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You you really can't go wrong with a 186 4 or 5 rotary valve, but my suggestion would be to try several brands and configurations- rotary vs. piston, top vs. front action and get a feel for each type. If you are near Woodwind-Brasswind in South Bend, or Tuba Done in Elkhart they are excellent places to start. I started with a 1966 Mirafone 186 4U and graduated to a newer 186 5U- they are great horns! But again, you are the one who has to play it. If you are reasonably close, go and try some. Roger Lewis at WWBW is a great person to ask for help! Take your regular mouthpiece, and try others as well. Be sure to play on the mouthpiece that is matched for that horn, too. Have fun!

Hello Graceful...not trying to open up another discussion here, but if you plan on playing at the university level in a music program, alot of the collegiate programs have a prejudice toward C concert horns. I personally dont get it, but it may just be what the music directors have ingrained ...I ditto the suggestion that a Miraphone 186 is a great place to start , but there are lots of great horns out there and you need to find what suits you best . Sound production aside, the horn has to line up for you in alot of different ways . Economics and ergonomics are always a consideration . Maybe your bass tbone playing instructor can find a tuba teacher who can help you thru the selection process .
My experiences have taught me that a good used horn will hold value better than a new entry level horn and your needs as a player may change , so choose wisely ...good luck !

Where are you located? There are always possibilities! It may involve a roadtrip- so have fun with it.
I was at Custom Music 'Tuba World' (See Jeff, Neal and also Kevin in the shop) near Detroit, and people were there from Minnesota visiting and trying horns. If you are determined to look, we will help!
Start online.... (and take your mouthpiece)

mcfolks wrote:Start online.... (and take your mouthpiece)

THAT'S what I am missing!! I had no idea that my mouthpiece would enhance my online experience.

TubaTodd wrote:

mcfolks wrote:Start online.... (and take your mouthpiece)

THAT'S what I am missing!! I had no idea that my mouthpiece would enhance my online experience.

Don't all the cool kids buzz excerpts while trolling TubeNet?

gracefulness96 wrote:Thanks for all the advice! Does anyone play a King 2341? I was considering it but I don't know how it would compare to the Miraphone 186. I like the piston valves though.

old, new, or "new, new"? There are at least 3 distinct versions out there.

I play the latest version. I like it a lot. One warning - try (several/many) before you buy - there is considerable variation in build quality.

Good choice- I looked for a while to find a new one to try. Borodi Music in Cleveland had an older style (restored), with detachable bell. GREAT sound, but the newer ones are significantly shorter. I hate the thought of 2 cases to lug instead of one, too! If you prefer the front piston configuration, see Roger and try a Mirafone 1291. Also- check Dan Schultz's page on his comparisons of the 1291 and the 'clone'. Very honest opinion about them!

I love the way I sound on my "older" detachable bell King 2341. but ergonomically it is something of a nightmare for me (5'4", 135lbs).
You'll probably never find the "perfect tuba", but the best way to get close to it is to play as many of them as you can get your hands on.

gracefulness96 wrote:Thanks for all the advice! Does anyone play a King 2341? I was considering it but I don't know how it would compare to the Miraphone 186. I like the piston valves though.

The King and the Mira are both good horns but different. It's the "German sound" vs. the "American sound". It's hard for me to describe in words the difference so I hope someone can help. The German sound seems to have a sharper edge to it and the American sound has a 'rounder' or softer edge to it.

Either horn, in good condition, would be a good BBb for you. They are both reliable and have good intonation so they can easily be played in tune. Since it sounds as if you are buying used, condition is most important. Both the King and the Mira have been popular school horns over the years so there are a bunch out there which have really been through the ringer. There are also enough of them out there that you really don't have to buy the first one you see. Perhaps you could call around to the different high schools in your area and ask the band director if you could come by and have a toot on the horns at their school. Since Kings and Miras are popular, you might get to play good examples of both and see for yourself how they play.