Miraphone 383 Prototype Eb

Peach · Post by **Peach** » Wed Aug 16, 2006 4:01 pm

On the Miraphone site it says Baadsvik was playing a prototype 383 Eb in his recital(s) at the tuba conference at Denver.

I've seen pictures (not the clearest) and it looks just like the 283 Norwegian Star. A while back Miraphone/Baadsvik were talking about two versions of the N-Star - Solo and Ensemble. Wonder if this is along those lines?

Anyone have any info?

Cheers!
MP

tubamuphone · Post by **tubamuphone** » Wed Aug 16, 2006 6:02 pm

It's my understanding the 383 is not yet in production. The Norwegian Star, 283 model is bigger and more of a typical Eb tuba. The 383 is smaller and more of a solo instrument. I actually had the honor of playing Mr. Baadsvik's tuba just this past week in Michigan. It felt like an F tuba with an amazing low range. I was so impressed, I'm considering selling my F and learning Eb fingerings in hopes of getting my hands on one!

JB

hugechunkofmetal · Post by **hugechunkofmetal** » Wed Aug 16, 2006 11:03 pm

I also had the opportunity to play it at ITEC. Fantastic solo instrument. I don't think it would be very feasible to use it in an orchestra, it's just not big enough. It was designed to do what oystein does, which is solo work...

Having said that, I like it's qualities more than the 283. i.e. tone is sweeter, ease of playing....just too small for my liking and needs.

charlieJ · Post by **charlieJ** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 5:29 pm

I played the 283 at ITEC for a considerable time. Great instrument in all regards, but even though Miraphone calls it the symphonic model it most certainly seemed more suited for primary use for performing solos.