TubeNet

According to one source I checked, the 6V, yellow brass version of the 181 costs $5500. The 281 will only be offered as a 6V, IIRC. 15.8 inch bell (vs. 16.5 for the 181). Allegedly improved intonation.

What do you GUESS a 6V, yellow brass 281 will cost?

Steve "poll posted per a previous thread" Inman
Kokomo, IN

After further consideration, I'm guessing $5300 instead of $5000. Partially due to the potential for a "dollar adjustment" and partially because I think it's virtually the same horn -- just slightly smaller.

Thanks to those who participated.

Perhaps we should have all guessed low -- could this perhaps become a self-fulfilling prophecy?

Or, if Miraphone prices it slightly below the 181, perhaps they'll have folks lining up to purchase one?

Cheers,

I heard it had the same valves as the 181.

[EDIT: sorry -- yes, rotary valves . . . . ]

They are easier to build for one thing, and quicker. Plus Miraphone has a much longer history with rotary valves than with pistons. BUT - there are a bunch of positive things I feel make it well worth it. I played a piston F for many years and always felt as though my right hand was working 'way too hard on many technical passages. The rotary valves have a lighter feel to them and often a shorter stroke than a piston so you work less. You don't have the noise of the piston valve which, even when in good adjustment and well padded, still thump enough to where the studio technicians are tearing their hair out trying to eliminate it. Add to this the Miraphone innovation of all the rotary valves turning the same way (into the air stream) and you get smoother slurring potential than the old rotary valve models and you're not working as hard.

Check it out - you may want to make the change....

Just my observations.

Yes, they make all their tubas so that the rotary valves all turn the same direction, into the air stream. The Meinl Westons and Rudys still are set up with 2 going into the air stream and 2 going across the air stream. Makes slurring a little more challenging.

Roger

They already do it on the current186, 187, 184, 191, 181, etc.