TubeNet

Hi Tubenetters!

Is there anyone who could speak to the rotary EEbs that - are around these days? I would like to pick one up to use in a quintet, and there are two used for sale rn: a Miraphone Norwegian Star and a Gronitz (Both at Baltimore Brass) and the St. Petersburg at Tuba Exchange. They appear to be very similar- rotary EEbs with 5 valves.

Looking for people who own/have played any of these for their opinion.

Thanks!


Dave

Hi Dave,
i played a St.Petersburg and a Miraphone Star Light.
The ST.P is an AMAZING Tuba. Good sound and tune. Easy to play. The Miraphone is an unbelievable handmade instrument. A little less sound, but very gentle.
I tried some Gronitz, but i was not so satisfied...
Hope that helps a little

Thanks so much; that is a big help!

You are welcome! Please let me know if you need other informations

Don't forget Meinl Weston. Their rotary EE flat is a really good instrument . Plenty of good quality sound and can take a bit of push . A Perantucci 84 mouthpiece does the business.

I did own one of the piston-valve EEbs by Meinl Weston, and it was good. it just seems that the rotary ones are super rare! I haven't seen one for sale for years.

I've used the Piston valve MW for some time now. Great quintet horn. Mines up for sale if it crosses your mind.

Ebs work VERY well for quintet, I don't have much experience with rotary Ebs though.

I have issues with Dupuytren's contracture, so I am trying to stick to rotaries, where the travel is shorter. The 3+1 is a lot easier than 4 pistons for this condition.

I have a Miraphone Norwegian Star, and I do enjoy playing it. I use it primarily for quintet and brass band. I had a Boosey and Hawkes Imperial compensating horn with the 19" bell for about 35 years, and I loved that horn. For most of that time it was my only horn. Now I also have a Mirafone 187 BBb, so I wanted to get an Eb horn with a more focused sound. The NS has a much more focused tone, not as broad and enveloping as the B&H. Also there are a few more intonation issues on the NS than on the B&H. But again, for playing the top Eb part in a brass band and for a quintet, I do like the sound and response. The low register is especially responsive, compared to the Boosey.
kk

Purchased a St. Pete from Tuba Exchange. Love it, In Tune, smooth action, and sounds just great. Trouble free in 2 years of hard playing. Tuba exchange is a great place to shop, they have a super large selection of both new and used horns. They will set you up with a super sound room, and let you try, swap, se hear the differences. Best folks to try out a Tuba.

Morning
I recently tested three Miraphones, a Meinl-Weston, and a St.Pete.
All 5v. All Eb.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php? ... =771188658

Based on 2 hours of testing in total.

The M-Weston ergonomics I found not good.

The St. Pete blew nicely but build quality was less than the others.

There was a Miraphone with a removable bell. This was ok but not as good as the fixed bell ones, in my opinion.

There were x2 Miraphone NS (one silver plated and the other lacquered).

The silver was a far brighter sound.

I use a Bach 24AW. I was given a PT-65 to use with the Miraphones and this made a massive improvement to sound quality.

Overall and in summary:
The build quality of the Miraphone was by far the best.
The silver plated Miraphone NS suited me best of the lot.
I asked whether 4v or 5v and the response was 5v are easier to sell when you want to sell later.
Miraphone quoted a long delivery time.

Rough relative cost (with hard case, and no shipping):
St. Pete = 1.0
Meinl-Weston = 1.6
Miraphone = 2.1


Hope this helps?

Geoff

Thanks so much- this is a big help!

Hi, I have been playing MW 2040/5 for a number of years. It’s a very good Tuba. Like all instruments it has its quirks and takes time to get used to it. In all honestly coming from a compensated background it took me 2 years to get my head around it. That being said the advantages of it for me have been the sound it gives me. It fits nicely with my other instruments and offers contrast and flexibility. My best advice take time and if possible record yourself playing on different instruments to compare. Best of luck.