations in the U.S.   The "C" trumpet was produced by KANSTUL and is not only an excellent player but a truly beautiful instrument as well.  It slots very well and the intonation is wonderful.  This horn is almost flawless, but does have a slight ding near the bell rim.  Otherwise, it is a true beauty.  The Bb trumpet was produced in the BURBANK facility in California.  It was considered an advanced student model, but built under the same stringent quality standards as their professional models.  I was told that these instruments were only produced for a short length of time as the quality of materials and production time varied little from their other production.  This is evident when you compare this horn to the "C" trumpet.  Again this instrument is beautiful with only a few very light scratches near the finger grip on the lead pipe, and very slight tarnishing on the lower portion of the 1st and 2nd valve casing. The horn bears Mfg. #1130.   It is a wonderful player.  I purchased a top-of-the-line heavy leather double case (see photo) to house these two valuable instruments.  They are very well protected in this beautiful bag.  If you are a professional or advanced trumpeter I know you will value these two horns for many years to come.

A little history on manufacturers - ELDON BENGE & ZIGMANT KANSTUL.......

Eldon Benge was an accomplished trumpeter at an early age.  He was born in 1904 in the great state of IOWA (my home state).  He played in several dance bands during his early school years, and eventually went on the road during his last year of high school.  He played with the Detroit Symphony from 1928-1933, ten moved to Chicago and played trumpet with the Chicago Symphony.  Around 1934, in the basement of his Chicago home, he began to produce copies with some improvements of the F. Besson trumpets, which were universally played in large orchestras at the time.  Benge retired from playing in 1953 and moved to Burbank, California where he continued to produce trumpets in his garage.  The production was around 5 per week or 225 per year prior to 1960, and increased to 25 horns per week from 1960 to 1971.  Sales were primary created by word-of-mouth.  He stocked no inventory as each horn was custom made.  His clientele numbered such individuals as Herb Alpert and other noted professionals throughout the world.

Zigmant Kanstul had begun his career with the Olds brass instrument manufacturing company in Los Angeles.  Recognizing his talent Eldon Benge encouraged him to join his Burbank facility in the early 70's.  Kanstul was instrumental in developing numerous production techniques which improved not only the product but the speed of production as well.  He was named shop foreman and helped sales increase dramatically in the ensuing years.  In the early 80's Kanstul elected to start his own company in the Anaheim area - which he still controls today.  Kanstul Instruments is one of the most highly recognized brass instrument manufacturers in the world.

As of 10/29/09 I added two additional photos showing the engravings on both instrument bells.