186 vs. 191 ??

[Virtuoso]

For starters, size. The 191 has an 18.5" bell and 0.835" bore. The 186 is slightly smaller with a 17.7" bell and 0.772" bore. If you prefer the dynamics of a larger 4/4 slash smaller 5/4, then the bigger one is better, and vice-versa.

[Bob Kolada]

They're completely different kinds of tubas. I much prefer the 191 over the 186 for the sound and low range. And even though I think the 191 slightly edges out the 1291 in sound, the 1291 is easier to play and would be my choice overall. They're priced here at $6695, $6800, $7100-
http://hornguys.com/hornsinstocktuba.htm
There is also a Chinese built copy of the 1291/5 that has just come out for around $2500 that, given the good review of some of the other copies, bears watching.

http://tubamm.com/site/prods-tubes.htm
listed on eBay by the same place for $200 less now-
http://cgi.ebay.com/Tuba-M-M-BBb-5-Valv ... 3efd8474d9



and here-
http://cgi.ebay.com/Schiller-AH-Tuba-Mo ... 45f161507a