Current thought on the Miraphone 1292

[tubafatness]

Hello, one and all.

I'm yet again in the beginning stages of thinking about getting a new CC tuba, and I wanted to see what people are thinking right now about the Miraphone 1292, the "New Yorker". And, before anyone gets angry at me, yes, I did use the search function and look through older posts. But I want to get some current opinions on the horn. The horn I would be switching from is an older Rudolf Meinl 5-valve CC tuba. While I love some of the things the Rudi does, (like the tone, most of the times,) I'm looking for a horn that is more "middle-of-the-road", i.e., one that can do other things more easily than my old German horn. I'm especially looking for a horn that can be articulate, (I have to work some times on my Rudi.) Also, I'd like something with a more even range/consistent intonation. With all that in mind, I'd look to know what people know about the 1292. With it's brand new price being less than $9,000, it's almost too good to pass up, but I want to know a little more about what I could be getting into. Thanks, and any opinions on this horn would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Aaron Hynds

[tubazach07]

I currently own a Miraphone 1292 I have had it for less then a year. I am a sophmore in college andI am very pleased with the 1292 it is an amazing tuba. I have used it when playing in a symphony and had no problem holding my own. I also play it in a quintet and I balance the quintet out with out over powering. In my opnion it is the best all around tuba I have ever played and I have no regrets in buying it. The horn plays really well in tune and I only pull slides 1 and 4. The tuba tuba has a very nice even range, with a huge low range and singing high range. The tuba plays very easy in all regesters and I sugest that if you can buy then go ahead and buy one. Let me know how it goes. That is my 2 cents.

[Steve Marcus]

The scale (intonation) is much friendlier on the 1292 CC than the 1291 CC. I wasn't aware of this until 1/ a high-profile player p.m.'ed me and informed me of this and then 2/ I played a few back-to-back and quickly realized that it was indeed the case.

That being the case, why is the 1291 still in production? Is its scale design and performance significantly different from the 1292?

[tubashaman2]

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[Steve Marcus]

Herr Niedermaier:

Bloke's comment about the 1292 having better intonation than the 1291 is not the first time that I've heard that assessment.

The 1292 was introduced after the 1291 had been in production for some time. Since you obviously are someone who is familiar with both models, what are the positive characteristics and purposes of each? Is it accurate, then, that the 1292 is NOT merely an upgrade or replacement for the 1291? How do their scale designs differ?

Respectfully,

Steve Marcus

[tubashaman2]

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[bort]

I have a Miraphone 1291 modified with a 1292 leadpipe. I decided to make the modification based on hearing reports on the board here, asking Mr. Baer personally, and letting curiosity get the best of me.

The result is that with the new leadpipe, the tuba responds/speaks a little easier, and just "feels" a little tighter. The sound has a little more presence as well. The low register is still as huge as ever, but it slots a little better. Mid- and upper-register is great too. Intonation is still solid and easily workable. James, I use 235 instead of 24 as well. I also use 12 and 23 for (an extended/exposed) E and Eb in the staff, but that's not so unusual for a lot of CC tubas either.

I've had this a few years now, but I just picked up another CC that I couldn't put down...so this one will be up for sale soon.

[tubashaman2]

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[NDSPTuba]

Before I played the 1292 and 1291 back to back at TMEA I thought based on the descriptions that I would like the 1292 better. But I actually liked the 1291 much better at TMEA. The low G on the 1292 was quite stuffy compared to the 1291. But that is just me.

[tubashaman2]

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[oedipoes]

I've had this a few years now, but I just picked up another CC that I couldn't put down...so this one will be up for sale soon.

OK, what are you getting then?
Any pics ?

Wim

[bort]

This one:

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=31819" target="_blank

Pictures to come...