Miraphone 1291 5-v Bb

[SplatterTone]

Sounds like somebody needs their valves lined up. Or get the dead rat out of the horn.

[prototypedenNIS]

probably dead rat but could be many problems.

Misaligned valves
dents
Air leaks (if the rotors are completely dry you get a little bit of air leak)

[adam0408]

I am VERY glad I went and spent 5 grand on a new miraphone. This problem is likely unique to the horn and he should get it checked out.

I remember I used to stuff my pep band jacket in the bell of my tuba and would sometimes forget to take it out. I would wonder what was going on, and then when I turned the tuba over LO AND BEHOLD there was my jacket!

The 1291 is notorious for being free blowing, not stuffy. Mine is wonderful, of course I have the CC version....

[Roger Lewis]

I think the 1291 5 valve BBb tuba is one of the best, open playing horns out there - to the point where I have actually purchased one. I haven't played one that I would consider any where near "stuffy". It sounds like there is some other underlying problem that needs to be addressed. I agree with the other posters who mentioned a valve alignment as this can have a major impact on the playability of any horn.

Just my $0.02

[MartyNeilan]

probably dead rat but could be many problems.

I remember a time about a year ago that my horn just wasn't playing right. I turned it upside down and shook it, and one of my kids' stuffed animals fell out!

[Art Hovey]

I'll bet you a quarter that it will play a lot better after the 5th valve is removed.

[adam0408]

I'll bet you a quarter that it will play a lot better after the 5th valve is removed.

Double or nothin it doesnt. I use my fifth valve all the time on my CC. If you wanna play in tune around low f, the 5th valve really helps and it sounds better too.