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I play a Mirafone 5000. It differs from the 1258 only slightly... I may have my details wrong, but the placement of the 4th valve is different. Both played very similarly when I tried them.

The Yamaha 642 is a very good horn. Compared to the Mirafone, it just plays different. Not better or worse.

Both Mirafone and Yamaha have solid intonation... in my hands, these two brands are the only ones that I don't have to fight intonation.

Sound - To my ear, the Yamaha 842/642 sound brighter than Mirafone. For many, this is a good thing.

Playability - I am primarily a tubist. For me, I just sound better on the Mirafone. It blows in a more familiar way. It sounds dark and resonant like the sound I want to hear. Frankly, it sound like a little tuba.

Playablility (part 2) - I have a student who sounds like a wounded duck when playing my Mirafone. Whereas she has a gorgeous sound on her old Besson.

Quote from Roger Lewis - the Mirafone is a tubists euphonium. I concur.

Which is right for you? Both are, in my opinion, equally great instruments. Price is similar, but you can usually find the Mirafone a little cheaper. As a tubist, I'd choose the Mirafone. For an actual euphonium player seeking a clearer sound the Yamaha may be better.

Any horn is an investment, so I think it'd be worth it to travel somewhere to try a few out. I had a large music company send me a few different models, then I kept one and sent the others back (at my expense).

On the Miraphone M5000, the 4th valve tubing is closer to the body of the instrument, thus accommodating smaller hands (and not just smaller kids). It's a minor thing, really, but a wonderful attention to detail from the folks at Miraphone. Who else has taken the time to think about such issues?

Richard Morgan

It's the 3rd valve tubing that has been moved 1/2 inch closer to the side bow of the euphonium to make it an easier reach for the smaller hands. The Miraphone has the sound that I personally think a euphonium should have. It is very rich with a lot of overtones present and it has a wonderful resonance to the sound as well. The tuning is spot on - very good. I don't have to chase anything on this horn and the sound has a "fruity" color that I just love.

The Yamaha has a more brilliant sound with fine tuning, but not as pleasing to my ear.

Just my observations.
Roger
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Ahh, thanks, Roger, for the correction. As I visualize the set-up, I see you're right.

Richard Morgan

The only euphonium I would consider replacing my MW451 with is a Miraphone 1258.....haven't played a 5000, but guess its good.

I really liked the Miraphone when I spent a few minutes on one. It truly is the "tubist's euphonium". Granted, I've also played quite a bit on Bobo's Alex and that is THE Bydlo horn, but for day-to-day work, I'm quite happy with my 451.

My former roommate had a Yamaha 642 and while it was an easy playing horn, it wasn't my favorite. The 842's sound really nice and not quite like a Yamaha....haven't played on.

Again, all the above comments are of one who has studied the tuba....and plays euphonium for money on occasion.

-Josh