The VMI that I owned cost about two-thirds of the price of a Miraphone 186 at the time I bought it, and I bought it as a new demonstrator. And I've seen 2103's and their clones for prices right around $3000 new. I would call that pricing pretty low, but I agree that they are not made too cheaply and represent a good value.PhilW. wrote:I wouldn't consider a VMI to be a low-price instrument. I don't own it, but I have played both a lot, and I would take a VMI 2103 over a new 186 anyday. For a cheap new instrument, I would try the Allora AA191. I haven't heard it, but the tuba that it copies is very good (Miraphone 191)
I had my Miraphone overhauled after buying the VMI (it was a stencil, but still a VMI), with the intention of selling the Miraphone. After the overhaul, however, it was the VMI that I sold. It was a good tuba, but in this case the Miraphone was better for me.
Rick "knowing that everyone has their a different definition of low price" Denney