TubeNet

What model tuba do you think the best value for the money is in the current 4/4 CC category? 5/4 CC category? 4/4 or larger BBb? Eb? F?

The best new tuba value, to me, always has been and always will be a Mirafone 186-5U CC. It is an instrument you can have a career on and play in any situation short of a major symphony, and I dare say you could do a good percentage of that type of playing on it. For @ 5K, it is a lifetime investment. I had one once. I am still bruised for kicking myself for letting it get away.

Chuck"wondering what would happen if everybody who was a contender for a big job was given a 186 and their choice of 1 mouthpiece for everything"Jackson

same- Miraphone 186 CC!

same- Miraphone 186 CC

http://www.wwbw.com/Search/Default.aspx ... 4294940230

WWBW seems to be blowing out the Miraphone 1291 again. The price is about a thousand dollars less than the advertised price at Dillons or Hornguys. So, if you like that model, now might be a good time to grab one at a significant savings. Just a few hundred more than a new 186... if you prefer pistons, it's a great choice.

I'm not sure if you mean:

A) Most horn for the money
or
B) Best shot at recovering your investment if you resell it later.

And honestly, I'm not sure if it makes a real difference either.

As the others said, I'd say a (used) Miraphone 186 or 188.

Since the release of the 1291 & 1292 with rotary valves (191 CC or 192 CC???) has not occurred yet, I have to go with the 186 or 1291 or 1292. I love my 186, but would like a 1291 or 1292 even better simply because I could use more fundamental in my low range in my new orchestra gig. I'm not sure why the Miraphones have gone out of fashion. They seem to be on the upswing now. Every pitch tuba has a highly regarded model: Bb>>>186, 191, 1291, 1292...CC>>>186, 188, 1291, 1292...Eb>>>Norwegian Star, Norwegian Lite (Baadsvic's horn)...F>>>Firebird. Richard Murrow told me that Miraphone's quality control is second to none. For example, if you have a defect in any specific place in your horn, you can call Miraphone, tell them the problem and give them the serial number. They can tell who was working on that horn, apparently no matter how long ago it was manufactured. The only trouble I have had with my 186 is cracks in the nylon uniball linkage. I called Ed Strege at Badger State Repair and ordered the metal uniball. The parts were expensive (over $200 for eight of them), but that is the only thing that I have ever needed to replace.

That being said, there are many good choices in many different lines. The best value is the horn that you sound the best on for the ensembles in which you perform. Go to one or two of the big tuba houses, or the big conventions and play test many. The best value will be the one that you sound best on and can still afford. The best value horn for Gene Pokorny and the best value horn for "Mojo Workin'" will likely be different models. Most people on this board will recommend the horn they have, that's why they made the decision to buy it.

I would have to say the 1291 CC. Assuming you get this it's only $545 more expensive than a 186 and the 1291 has a fifth valve and piston valves... it will hold it's value better.

If the best 186 that you find is better than the best 1291 that you find... the 186 is the better value. You may find the 1291 better suited for orchestra and the 186 for quintet, but both should be able to serve the other group adequately.

And either should do very well for all the moderate ensembles, including concert band.