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Just testing the waters a bit by offering this tuba up for trade or sale. It's a B&S/VMI-made "Musica" CC, five rotary valves. I would say it's about the size of a Miraphone 186 if not a bit bigger in the bell throat--basically a CC version of the B&S 101. Very tall "stovepipe" bell, narrower body. This model was bought new in 2004 (I am the second owner) and is in very good condition with minimal lacquer wear and very smooth, quiet valves. Comes with Altieri bag.
Good intonation, very dark Germanic tone, but the lead pipe is a bit too high for a shorter person like me (5'6") and I would like to see what else is out there before I take it to the shop. Ideally would like to do a straight trade for another CC. Looking for a Miraphone 186 or 188 (any vintage) but would consider tubas with piston valves, Frankenhorns, higher grade Chinese and the like. Must be in CC, 4/4 size or larger. No Jin Bao 410 (Miraclones) or similar, please. Will also consider selling, $3,000.
Located in eastern Connecticut. Will drive a few hours to meet you or can ship via Greyhound out of New London. Buyer pays shipping and assumes all risks associated with shipping a tuba. Would prefer a local sale within driving distance (NY metro/New England).
I'll listen to virtually any offer as long as it meets the requirements above. Please email me at b.taylor90 at gmail dot com. I check this board rather infrequently, but you can PM if you like.
Thanks! Blake
Last edited by arpthark on Sun Mar 08, 2020 7:28 pm, edited 4 times in total.
These are similar to but not exactly the same as the old 'tall' PT4's (which had a larger bell, though I think they had the same bore size). Both the old PT4's and these smaller Musicas play pretty well!
Thanks for the kind words. Your observations are spot-on. The third partial tends a tad high and fifth partial a tad low, which are fairly typical quirks, I think.
After some consideration, I'll also list this for straight sale at $3,500. I have a shipping box; buyer pays shipping and undertakes all risks associated with shipping a tuba. I can do Greyhound out of the New London, CT station.
This horn is in fine shape and definitely does not look 15 years old.
These are great tubas. If I had the money, I'd snatch it up
daktx2 wrote:These are similar to but not exactly the same as the old 'tall' PT4's (which had a larger bell, though I think they had the same bore size). Both the old PT4's and these smaller Musicas play pretty well!
Yep! And I agree with Blake that these are pretty much the 5rv CC version of the old B&S 101 'Sonora' tubas. These VMI-made 'Musica' tubas were available in both CC and BBb models, and were imported/distributed by UMI (now Conn-Selmer) during the 1990s - early 2000s.
Those of you interested in tubas such as the Miraphone 186, Rudi "3/4" CC, Miraclone/Mack CC, Alexander 163, and other similar 4/4 rotary German-style CC tubas need to seriously consider this Musica tuba
I got a phone call over 20 years ago from Charlie Krauss (now deceased) who was working tuba sales out of the old Woodwind and Brasswind store. He knew I was looking at that time for a five rotor CC and he said an instrument like this was about the best tuba he had ever played. Charlie was a straight shooter and wasn't just trying to make a quick sale. I took his recommendation seriously even though I bought a Cerveny 601-5MR instead. I've heard enthusiastic reports about the VMI 5v CC ever since. I suspect the buyer of this beautiful horn for sale can't go wrong.
(caveats: I'm not a pro, and my sample size is one tuba)
This is a nice tuba. I just picked one up locally. It plays easily, and in tune, over at least the range I can play. My sample is very well made, with slides that move easily and valves that are light. I'm enjoying it a lot.
Standing next to a Bb 186, it's 3 inches taller but basically the same size otherwise.
Last edited by anotherjtm2 on Fri Jun 26, 2020 10:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
John Morris - playing modest old tubas in volunteer ensembles (including a vintage BBb 186 for sale)
