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Anyone have any information about the Mirafone 183? I'm thinking about getting an Eb, used and rotary if possible, so I'm just looking for some info on it. Thanks!

Joseph

(I'll be trying a 183 soon...I'm just anxious for information aren't we all)

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I've owned two 183's. Both were good Eb horns and were OK for solo stuff. No 'guts' in the low-range though.

tubashaman2,
The Mirafone 183 was the older Eb tuba before the Star series. They consisted of only 4 valves, I believe.

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Daryl Smith had one he was trying to sell for an IU friend - this was back in the mid-70s - that I tried. Very nice in general, but I didn't buy it. No guts - the horn, I mean. What's more, it didn't really have a low E natural to speak of. Never looked back. So my assessment, from a lot less data, matches up pretty well with tubatinker's, but YMMV.

hey montre8, I've heard of "Alex" fingerings, but I'm not too sure what it means...I assume they're just alternate fingerings away from "home" fingerings. Anyways, thanks for the info!

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montre8 wrote:I have a 183, and it plays and sounds very much like a small German F tuba from the 70's. The low register requires a certain level of care but with practice, can be made to sound convincing. Even down to low G. It's just a matter of getting the air "just right". Mid range is the best and up top it can sing. "Alex" fingerings are required after middle D. Very light weight, great for strolling gigs, well built and no non-sense. I reasonable alternative to an F of the same era. I wouldn't put it up against modern Eb's available now. They are much better machines - but also cost many times more.....i've used it for Verdi, Mendelssohn, 5tet, etc......

M

I've owned a 183 since 1989, and have similar observations except for the one that people make about the instrument not "having any guts". I too have used it for the Verdi Requiem, Midsummer Night's Dream, and other pieces where a cimbasso or ophicleide would be used, and it has a solid, clear, powerful sound. Having said that, you do need to learn how to "straddle the line" and play it like it needs to be played. I also own a Willson 3400, so I have another E-flat that has the heft, but it is a GREAT small horn for quintet, strolling gigs, etc. Four valves, much like the 184 CC, but a longer bell.

I do not regret owning this instrument one bit, and have more than made my money back playing gigs on it...

FWIW-

Dave Spies
Willson Tuba Quartet
Racine Symphony Orchestra
Yid Vicious Klezmer Ensemble