TubeNet

Hi there everyone,

I apologize that I joined this forum just to ask questions, but based on the browsing I've done through here this may be the single most knowledgable group of tuba players in the world, so where better to ask.

Know that I've buttered you all up, I'm trying to find out more information on a tuba that I own. It is a Mirafone (yes with an f) but the only indicator of type is the number 8447. It is a 4 rotor tuba and from my limited knowledge is a Bb 3/4 size but I am truly not sure. The dealer I purchased the tuba from had very little knowledge of tubas and really didn't know anything else about it.

Mainly I'd like to find out in what year range the tuba would have been made and for sure what it is keyed in. I did speak with Daniel at Oberloh about this tuba and it seems very similar to a Miraphone 181 Bb that he recently sold. I'd also like to know if there are any other numbers I should be looking for to help specifically identify the tuba. I've attached some photos of the tuba to see if that will help.

Any help you folks would be able to give will be very much appreciated. I think this is a very neat tuba and I think it deserves have an identity.

Thnaks a bunch,
Matt

184 is a popular model and I think that's what you have.

Manufactured in 1973. 8447 is the serial number [by which you can learn about the manufacture date]. If you post the bell diameter measurement, it would be easier to determine the model #.
Welcome to TubeNet!

Some quick 'general' specs to help identify Miraphone tubas:

183 and 184 bore = .708"
185 = .740"
186 = .778"

183 bell = 13 1/2"
184 bell = 14 1/8"
185 bell = 15 1/2"
186 bell = 16 1/2"

Not exact but something to start with.

Awesome information guys!

The bell diameter is 14 1/8" on the nose, so it looks like it's a 184 as swillafew stated. I'm still not sure how to tell if this is a CC or a BBb. Very cool to know the model number though!

I am considering selling this tuba to help fund a full size BBb. As you can probably see from the photo there is a pretty hefty dent on the main tube near the first round under the bell. It is not pinched or punctured, so I'm sure it's something that can be fixed. The bell has also seen better days but retains it's form, just a few small creases. The big plus is that the rotors and slides all work flawlessly and the horn is a blast to play!

The little dogleg on the lead pipe is the BBb indicator. This is consistent on a number of horns.

I have an old Mirafone that I think is a 184. Bore at the main slide is .708", but the bell 14 7/8" (+?).

sailn2ba wrote:I have an old Mirafone that I think is a 184. Bore at the main slide is .708", but the bell 14 7/8" (+?).

It's still a 184. There were a couple of generations and bell sizes for the 186. too. I posted some general guidelines but I think it would be safe to say that a 183 will be between 13 & 14"... a 184 will be between 14" & 15"... and a 186 will be between 16" & 17"... maybe slightly larger. I once put a brand new Miraphone bell on an older 186 and the horn would no longer fit in the case because the diameter of the flare was bigger.

Thanks!
But. . . would the 184 be considered a 3/4 tuba?

sailn2ba wrote:Thanks!
But. . . would the 184 be considered a 3/4 tuba?

Yes.