Alex bell on a 186?

[bububassboner]

Good day,
I have read on this board a few times about a miraphone 186 with an Alexander bell on it. Does anyone know more about a horn like this? Will an Alex 163 bell fit into a miraphone 186 without modifications?

Thanks in advance

[joh_tuba]

Craig Fuller used to play... and probably still does... just such a tuba. There was a period of time when such mods were in vogue.


Taking this idea to a potentially ridiculous extreme(not that it's a bad idea and not worthy of exploration):
How about:
Hirsbrunner HB2 leadpipe for optimal 'rolls royce' response
Miraphone 186 CC valve section. Quite easily the best rotary valves made. 19.6mm bore is large but sensible and .1mm from both an HB2 and 4/4 Rudy
4/4 Rudy tuning slide crook and dogleg because vertical slides are 'better' and it'll impart Rudy magic
MW32 body because the proportions are beautiful
Alex 163 Bell for the sound

[Tubajug]

Craig Fuller does indeed still play that horn. In fact I heard him on it on Friday at our music educator's convention, great sound! Send me a PM and I can get you his contact info if you'd like to talk to him about it.

When I bought a 186 CC as my first horn, I was still in college and he was my professor. He's got a spare Alex bell at home and offered to let me put it on my horn, but I never did.