queston about upright Eb Miraphone tuba bells

[airbornebandsman]

I have the opportunity to purchase a Eb miraphone with a detachable recording bell. Does anyone know if they came with upright bells? And if so where would I find one and what could I expect the cost to be?
Thanks,

[imperialbari]

Without having dug into a search I would make myself aware of the dimensions involved in your tuba: Collar diameter, length of airpath above the collar, bell diameter, and the like. Then I would watch eBay for smaller tubas with shot or missing valves, where the bell dimensions looked likely and the bell looking OK or at least repairable (and the price being low). For test purposes I might even just unsolder the donor bell and stick it into the stack of the Mira. If the pitch is totally wrong sell that bell for other project purposes and try again.

Klaus

[Dan Schultz]

I imagine the new bells are available for a Miraphone... assuming that one for a model 183 will work. Plan on spending well over $1,200 by the time you have it buffed, put on the horn, and relacquered. Check with Badger State Repair for a bell.

Also... be aware that you could be in store for severe intonation problems. Miraphone 'messed with' the branch right after the main tuning slide to make them play in tune.