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What are the main differences between the "standard" (or student) version of the Miraphone 186 and the pro version of the 186?

The best I can tell, it's mostly cosmetic -- brass slides vs nickel silver, less fancy ferrules and valve caps... Are there any significant differences between the models in terms of durability or playability? That is, was it designed to make a low frills (and lower cost) version of the 186 that plays the same? Just curious... not really a lot of horns out there with this option.

That's a very good question to pose directly to Miraphone. I cannot imagine Miraphone doing anything different with the mechanics of the horn that might compromise durability.

The "S" version has less nickel silver trim.

Thanks Dan, not a bad idea. I just wonder if any compromises were made beyond the bling factor. Is guess it makes very little difference, especially on a workhorse like the 186.

As stated previously, the Pro version of the Miraphone tubas has nickel silver inner and outer slide tubing, engraved nickel silver ferrules and valve caps, plus the 4th rotor to main tuning slide branch is made of the harder nickel silver tubing like the leadpipe is. It's only a few hundred more so Dillon Music typically stocks only the pro versions. Why would you order a Mercedes and not get the leather seats?
The parts are all made on the same mandrels and assembled by the same crew. Most of the time I think the Pro versions play a twinge better. I suspect that sub-consciously if a person is assembling a PRO version instead of a Student version, he or she may put a little more attention into it.
If ordering a tuba without play testing it first, opt for the Pro version to be safest.

Matt Walters wrote: Why would you order a Mercedes and not get the leather seats?

I was surprised they were not standard.

But the MB-tex (faux leather/vinyl seats) are quite nice, has it's own advantages and are well regarded.

If I were running a tuba company, I would have the less-experienced workers assembling the student-level instruments, and the master craftsmen assembling artist models. But that's just me.

Thanks everybody! All makes sense, and I think the question was more about used 186's than new ones, since as everyone has mentioned, the differences in the new costs are negligible. Miraphone has confirmed that there used to be a difference in cost in the two tubas, but based on the labor involved to build the horns, the costs are now the same.

Interesting stuff... thanks again!

I would argue that there is a benefit to nickel slide tubes. They are less likely to corrode in place if neglected.

IF the leadpipe is also made of something other than yellow brass that would help stave off red rot.

I think Markus Theinert frequents this board. Maybe he'll chime in on this. I sent him an email asking about this.

I've already contacted Miraphone, and they have confirmed all of the thoughts voiced here so far. Seems like a "sailed ship" idea for a lower-priced alternative. Good news for the people who bought them at a lower price!

Dear TubeNet community!
Thank you all for your comments and input on the two basic Miraphone versions of the 186 BBb series (the so-called S-186 (170086AST/K0500) and the so-called 186 Pro (170086A07000500). I am happy to see that there is so much interest in the details of the various models and their differences. I have been contacted by TubaTinker to join this thread for some clarifications from the manufacturer's view, which I will gladly do herewith.
Please understand if I try to refrain from comments about pro's and con's in playability, tone quality and response of the S-186 and the 186 Pro models. These assessments are always very subjective and depend on the player's preferences and educational background. Therefore I will limit my remarks to the mere facts:

1.) Like all Miraphone instruments, both models are manufactured 100% in our factory in Waldkraiburg, Germany.
2.) Miraphone started the 186 BBb tuba series in 1952, the S-186 ("Standard") model was introduced in 1985.
3.) Both models are made by the exact same set of people with the exact same production process.
4.) The labor-intensity between them may slightly vary from year to year, but the differences in hours are actually depending more on the quantities built than on the different features.
5.) Both models have a 17.72 inch bell with a nickel silver garland. For a couple of years we also used to make a 170086AST/KU500 version of the S-186, which didn't have the bell wreath. But this model has been discontinued.
6.) Both models have a nickel silver leadpipe.
7.) The S-186 has brass inner and outer valve and tuning slides, the 186 Pro has nickel silver inner and outer valve and tuning slides.
8.) The S-186 has a brass tubing branch between the 4th rotary valve casing and the tuning slide. With the 186 Pro this branch is made from nickel silver.
9.) The S-186 does not have engravings in the barrels and assembly rings, while the 186 Pro model does have the double lining engraved.
10.) While the price difference between both models used to be substantial in 1985 (the price for the S-186 was lower due to the large amount of sold units), there is currently NO cost difference between them anymore. This is a direct result of the increased volume we do with the 186 Pro nowadays.
11.) Just one personal note on the "subjective" differences: While it is inarguably true, that nickel silver slides are more durable in regards of corrosion, the brass slides have a slight advantage for the beginner or student in regards of the easy and direct response. In my opinion these differences are marginal, though.

I do hope that I was able to contribute some valuable information for this forum and I wish all of you a wonderful weekend and keep up the good tuba work!
Personal thanks to Matt Walters for his expertise and correct statements in this thread.

Greetings from Bavaria,

Markus Theinert & the entire Miraphone Crew

Vielen Dank, Herr Theinert! I appreciate the time you took to write a detailed reply, I certainly never expected that.