Mirafone 11421 curved baritone from 1978

[Walter Webb]

The price is hefty, but if it's in good condition, is it worth it? Does anyone here have an opinion on this model, or the seller, PoppaJohn ? Would I be better off with a Yamaha 321 brand new for the same price?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Miraphone-Bb-Ov ... 8036739%26" target="_blank

(Mirafone 11421 German style curved baritone from 1978.)

[bort]

Would I be better off with a Yamaha 321 brand new for the same price?

You'd be better off with a used 321 for half of the price.

The Miraphone looks like a lot of fun, but it's FAR more than I'd want to pay for it. Is it worth it? No clue... they are pretty rare in the US. The last one I saw sold in the low $1,000's.

[MaryAnn]

I'm slightly familiar with this seller. He refurbishes instruments and, back then, did not budge on his high prices. I have not played one and so have no idea of how well they are refurbished.

MA

[Donn]

I looked at one back in the '80s, I suppose it would have been the same model. Its owner was selling it, via an ad in the newspaper classifieds, as was done back in those times. I was surprised at how heavy it was. And how dull it sounded, though I have never been much of a baritone player and wasn't at all at the time. But the owner didn't grab it away from me and show me how great he could make it sound.

You might be able to get a used 321 for a third of the price. Weril H980 is said to be similar and of reasonable quality, and I think (?) the receiver takes a large shank, where the Yamaha takes a small. Big point in Weril's favor for me if so, but as I mentioned I am not much of a baritone player nor a euphonium player.