Miraphone 188-5U or CC Miraphone 186S-5U?

[Ace]

Short and to the point: My opinion is the Miraphone 186 and 188 play equally well. A very similar tuba that plays almost as good and costs far less than the Miraphone 186 and 188 is the Chinese clone sold by Dillon's, Baltimore Brass, and several other dealers. I think this offers a short answer to the OP's question.

[Michael Bush]

It's very impressive that by your junior year you've saved up that much money! I agree with others that there need be no rush to spend it. When I was a junior there was simply no question that I was going to be a music education major. Being a HS band director was the only thing I was interested in. My teacher had me convinced nothing would do but I had to buy a Cerveny Piggy, and I had the money. Thankfully, my parents were in my other ear, and they held me back.

Halfway through my first semester in college, I was a political science major, going to law school. Didn't do that either.

That happens A LOT. Around 50% of college freshmen change their major, and it gets up around 70%-80% when you count the whole four years. *Nobody* thinks they're going to in advance, though.

So I second what others have said: try to find something satisfactory for now without spending the whole wad. A 16-17 year old who can delay gratification enough to have the price of a new 188 saved up can delay it another couple of years!

[tubaforce]

Tallyrand is right!
But there is nothing like having your own axe no matter what the circumstance! That's where Used Tubas and some of the clones come in...if you shop around, you can find a suitable instrument for $1,600.00-$2,500.00, and continue to save...Also, anyone who has the patience to save that much money should certainly find more (patience) while shopping...

Al

[jmg71196]

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[jmg71196]

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[jmg71196]

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[jmg71196]

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[jmg71196]

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[jamsav]

at 16 yrs ols, a 12J was plenty of horn for me...at 21 I was more than ready for something else...buy used, buy the horn you sound best on,spend as little as possible . rely on your teacher . There are 100s if not 1000s of forum participants and at least that many opinions here . Do not expect clarity or consensus on anything totally subjective...

[tubaforce]

Hello again!
Having a good horn at your disposal for free only strengthens your position. Play the crap out of that axe and save up even more money!!!
If you were being limited by your school horn, I'd advise buying a used axe or clone, especially if you can try before buying, and hopefully get it checked out by a good tech (what is your Geographic location?) before the cash leaves your hand...
But you indicated you have a good Tuba to play on, so use up the depreciation on that instrument! In the meantime, narrow down what schools you may or may not be interested in, and find out what those institutions issue, and what the Tuba Prof. suggests his/her students buy. Yes, a 186/188 SHOULD be more than acceptable for College, but your school of choice may have a closet full of great contra-bass Tubas, freeing your money for an F (or EEb!) Tuba...

Al

[Biggs]

Wait a minute, guys....

jmg =

James...

M....

Green....?

I have no evidence of any sort, but it is my sincerest wish that we are being had.

[jmg71196]

Wait a minute, guys....

jmg =

James...

M....

Green....?

I have no evidence of any sort, but it is my sincerest wish that we are being had.

no

[Ben]

jmg =

James...

M....

Green....?

I seriously doubt this. I believe Mr. Green has matured considerably and would not resort to parlor tricks.

[jmg71196]

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[Biggs]

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO I am not this person.

I'd much prefer it that you were, so I'll choose to believe otherwise.

[Uncle Buck]

When you cut through all the other garbage in this thread (FWIW, that "other garbage" is what I think keeps Tubenet interesting and entertaining - but it's not what the OP was looking for), bloke's advice is excellent.

- Start watching for a good, used 186 CC (5-valve) for $3,500 or less (or 188 for $4,000 or less).
- Be patient while you're watching - eventually you WILL find a good one in that price range.
- Be prepared to jump when you find it, because if you don't, somebody else will.

Pretty simple, straightforward, and good advice. Both musically and financially.

[bort]

If you've got $5k, there is (was??) a gold brass 188 for sale on the board here. That should be an excellent tuba!

[Roger Lewis]

Just my opinion.

Stay away from the Yamaha 822 as there are intonation problems that make this hard to adapt to. My personal preference is the Miraphone 188 - I own one and use it for about 80% of my playing. I also own 6 other horns including a Hirsbrunner HB50 - I still prefer the 188 for most things.

Ask your future teacher as they may have a preference as to what they want you to be playing. The TNFJ really cannot give you the advice and guidance that your teacher can.

Just my $0.02.

Roger

[jmg71196]

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[BuzzedB]

Yeah BAT's have a tendency to make you look like you over compensate.