So yesterday I picked up a surplus Miraphone Eb tuba from a high school. I'd been after it for three years. You see, the last time I saw her, she was a brand-spanking new tuba played by me in the school band... in 1971! Exactly forty years later, I own it.
Like myself, she's a little worse for wear for the years, but still plays beautifully. In fact, I haven't played a note since then so naturally expected nothing but air to emanate. Surprised myself with a buzz on the mouthpiece alone. And then one almost perfect note. Then a scale. After 40 years, I hadn't lost the fingering. Quite amazing.
Its certainly had its bell rung quite a few times, and will require some big dent fixes. The rotary valve keys are worn to the metal as you might expect. Except the fourth valve key. It's perfect. I didn't know how to operate that one either.
But what the heck do I have here? Where could I ever find some additional information on it? The only ID is a triangular Miraphone logo and the number 4116 etched onto the bell.
I have two young daughters I'm slowly nudging into brass. One plays trumpet and the other will start trombone next year. Is that going to be an ok trio? A sort of Von Arbeegee Family Brass. All motivated by a sublime vision forty years ago playing brass quintet Christmas tunes with my tuba on a snowy village corner.
Cheers,
RBG
