Miraphone 282 or 186

[The Jackson]

I haven't played the 282, but the 186 is an amazing horn for anything. I also used a Yammy 641 before that, and the 186 is a great dealer better in just about every respect, IMO.

[Roger Lewis]

the 282 is the 3/4 (7/8) BBb - not the 281 Firebird. Gene is comparing apples to apples on this since both his options are BBb horns. I would look very hard at the 282. It puts out quite a bit of sound for the size and has excellent playing characteristics. I have a good friend on the west coast that traded into one of these and he is loving it for quintet work. Frankly either horn, with the right mouthpiece, would avoid the tubby-ness and they are both easy to play. The 186 would let you jump on the louder dynamics with a bit more force, but the 282 is also a very capable instrument.

My recommendation? Try them both and see which one shakes hands with you. They're both good options.

FWIW
Roger

[iiipopes]

186