Miraphone 186 or 1291 CC Tuba????

[Arkietuba]

I'm a college student looking for a good all-around horn. I'm currently looking at purchasing a Miraphone or possibly a Meinl Weston CC Tuba. Hopefully something in the range of $7,000. I would like to know which would y'all recomend a Miraphone 186 or a Miraphone 1291? I would like to know about intonation, response, range etc. Thanks!

[J.Harris]

I agree with Bloke- you need to heed the advice of your teacher and find the horn that's right for you !!! That being said- I just spent about 4 hours at WWBW playing the 1291 and various other horns. The 1291 has a very open low range and in my opinion plays as well as the 186 as far as intonation goes. The 1291 slots very well and has a consistent tonal quality throughout the range of the horn. IMHO it is a superior horn compared to the 186. Also - I've heard from a reliable source at WWBW that miraphone is developing a rotary version of the 1291 CC that should be out on the market late 2005 or early 2006 - might be worth waiting for if your partial to rotary valves. Take a trip and play some horns- that's the only way you'll find what fits you.

Happy Hunting - Jason

[Alan Baer]

Hi,
being VERY familiar with both horns I'll put in my two cents.
The 186 is a very good horn, I've owned them and played them for years, usually as a pops horn. I also have been playing the 1291 in the orchestra and loving it... If it were me and I need the all around horn I would go with the 1291. Much more depth to the sound and it matches great with the trombones. The 186 would not be big enough to do the job for me. I just received from Miraphone a new 1291 that is silver plated. I will say that I prefer the plated tuba over the laquered tuba, this tuba also has the ring on the bell. This can be ordered if your wanting it. I think it's worth it. Depth with serious penetration. The tombones are enjoying the blend, power, and especially the intonation of this instrument.
Don't limit yourself early in the game, get the best tuba you afford now.
Alan Baer

[Roger Lewis]

AMEN to that, brother!

[Gravid]

The 186 is much easier to play in tune, and the 1291 has a fatter sound...

I agree w/Joe's opinion here, esp if the 186 in comparison is the later version (w/the larger mouthpipe and bell). I've owned several 186's over the years, and I've played about a half dozen 1291's now, incl. 2 at BM in Dallas just yesterday. Yes, they are great horns -- the evenness of response and sound, esp in the mid and low registers, is very appreciable, and the low register is spectacular. Furthermore, the sound is much broader than that of the 186. However, I've yet to play one (a 1291) where I wouldn't have to use alternate fingerings for the 5th partial E and Eb, in addition to a significant amount of lipping for both the 3rd and 6th partial G's. Most 186's (and yes, I can say most, because they are fairly consistent) have similar intonation tendencies, but to a lesser degree. Soundwise, not everyone needs to support a world-class trombone section. I can think of some instances (quintet, church/pit orchestra) where the sound of the 186 might be more desirable. Cost-wise, the 186 (esp the S186) is about $1G less. I don't think that price should be the single guiding factor, but I also understand (and respect) anyone's desire to keep the income/debt ratio in check. In my opinion, it all depends on one's experience, budget and goals. For some, the 186 may be the better choice.

[Wes Krygsman]

Are there any 1291 Bflats without a fifth valve? This horn seems great from the few that I've played(both CC and BBflat), but i don't think I'd ever really need a 5th on a bflat horn.