VMI 132 vs Miraphone 188
Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 10:26 am
Looking on the For Sale part of the forum, I noticed the VMI horn. For the past 4 months, I have been looking for a Miraphone 188. Are they similar? What are the differences?
Don't take this the wrong way -- the VMI is a good tuba, and the one for sale on the board here, you won't find something better for the price. But I think the 188 wins, hands-down. Better intonation, better sound/more presence to the sound (but less heavy sound than the 188), and better ergonomics (you can reach all of the slides). The 188 breaks up a little easier (just be controlled) and the low range is a little tighter, but IMO sounds better and is worth it.
Also, there is the empirical evidence -- they still make (and sell a lot of) Miraphone 188's. They don't make VMI 132's (or even Meinl-Weston 32's) anymore.
That said, you probably won't find a 188 for under $5,000, and they are rare even at that price point. If you have the money for a 188, buy one. If you have enough money for the VMI, but not enough for the 188, but the VMI (and then try a 188 after you get to know the 188).
Frankly, it's a win-win situation.
