1920 Miraphone Tuba

LoyalTubist · Post by **LoyalTubist** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 5:27 pm

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... S%3A1&rd=1

This appeared while I was away in the desert last week. I sent the seller a note explaining that Miraphone celebrated only its 60th anniversary last year, along with a link to the Miraphone website explaining the history of that company. He never acknowledged what I sent him.

The tuba ended up going for about $511. Actually, knowing the flimsiness of Miraphone tubas, this is a good deal and it can be easily overhauled for a fraction of the cost of a new Miraphone recording bass.

Does Miraphone still make recording basses?

Chuck(G) · Post by **Chuck(G)** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 5:45 pm

Looks to be early 60's, maybe 1961-64 or so. More of that cherished "handbuilt" stuff.

At one time, Miraphone would make just about anything if you crossed their palms with enough silver.

Congrats on snagging this one, Dan!

LoyalTubist · Post by **LoyalTubist** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 5:51 pm

I'm Bill.

Thanks, Chuck.

Chuck(G) · Post by **Chuck(G)** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 6:05 pm

Glad to meet you, BIll. I'm Chuck.

According to my eBay display, Dan won the auction.

Dan Schultz · Post by **Dan Schultz** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 10:51 pm

Yeah, I bought it. The serial number of this horn is 1735. That puts the manufacture date at 1961. The large branches are pretty beat-up but the valve section is fine. One rotor rear bearing plate and one rear cap are missing, but it's going to be a fairly easy rebuild. Bell-front horns aren't very popular these days, but I may keep this one myself and retire the King 4V EEb I use for Dixieland. Don't know yet.

Dan Schultz · Post by **Dan Schultz** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 12:19 am

schlepporello wrote:I'll give you $30 and an EEb helicon for it right now.

That's a cool old helicon you have. Put it on a bus and I'll make it play for you! I think I have an old Eb valve set that I could cobble onto it.