Mirafone trade

[Steve Inman]

If your 186 is too loud, then you do NOT need a 6/4 anything!

As Scooby Tuba noted, if you WANT something different, then that's reason enough to BUY something different. I agree with this, as I've bought "something different" more times than I can count (ok, about a dozen over the years) -- rotary and piston, in every key (and in both silver and lacquer )

Having said that ...

If you search the archives (use the "search" link at the top/center of the page) you'll find that the 186CC is universally accepted as a great, do-it-all horn. I've heard a number of college tubists soloing on different horns, and the 186CC ended up with the nicest sound of the group. It's a great, all-purpose tuba. And it's yours ... now!

Years ago, the big-name pro players (some of the more notable ones) played rotary valved tubas, and they were all the rage. Now it's piston valves. Go figure. The horns are all good quality, but there are subtle differences, granted.

If your horn is in decent shape, you have an excellent choice right now. But, for something different in piston and in CC, I would recommend the Miraphone 1292 over the 1291 for improved response (slightly different leadpipe and added bell garland). But these horns have a bigger sound than the 186, imo., if that has caused you difficulties in some settings (be aware).

Another reasonable, "do-it-all" tuba is the Conn 52J CC. It has 4 pistons and a rotary 5th valve. Many tubists I've chatted with think the Conn 52J / 54J / 56J tubas are rather "plain" sounding, however. I like my 56J, but your ears should be the judge.

Check intonation carefully with a tuner for ALL tubas you try out.

If you plan to be a music performance or education major, you should look for a good 4/4 - 5/4 size contrabass, most likely in the key of C. A bass tuba, while typically not having as full of a sound, allowing a less "overpowering" result, may not be what you want as your primary college tuba. (Eb or F tuba)

Look for a used tuba in good condition, as you can likely sell it later (if you wish) and not lose much money.

(BTW, you said the rotors didn't feel as smooth. Rotor valves in good condition should be smooth and easy to play. Could it be that one solution is to keep the horn and ask a competent repair person to check out the valves? Are they "healthy"?)

Random thoughts for your consideration,


(I vote to keep the 186!)

[iiipopes]

Linkage.

Everyone forgets to have the linkage gone over on a rotor. Lubrication can dry up, being on top of the horn it can get knocked around, and there are more places friction can creep in.

Linkage. Have your linkage checked.

Roger Lewis told me singer sewing machine oil on the rotor bearings and 3-in-1 oil on the linkage.

[andrew the tuba player]

i did. I took it and my repair man 'the bandsmith' (Craig Heinrich ) said the valves were great. all they needed was to be cleaned which he did. the thing i dont like is that they take so long to "break down". with pistons its just one valve cap and a spring. with rotors its alot more comlicated. this hurts wen youre at a rehearsal and your valves start to stick. and, i like the resoponce of pistons better. the horn is great. Just, not quite what i want.

[DaTubaKid]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but assuming the valves are in good condition, they shouldn't stick if they are being used regularly...

[Tubaguy56]

i gotta be the devil's advocate it seems.

If you want pistons, get pistons.

I personally have great disdain for rotors, mainly because I don't like the slurring action in comparison to pistons.

however, you REALLY DON'T NEED A 6/4!

I own a Gronitz PCK, there are times when I'm incredibly thankful for it's size, and times when I truly regret not having bought a PT-6 (which was my second choice) (well, in all honesty I wanted a nirschl but couldn't find one....)

[pierso20]

There's all the NO 6/4 talk, but the only 6/4 thing mentioned was a 6/4 F horn....like an SLP.

I mention it as an option if he kept his current horn and wanted something to play in church and etc.

A large F would be nimble enough for that setting, but also have the breadth of sound needed in smaller ensemble.

Now, after reading more, its obvious this is not what he is looking for, but more of a piston equivalent of his current horn?

So no more anti-6/4 CC talk, since that isn't what was really brought up anyway. haha

[pierso20]

I would agree with most posters for you to stick with this horn.

If you really want something with pistons, then keep your horn now and find another horn you like with pistons. Maybe a solo horn or another different horn.

I really want something in silver and pistons...just because.
No shame is wanting something. But you don't want to throw away something that works great and that you like.

[andrew the tuba player]

thats true. but i dont have any money. and all the money im getting is going into other things. so, the only chance of me getting what i want is to trade or sell this horn. I have an offer on a conn Eb that i'm waiting to get info on.
also, about keeping the horn clean and proporly oiled, Last year i took it to band camp. One day we had a classs on how to dis/reassemble and clean our horns. My instructor decided to use mine as an example. when he pulled it apart, he started gong on about how it as the cleanest hron he had ever seen and that it should last a long time. And, i'll take that into consideration. it's just I want pistons. There (in my opinion) smoother, faster, and require less maitance.
Ok, no more 6/4 talk. But i still think my all time favorite horn would be the conn 20j that i resqued from the storage room. (poor thing ) (or the conn sousaphone that io march with...aww the days on the field with bug silver

[iiipopes]

Rudy Meinl now makes a piston tuba that is meeting with good reviews, check out the Indiana shopping trip thread currently on the board.

[andrew the tuba player]

yeah?? I've never played one.