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bloke wrote:If no red-rot, no dents nor repaired dents, and no valve wear, why pay more?

I agree with Mr. Bloke. If it meets his criteria it would be difficult to get anything better for the money. Looking at the full size photo it would appear to have a 2-step 5th valve. Not necessarily a bad thing, just different from most other CC tubas.

Tell ya what, if you decide not to buy it let me know because I have a student in high school who needs a horn and that one would be perfect for him. Does that answer your question? In all seriousnes it looks like a great horn for the money.

Pete

The "hubcaps" on the valves and the engraving on the paddles means that this has the "Presto" linkage that Mirafone used for a short time in the early to mid 1990's. It also has adjustable valve springs. They went back to a "keep it simple, stupid" linkage after a few years.

$4800 is right in the ballpark. I think the 188 is a great choice for an aspiring player. Good intonation, nice sound and easy to play. You won't be fighting the horn in order to improve. My son started playing mine this summer and won't give it back!

Go for it. If it turns out you don't like it, you can easily turn around and sell it again. There will always be someone who wants a 188.

There is a fantastic gold brass 188 at Baltimore Brass for about a grand more.

joshstanman wrote:Anyone know how accurately timed the second day air is? Is it reliable?

That sounds like a good deal, Josh. You must be excited and proud. Get a tracking number from the seller and you can track the horn's progress on line.