TubeNet

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The MW25(E or not) is definitely your best bet. I disagree with whoever said it won't play big enough, as I have found no problems in the amount of sound I produce with mine. Someone on TubeNet once said the MW25 doesn't play well 'out of the box' and I think thats a fitting description - its something you have to break in and get used to. However, a year after you buy it you'll be happy with the results that a Miraphone (at least the Miraphones I've dealt with) might not give you.

Having been stationed in Germany for 6 years, I've seen the sort of situation tubasisten has for marching.

If I were in Europa again and had my choice of marching horns, I'd go for a Rudi 5/4 BBb (I've marched a bit with a Rudi 5/4, and with the over-the-right-shoulder European-style strap, it's not bad at all) an Alex 163 BBb, or a large Cerveny helicon. I've tried using a Mirafone or smaller Rudi on the march, and I just did not get the desired volume out of them. those are the lightweight options, but then the British have always marched with the Besson/Boosey & Hawkes tubas, and sound downright amazing.

Ahhh, that's the life - doing a Fasching parade in downtown Heidelberg, or playing at the Swedish Army Tattoo, playing a 5/4 Rudi!

Hey Biggs, have you gotten to try the new 191 and 1291 series? Beats all the other Mirafones hands down.

Unfortunately all the BBb Miraphones I have tried were older models...if I get the opportunity, I'd definitely give them a chance.

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