Miraphone Model 184-5U CC or BB-Flat Tubas

[BavarianFanfare]

Dear Tubenet Community:

I am interested in getting anyone's experience(s) with this horn and what mouthpiece set-up you used. I have not played one, but it seems like it would be a great small ensemble horn, and great for practicing. Please let me know your experiences with it, and if any of the big tuba dealers stateside stock them.

Thank you.

[The Big Ben]

I have no personal experience with this horn but...

I clicked on the search button at the top of page where you log out and put the number 184 in the box and clicked 'Search' at the bottom of the page. 64 pages of results came up and, when I looked over the first three pages, most posts were about mouthpieces that were used.

Good stuff there! Have fun!

[JohnMCooper]

Yes, you are correct, the 184 is a nice small ensemble horn. It's been a while since I played around with mp's so I don't remember many details as to the reasons I didn't like certain pieces.

I ended up with a 24W (not 24AW). The biggest reason I chose this MP was that I am bass bone doubler and this mp matched up well with the 1G I use on my bass bone. I use the tuba in a jazz band and will sometimes switch between horns in the middle of a chart and the transition between the 1G and 24W is somewhat transparent. I have tried Helleberg and a Bach 18. The 18 was just too big and although I like the feel of the Helleberg, it didn't seem to slot as well in the upper register.

[circusboy]

I have a 1972 5U CC model. I'm having a lot of problems with it--oh, wait!--that's just my playing!

It's really a great horn: very focused sound through all registers. Nothing you'd want to play in a orchestra, but great for smaller ensembles and solo work. I'm very happy with the overall feel/ergonomics of it. Sounds particularly good at low volumes; easy to overblow on the loud side, but I like to use the occasional overblown blat for effect.

I've had mine for a bit more than a year and still don't think I've found the best mouthpiece for it. I'm currently using the GW Taku and Schilke HII. A lot of people might recommend more of a shallow, bowl-shaped cup, but I've always gone for a deep funnel. I think my next try will be a Helleberg/Kellyberg/SSH or some such. I'd also like to try more of the Currys and maybe a Loud.

I don't believe any of the US dealers are currently stocking, but I know that Dillon or Ferguson could order one for you. Matt Walters told me that there's just not much call for them, which surprised me. I picked mine up on eBay in minty condition.

Feel free to PM with more specific questions.

[tbn.al]

I've had mine about 3 years and have tried to find a replacement for all that time and can't. Nothing else seems to have the core to the sound. I use a Yamaha Jim Self. 33mm with a middle of the road cup. This one seems to have the best intonation/sound /response combination.

[Yama861]

When I had my 184 CC I played the Yamaha Jim Self and was very happy with all results. I was studying with Norm Pearson at the time, and he supported my choice. Mary Ann now owns that horn, hopefully she will add a comment about her experiences.

I'm now playing a 185 CC and still using the same mouthpiece.
Regards,
Jeff

[windshieldbug]

I have a CC, and I use a Sear-Helleberg or a Rose Solo

[jeopardymaster]

I've had my 184-5U CC for 33 years now. Jim Self picked it out for me from a bunch of horns in Sun Valley. Doesn't look like much - it's been beat up and straightened out more than once - but it's still more fun than a wet dream to play.

I've been through a host of mouthpieces. Always changed to something that I felt suited me more at the time rather than because of anything like displeasure. A 24W worked, a 24AW worked. A Rose Solo worked, a Rose Orchestra worked. A couple of Perantuccis that aren't made anymore worked, and a Sear Helleberg worked. For the last 10 years I've been using the Wick 3L that came with my 983, and it's working very well.

The ones I didn't like - Conn Helleberg, Kellyberg, Bach 18, Bach 6, Mirafone C4, C3, Herrick (Rex Conner's mouthpiece of choice, very wide and shallow). For someone else probably one or another of those would be just fine.

If I could recommend anything I'd say listen to us but don't let anyone else rule your decision. Walk down that lonesome road all by yourself.