Mirafone( Miraphone) 186 Bell Replacement Question

[Sandlapper]

I have a mid 70's Mirafone that originally came with a recording bell. I got a aftermarket upright bell and that is primarily all I have used. There are some focusing issues especially in the upper register with the upright bell although the recording bell is well focused and plays in tune. Its just a beast to carry with the recording bell, and since I carpool regularly out of town with the Mira I would really prefer to stick with stovepipe style if possible.

I am wondering if replacing the entire bell to the first joint would be worth exploring with a one piece bell possibly fixing the issue. If anyone had a replacement of this type done, what were the results like? Did the horn play as well after the transplant or possibly better or is it a crap shoot to do something like this?

Miraphone has come in the 16.5 in. and a 17 in. bell version. Would it make a difference what size of the replacement? The recording bell is 22 in. What would be the difference in sound for the different sizes.

Thanks for any information you can provide.

[tubamlb]

Hello

Tuba M&M has replacement Bells, They will sell the Bell to your repair person $475.00 or you or you can have them replace the bell

[iiipopes]

Tubatinker is your man:
Scroll about 1/3 the way down if all you want is an upright instead of a recording bell, or both:
http://thevillagetinker.com/projects.htm" target="_blank
He used to have a page about replacement stacks of various kinds, but I can't find it.

[The Big Ben]

iiipopes had success replacing the whole thing with a Besson bell.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=61956" target="_blank

[Dan Schultz]

There's one heck of a lot of difference between a 22" recording bell and a 17" upright bell.... aside from 5" I mean.

I don't see how you can even come close to comparing the sound of the two bells from the position of the operator.

[Jose the tuba player]

.