New aquisition: Mirafone unkn mod. 3/4 size

[jmerring]

I believe that to be a perinet model from the 60's or 70's.....just a guess.

[RRW]

*****

[The Big Ben]

I have one of these also. It had a bunch of leaks in it when I bought it and it is in getting an econo overhaul. I had considered trying to solder it back together myself but the Miraphone construction seemed too good to be defiled by amateur repairs. It's really nicely made.

I haven't had the chance to play it yet because it won't be finished for a few months. Good things come to those who wait. I have heard it described as a 'peashooter' and not a wonderhorn. I bought it because the price was incredibly low and I like to do things like playing a basketball and baseball games and in various other places where a small, light horn would be beneficial.

Mine is a 3v model. I know that this horn was also made in a 4v version and I've seen a picture of it. Just looking at the horn, there is enough room to put a 4th valve easily without having to modify the entire design. (I'm talking 'at the factory'. I'm not having one added.) I've also seen a picture of this model with a removable recording bell. Not sure of the model numbers of all of these but think mine is a 1270 with a serial number of 5300 which means 1969. It came out of the inventory of the LA School District (it's engraved.) Did it come from Tommy Johnson's school? Wouldn't mean much but would be kinda cool.

[tubatom91]

I have one with the recording bell, if it were a front action upright belled horn I would use it more...if it weren't so small it'd be practical to use to. It is however a well-built horn, and is easy to play.
It's most likely a 1270 if it looks like this