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Here's a rare bird - the Death Star in Mirafone's lineup, circa the late 70s/early 80s. The original owner was Tommy Johnson, and I purchased it from him a couple years ago. For many years, it was his primary axe whenever he needed a big horn. E.T., Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Last Starfighter, the Leinsdorf Wagner recordings with the L.A. Phil, etc.

This horn produces a huge, omnidirectional sound. It can be overpowering if you want it to be, yet it still retains a nice core to the sound even when played softly.

Although this picture doesn't show it, I've had a main tuning slide trigger put on by Robb Stewart. Overall response on the horn is great. E and F just below the staff are a bit high, and E locks right in with 3rd valve. C in the staff runs sharp, hence the main tuning slide trigger. In the staff, Db (12), D (1), Eb (2) and E (open) are right on the money.

As for the inevitable "why are you selling it?", I'm ashamed to say that it's just a little too much horn for an avocational player like me. If I was playing on a more regular basis, there's no way I'd let it go. As it is, I need to find it a new home.

I have a good collection of photos showing it alongside some other horns:

The Mirafone Gallery

Price is $5K firm, and this includes a Pro-Tec gig bag. The horn is in Southern California.

UPDATE 2/14/05

I finally tracked down my E.T. CD and pulled some sample MP3s. I did my best to keep the juicy tuba stuff, and truncate the rest. They're 320kbps files, and as such, are a little on the large side. If you listen with a good pair of headphones, you can really get an idea of what this horn's capable of.

For the record: these clips are from the 1996 re-issue of the original movie score (the actual cues used in the movie). The very first release in 1982 was Norm Pearson on (I believe) a Mirafone 188. That particular album was recorded specifically for the original 1982 soundtrack release.

You can either "right click" these links and save/download the MP3s directly to your computer, or just click the link at it will play in a new browser window...

Clip 01
Clip 02
Clip 03
Clip 04
Clip 05
Clip 06
Clip 07
Clip 08
Clip 09
Clip 10
Clip 11

Bada bing, bada bump...

I tried this horn in the early 90s at Tommy Johnson's house when I was looking to get a 6/4 instrument. At that time Tommy was unwilling to sell it. It plays very large, very much like the Neptune, and has that crisp, rotary articulation that is adored by so many Mirafone lovers.

The addition of the tuning jiggers is a major plus. If I didn't already have too many instruments, I would have to get this thing. But I am way to greedy as it is, so I'll have to pass on this one. It would be a neat addition to any CC player's stash.

Could this be my BAT?

MA, who figures if it's too big for him, it SURELY is too big for her.

Ahhrrrrrr, matey, she's a fine seafarin' vessel.

It's also available in full parade dress...

Bump

If anyone's interested in what the horn's capable of - in the hands of a qualified professional, of course - here's a taste of Tommy in the LAPO:

http://www.daveamason.com/mirafone/190_in_action.mp3

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Wow!

What a mix of sounds. Almost Alex mixed with York is what is seems like comes from that horn. Mr. Johnson is so very precise and clear in the recording. Thanks for sharing.

bloke wrote:

Could this be my BAT?

MA, who figures if it's too big for him, it SURELY is too big for her.

No, Mary Ann...

...but it could be your condo.

Are we getting back to that question of how many tiny female tuba players we can get in a BAT gig bag?

MA

Man if I had the money, I'd snap up the horn in a heartbeat. $5,000 is a bargain for such a rarity!

I posted some new MP3s from the E.T. score. Updated links are in the original post...

Bump...

Still available...

If anyone's in Southern California and would like to hear the horn in a nice hall, I'll be playing it in concert this Tuesday, March 1st in Irvine.

C'mon out, and I'll buy you a beer after the gig!!

Hey poomshanka:

I'm gonna be in LA between March 17-20 and would like to try this horn. I'm desperately looking for a bigger CC tuba (I'm on a vintage 186 right now) and this sounds like it might be a great option. E-mail me for info. Thanks!

Dave Yeager
dyeager@andrew.cmu.edu

To the top...

Still available...

Oh, this is getting embarrasing...

jomazq wrote:this is the first time i've so desperately felt the need for a $5000 student loan... is there any posibility of a lower price?

Well, I've got over $5K in it, including what Tommy sold it to me for. Given what big axes are going for these days, I'm not inclined to get too flexible on the price. Although I'd certainly like to sell it, I'm not in a *huge* hurry to do so.

However, if you make me an offer, I'll certainly consider it. Worst that can happen is I'll say "no thank you".

At any rate, thanx for the interest!!

...Dave