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well nick, there has been a lot of discussion (as of late especially) over quality control and the King/Conn instruments. The sentiment seems to be that the newer ones are being made with a much higher level of quality, whereas older ones seemed to suffer some production woes. As for design, I do not believe they have changed anything over the past 3 years, only that for a while some kings (laquer) seemed to be using the old style finger buttons, the silver ones I believe have always used their new "fat" button.

Mira. 1291 is a great instrument.... many people who have purchased them have had nothing but positive things to say on this BBS.

Best of luck

if you get to go to the factory do post a little report on what you thought, instruments, etc.

JayW wrote: ... As for design, I do not believe they have changed anything over the past 3 years, ...

There have been at least 3 different versions of the "new" King 2341 since they were first introduced. The first version had the same small finger buttons and valve caps with the channel around the rim that were on the old 2 piece 2341s. This was true of both the lacquer and silver plated horns.

There was a change to the model shortly after introduction because people complained that they played sharp, even with the main slide all the way out. To fix this UMI replaced 2 of the ferrules on the small body tubing with longer versions so that they wouldn't have to change any of the other tubing. I believe that this added an inch or 2 to the main bugle.

The last change was to replace the valve buttons and valve caps with the ones on the Conn 5XJ's. Those are the large buttons that required flat valve caps. Along with that change they made the valve section and leadpipe detachable. This is a convenient feature, but I understand that the change was made because the valve tubing was getting bent in the buffing process, so making it detachable actually improved quality and made the manufacturing easier. This is the currently made version.

I have one of the 2nd versions on which I have replaced the valve caps and buttons with the newer type. I am very happy with it. I like the Miraphone 1291s (BBbs only) that I have played better than my King, but not enough to spend the extra money to replace it.

It sounds like the one in the local music store is one of the older versions.

The King 2341 that I tried at the NAMM Show last month was NOT one of the good ones. It played very out of tune and I just didn't like the sound of it. Yet others say they have tried Kings at different venues and liked them very much. So it appears that quality control must still be an issue. See my original NAMM Show posting for photo.