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ValiantTuba wrote:It centers with itself, but no matter what I do the horn plays way sharp for me. (My maintenance mechanic says it's my chops that are lame.)

I have noted this effect on two returning tuba players I've played next two in the last few years. When I play their isntruments, I find that they aren't sharp at all. In fact, they tend flat, as I do on my own tubas.

I would suggest taking a lesson from a good teacher who happens to play the sort of tuba you are interested in. That way, you aren't borrowing the instrument, per se. And get the teacher to play your Miraphone. You might be surprised at the results.

Hint: The rotary valves are not making you sharp.

Rick "who pays even now for not having taken lessons in Houston while growing up" Denney

Rick Denney wrote:

ValiantTuba wrote:It centers with itself, but no matter what I do the horn plays way sharp for me. (My maintenance mechanic says it's my chops that are lame.)

I have noted this effect on two returning tuba players I've played next two in the last few years. When I play their isntruments, I find that they aren't sharp at all. In fact, they tend flat, as I do on my own tubas.

I would suggest taking a lesson from a good teacher who happens to play the sort of tuba you are interested in. That way, you aren't borrowing the instrument, per se. And get the teacher to play your Miraphone. You might be surprised at the results.

Hint: The rotary valves are not making you sharp.

Rick "who pays even now for not having taken lessons in Houston while growing up" Denney

I couldn't agree more. When I started playing again I was always sharp and of course, assumed it was just the horn . As I started to get more serious about playing again and playing more, I went from 2 tuning bits, to one tuning bit, to now no tuning bits added to the mouthpiece to get the horn in tune. Some changing of mouthpieces helped a little, but most of the work was done with the drone, the tuner, and getting my lazy butt back behind the horn and practicing .

ValiantTuba wrote:I also find that this particular Miraphone and me aren't getting along. I just can't get this horn to center on concert pitch. It centers with itself, but no matter what I do the horn plays way sharp for me. (My maintenance mechanic says it's my chops that are lame.)

It also may be that your horn was built for European or orchestral pitch. I have a 184 that played sharp from the day I got it. I used to be a pro player, and I used the 184 for quintet and solo stuff. I ALWAYS (and still do) have that tuning slide out to the end. Maybe instead of getting a new horn, you can just get the tuning slide lengthened. If I'm not mistaken, Miraphone used to offer just such a slide. And have someone else try your horn with a tuner. You may find that they're just as sharp, too!

what part of houston are you in? if you're anywhere near Spring i'd be willing to let you sit w/ my PT-20PS for an hour or so. pm me back if you're interested.

-casey