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I am posting this ad for the friend of a friend who is selling their 1970s era 186-5U CC, serial number 9424. Asking price is $6500, which is a premium price, but this is a premium instrument. It's been sitting in its bag untouched for a long time. I played it just this evening, and it is a champ. Overtone series is really good; 5th partial is a tad flat but well within norms, and the low G is first-rate. Valves are vented, 5th is 2 step, as per normal for Mirafone at that time. I found one thumb-sized ding in the bottom bow and some slight waviness and a shallow scrape on the bell, but otherwise the thing is cherry. Horn is in Cincinnati, being offered with a Custom Music (Tuba World) bag and some sheet music (though I'm not sure what it is yet). Send me a PM and I'll get you in contact with the seller. I am getting nothing from this deal save the satisfaction of helping some good people find a suitable buyer. I'll post an image as soon as I figure out what is wrong with my computer.

Holy crap!

Looks brand new. Hope it goes to a good home, too bad it isn't BBb.

Too bad it isn't a 188! Hrmm... or maybe that's not a problem?

Looks like my 1965, 186, except this one looks pretty new. I would think it would be an early 1970's 186. Didn't they start making the 5th valve thumb linkage in the mid 70's?

If it plays like mine, it's a special tuba. Aside from using my CC sousaphone a lot, I use my 186 for everything else. If I was playing in a large orchestra, I would prefer a large piston CC, like the 1292 recently I just sold (or larger), but as it's been said so often, a good 186 can be used in any situation.

Somebody should grab this tuba.

PM received and replied to.

Looks like my 1965, 186, except this one looks pretty new. I would think it would be an early 1970's 186. Didn't they start making the 5th valve thumb linkage in the mid 70's?

I bought my 184 new in 1974, and my horn's serial number is 9274; also left hand 2-step 5th valve and factory-vented valves with the pimpy little turtleneck collars around the holes. As for this instrument's condition - it's as if the guy owns a time machine. It looks that new.

My mouth is watering.... except for the left hand 5th valve.... bummer...deal breaker for me.

It's easier to convert to thumb action than it is to add a foot of tubing. Just saying.

When I got my 1965, 186 last year, I was hesitant regarding the 5th valve being left hand actuated and the fact that it wasn't the flat whole step. I was also concerned that the s-linkage that came on mine wouldn't be quiet enough or quick enough for me. I'm still getting used to the heft handed thing, but it's only for a few notes anyway. And, I still get hesitant on fingering down there once in a while. I have yet to play anything too technical down there since owning this tuba, but if I did, a little practice down there would greatly help. So, for the amount of time you use it in the grand scheme of playing, it shouldn't be a deal breaker. You just get used to it (when you need it.)

As far as the linkage (even though this tuba in Cincy has newer linkage), mine started to get noisy. I contacted Lee and he advised me to use 3 Hetman products for a rotary valve tuba. I forgot the numbers on the bottles, but it's basically rotor oil (to coat the actual rotors), spindle oil, (for the spindles on the bottom after you remove the bottom caps), and bearing oil (for the linkages.) It was a pain getting my hand in there to remove the bottom caps, but I did it and used the other oils too. It took more than 5 minutes to oil everything, but that was before Christmas. I haven't had to oil anything since. The valves are fast and quiet. So, when these s-linkage valves are cared for properly, they work great.

Bottom line, wuddeva valve linkage is on the tuba and wuddeva style the 5th valve is, if it's a 186 from this vintage, you'll most likely love the sound. I also love that it's not heavy for this old man. The ergonomics on these and the 188's are perfectly designed in my opinion - very easy to hold and play. Nice to be able to comfortably reach over the top to get to the slides, which I don't have to do too often because the pitch is so good. Water drains very easily out of rotary valve tubas. Cons: low register is a bit stuffy and sometimes, to me, difficult to get the notes to speak instantly down there. Also, having a strap ring on the back side of the bell is dumb. It should be near the top of the opposite bow. I can't believe after all of these years, Miraphone hasn't fixed that. With the ring on the bottom and if the other where I said, it would balance perfectly. Using a Blue Note strap, that's how I have it set up.

I started serious playing on my first 186, in college. It was a 1971, 186, 4U CC. From then, through 1983 when I sold it, I would constantly get compliments from musicians on my tone. Then, I sell it, and get into Hirsbrunner and various other piston CC's over the next 35+ years. I don't recall getting compliments on my tone. I got compliments for other reasons, but not tone, that I recall. Now, I play this 186, and I'm getting tone compliments again. Coincidence? Also, years ago, I was in NY and getting compliments from NY musicians om my old 186. Now, I'm in Texas, and getting compliments from Texas musicians on my current 186. I guess most musicians like the sound of 186's??? They record well. Back in the 60's and the the 70's and a little beyond, weren't most guys using some form of 18X in the recording studios?

Well, crap. I'm rambling and getting off topic. Anyway, somebody should grab this tuba.

Hey Bill, here's a tip on that left-hand/right-thumb thing. A long time ago I took a length of rotor cord (as in string-action valve string), tied one end to the thumb ring and the other end to the metal bar underneath the 5th valve paddle on my 184. If I feel a need for thumb action I just loop my thumb under the string and pull. It works pretty well, doesn't risk damage to the horn, and it's CHEAP.

Deleted. Music has been sold.

PM sent.

Bumped for new price - $6500, per owner. Includes bag and music already listed above. Send me a PM and I'll connect you to the owner.

Bump.

Bumping to alert that the music has been sold.

The owner has informed me that he has sold the horn.

I’ve come into possession of a 1973 5u. Which notes and what fingerings you using 5th for?