TubeNet

Hi-
As a fan of the old Mirafone CC 186 tubas ( I consider these horns to be the 'NY/Mt. Vernon' trumpets/trombones of the tuba world), I thought I'd see just what folks out here in Tubenet land have in their collection. As per the Lars Kirmser list, early Mirafone is as follows: serial # 1463-1666 1960 serial # 1667-1962 1961
serial # 1963-2198 1962 serial # 2199-2406 1963
serial # 2407-2680 1964 serial # 2681-3033 1965 serial # 3034-3494 1966
I know the horns after 1966 are VERY fine too (some folks relish the horns from the 1970's MORE than the 1960's horns too), but if you have one of these early 186 CC Mirafone horns:

-----what is your horn's serial number/date?

-----is it a 4 valve or 5 valve horn?

-----any modifications done?

I just thought it would be interesting to see what is out there in Tubenet land. Thanks.

Regards-
mark
jonestuba@gmail.com" target="_blank

I own, and regularly play, a five valve Miraphone 186 CC, purchased in 1974(new). The serial number is 90XX. There are no modifications. I consider it to be a really fine playing horn. I guess that's not quite early enough for you. I have a friend who has one from early years. I'm not really sure of the serial number. His, however, is a BBb.

I know you asked for CC Mirafones but I couldn't resist the opportunity to say something about my 186 BBb serial number 2420. I think you are right about the Mirafones from the 60's being a cut above the more modern production horns. Could be the quality of the brass or perhaps the manufacturing methods.

I added a 5th rotor with a 2+3 configuration to mine as the only note I've ever had a problem with was the Db below the staff. Not any more!

The sn 2040 horn is the top one:

Scooby Tuba wrote:...
The new stuff is pretty fine and more consistently fine.

I'd take a sight-unseen new 186 CC over an old one, with all conditions being equal.
....

I'd have to agree with that.

I actually like the newer 186s more than the older ones.

ben wrote:I own a '74 model 186CC - 4v SN 90XX also. I've compared it to the new 186's, and there is no comparison.

Agreed. Ben's horn is a good one. Mine is a tad newer SN 117XX, and plays very very similar to Ben's. I used Ben's for a week or so while mine was getting fixed up (thanks Matt! and thanks Ben!) and I sometimes I forgot I was playing a different horn than my own! Mine has no modifications, other than the lacquer being removed and having the crap beat out of it a few times. ...it tends to resemble Willie's guitar, Trigger.

I've tried quite a few of the new ones and there is no comparison, usually. BUT, when testing horns for a student about a year ago at Dillon, they had a couple newer model 186's and one was quite good (the other two were not). I'm not sure what it was about this particular newer one, but it had the sound. (My student bought an H-2 tho)

Many times I've tried to convince myself that I need a different horn -- something more chic, something more in. I've tried a lot of horns -- but I just cant get away from that 186 - and it gets a lot of use, and dare I say, takes abuse. It just works for me, I guess.

I had one that I think was # 2936 (was a while back)...

Had gold brass after tuning slide - seemed like nickel/silver rotor casings - was 5 valve with left hand 5th.

Never should have sold it... if you have it and want to get rid of it...

Got it from Brasswind years and years ago (may have been pre-internet...) and the person I got on the phone actually worked out and included free same day air shipping from them to Hartford CT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also played one that was a 4 valve with tears in the bell that was for sale in Albany (also years back) - everybody was asking what it was, and I thought they were bumming since I assumed it was "too small/bright" - but everybody was really digging the clarity/projection/sound...

Looking back fondly...
Matt

something more chic, something more in.

but Joe, nothing is more chic or in than you! Not even a new horn. Honestly--the thought of you not playing that horn----just keep taking it to Matt........

I have a four-valve 186 C, #9265 and am not sure of the exact date (was told it was of 70s vintage). I am of the opinion it is an excellent horn, but I am only a student.

Some modifications were done by the previous owner, Dr. Kenyon Wilson:
- new silver leadpipe placed higher than factory
- slides lapped, all valves vented
- tear in bell patched
- I believe the paddles were moved closer together. At any rate, they seem much closer together than any other 186 I've played.

Dr. Wilson also made some snazzy reversible arm guards: concert black on one side and neon orange racing stripes on the other. Needless to say, I leave the orange showing full-time.

Biggs, you do have a sweet horn. That was the horn that Dr. Wilson used the first couple of years I studied with him. It shows that you don't need a gigantic $20,000 horn to make music and provide foundation. I think that the 186 is a classic "do it all" instrument, its almost like the Fender Stratocaster of tubas. I have an early '80s model. It needs some valve work, but after that is done it will be smoking.

For a short while, I had 186 #2421 ( same as my street address) that I bought from a friend, the original owner. He says that he got it in 1963 during jr. high. I had it restored to playing condition and it had a nice dark tone akin to an old Alex but with the Mira-bite. If it had a little smoother response, I would have kept it - had a little "catch" I didn't like. It ended up with Matt Good in Dallas, who wanted it for a quintet horn. I've had several models of 70's versions and seem to like those best. Dillon's had a great 186-5(13xxx) a couple years ago that I considered getting but was into upgrading bass gear at the time.

Ike

I had a 186 4v from 1972, that my dad bought for me new. It was a very fine example. Rudy Emilson, my teacher at the time, and I thought that being a 4 valve, that it blew more freely than his 5 valve. In any event, it was a nice horn that I used into the early 80's. I decided to have it overhauled as it had some nasty dents. I brought it to a repair person (never mentioned before here on Tubenet who shall remain nameless) as he was highly recommended and would do the job for less $$$$ than anyone in NYC. That was a big mistake on my part, as he did a lousy job on the tuba. I had to sue him. I won and then sold the tuba. I have no idea where it is now. Then, the 188's were new on the market and I bought one of those, etc, etc, etc.

John Turk played his mid-60's 186 5u CC for his entire career for solos, quintets, and orchestra. Another tribute to the fact that the 186 is a great all around horn for all occasions.

George