I bought this horn about a year ago from the Baltimore Brass Co and as much as I enjoy playing it, I have the opportunity to use a larger instrument on permanent loan, so this one has to go. I've found this horn to have a darker sound than a standard 186 since the MW bell is a little heavier, but none of the typical Miraphone response has been lost. I’ve found the pitch to be fairly consistent. The only problem I have is that I have to keep the first slide pulled out quite a bit more than I’m used to on most CC tubas. I have yet to find a not that I can’t play in tune though. The 5th valve is a 2+3 combination and the valves work well. The bell is raw brass while the rest of the horn has about 80% of the lacquer intact. There are some small dings here and there, but nothing that affects playability.
Please feel free to PM with any additional questions. Thanks for looking!
Mike Russo
South Florida
