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shentuba wrote:I need to get my leadpipe replaced on my Mirafone 186 CC, (red rot). I'm in Madison, WI. Where should I look to get a new one, or should i have the repair person look for me? Any suggestions?

Drive to Elkhorn and visit Badger State Repair. They supply Miraphone parts to most other technicians and probably have your leadpipe in stock--it's a common replacement item because of red rot. The new ones are nickel and aren't subject to red rot, so it's a one-time repair. Ed Strege, the proprietor, can probably install it for you, or you can provide it to a local repair tech. It's not a difficult repair.

Rick "who used to drool at Miraphone spare parts when they were at Orpheus in San Antonio" Denney

So, for us who have an old tuba with regular (lacquered) leadpipe, how do you know it is time to replace it?

Chen wrote:So, for us who have an old tuba with regular (lacquered) leadpipe, how do you know it is time to replace it?

Usually you will start seeing small dark spots under the lacquer. The term 'red rot' aludes to the migration of the zinc out of the brass leaving behind red-looking porous copper. Eventually, there will be a soft spot that will eventually give way to a hole. Some horns never develop red rot. It depends much on the chemistry of the players of the horn.

Shentuba,

Consult the graduate students in your studio. One of them had this exact procedure done on their 186 a few years ago.

Sean