TubeNet

I'm looking into buying a PT-4,6,or 20 or possibly a miraphone 188. any suggestions comments concerns? Please do tell. Thank you. And i am trying to sell my MW2155 CC also

I've had my 188 for 5 yrs. (bought new) Really good horn that has served me well through undergrad and now into grad school. As others will tell you the 188 is a great 4/4+, 5/4- horn that is at home in most ensembles, quintets, and smaller orchestras. Good intonation and fast response in all registers. Really a great example of a do-it-all horn!

Anyways, just my experiences. Happy hunting!

tigertuba

miraphone 188 - comfortable, easy to play, and probably not too expensive. PT's a little more so.

PT-6, great if you need it, more of a handful i'd say... it's a good sized horn and it sounds like you're going more for the 4/4 side of things...

PT-20, nearly bought one. didn't because i found something good second hand and closer to home. has the bell of a PT-20 on the body of a PT-2 (I think), basically 4/4 horn with large bell. great horn.

PT-4, haven't played.

travel, ask questions, figure out what you really need, your budget, look at used market, and enjoy

mira 188- great middle and high register. absolutely sings. for me, the low range is lacking. it doesn't slot like i'd like it to.

PT4- played both the rotor and piston. made very well in tune and has good response in just about every register minus extreme highs and extreme lows (pedal Ab and G's). The piston model for some reason seemed to have a little bit bigger of a sound.

PT20- i own a piston silver model and i love it but would be willing to trade for the 2155 (i've sent you a couple PM's). absolutely sings in EVERY register. i've had no problem with this horn at all minus the fact that i'd like a little bit more of a fatter/thicker/darker sound. dont get me wron, it has a giant sound for a 4/4 but i'd personally like to upgrade.

PT6- amazing horn with great response and sound. but it sounds like you're pushing towards a 4/4.

Well, I am really delighted with my PT-20 - a real all-purpose tuba! Works well in symphony orchestra, wind band and small ensemble with good lyrical tone and plenty of weight in the low register (can make the stage vibrate!). It's high register is so full and clear, that if I did not already have an Eb, I would probibly question the need *.

I have previously played a PT-6. An excellent large 5/4 if you want something just slightly smaller than a full blown BAT.

Although many seem to like the Miraphone 188, I just did not take to its tone which I considered bland (even the other tuba in my band commented that I did not sound good on it). Also, it did not seem to have the power for large ensemble playing. All a matter of the tuba to suit the individual. I am obviously a B&S man

I have never tried a PT-4. The more modern PT-20 has actually replaced it in Europe, although I understand the PT-4 is still made for the US market.

* The tonal difference between a bass and contrabass tuba is the real reason

actually while i was still in the market for a CC i was interested in the PT4 and really had my mind set on the horn. and then when i called custom to order a horn they informed me that they weren't making the 4 anymore but there was the 20 which was essentially the same wrap/look w/ a bigger bell and a larger bore.. oh and the price tag was something like 4k more.

the university were i am right now is getting like four pt-4 they look pretty nice, can't wait to hear how they sound. few of the freshmen get to play on them. Lucky little buggers. considering the horns for the past few years have been st. petes

Casey Tucker wrote:they weren't making the 4 anymore but there was the 20 which was essentially the same wrap/look w/ a bigger bell and a larger bore..

The wrap is a bit different on the PT-20 - for example the fourth valve slide is at the front instead of the back (on the rotary version). On speaking to Bob Tucci earlier this year, I understand these changes were made to improve intonation, particularly in the piston version. The bigger (19") bell is to make the PT-20 a more all purpose tuba.

whats the specs?

cool

Mira 191 5 valve gold brass WOW WOW WOW