Best place to buy Miraphone F's

tubafatness · Post by **tubafatness** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 4:37 pm

Does anyone know what the best place would be to buy a Miraphone 181-6V F tuba? I thought about Woodwind & Brasswind, but I don't know what their situation would be, what with being bought and all. Also, is there a noticable playing difference between the yellow brass and gold brass tubas? I wouldn't think so, but I'm not real sure. My purchase will be a ways off, but I'm just gathering information right now.
Thanks,
Aaron Hynds

tubafatness · Post by **tubafatness** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 5:35 pm

Doc, what a huge amount of advice! I talked to Roger Lewis at the Midwest Clinic, and he seemed to indicate that the horns are still being sold at WWBW, so I'll have to pursue that avenue a little more. I have been stalking the "For Sale" forum for awhile now, and the fact that there have been so many Miraphone F's for sale is part of the reason I'm looking into getting one. I was curious about the YB vs. GB difference, seeing as I've only played the goldbrass horn before; the price difference will probably dictate that I get the yellow brass horn anyways. The Miraphone 181-6V was one of the four horns I really liked at the Midwest Clinic, and is by far the cheapest, (among the Firebird, MW 2182 and Willson Eb.) I'm going to have to go with the opinions I have from playing at the Midwest Clinic, seeing as I'm not in a position to go out again and try multiple horns before my purchase. I just found a yellow brass 181-6V for $4,400 online, so I hope that price stays the same. I liked the 181 for the same reasons it seems as you do, i.e., a dark sound with a light attack and good range. Thanks for the wealth of information!
Aaron Hynds

imperialbari · Post by **imperialbari** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 6:17 pm

quinterbourne · Post by **quinterbourne** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 7:58 pm

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Some have only 5 valves, some might have expired... but check them out.

They are $6390 at Dillon Music.

They are $6295 at Tuba Exchange.

They are $6590 at Horn Guys.

Perhaps this one?

Matt Reese · Post by **Matt Reese** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 10:40 pm

I paid 5200 for my 181-6VGB, and it has been the best horn that I have ever had the honor of owning. The only thing that is different about mine, is the person who owned it before me had the 5th valve changed to a 2-3 combo insted of a 1-2 combo. All around I have enjoyed the horn and wouldn't think twice about buying one again.

Steve Inman · Post by **Steve Inman** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 5:14 pm

The best place to try out a tuba is the place closest to you that has it available for you to try out.

The best place to buy a tuba ... there are several good choices available, and I can't say any one is significantly better than any other. I have purchased tubas new and old from Brasswind, used from Baltimore Brass, used from Lee Stofer and from private sellers who have advertised via other miscellaneous means. I have never had a bad experience. And everyone I've spoken with has had a lot of helpful information to provide during the "tuba hunt".

Cheers,

eupher61 · Post by **eupher61** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 6:16 pm

Horn Guys/Ferguson Music was terrific to deal with. Just ask them to NOT ship via DHL. Highly recommended brass dealer, total idiocy of freight line.