New/old tubist needs advice

[eupho]

The 3/4 Kanstul CC is a very nimble horn. One has been on here recently.

[bernynhel]

What about Holtons? No one's mentioned those yet- Ive decided on a BB♭ 4 or 5 valve and they make a model BB460 in their Collegiate line????

Also looking at a Miraphone 191.

Anyone ever buy a horn from Joe Bloke at Mid-South Music in Williston, TN?

I used to work for a Memphis Co. Even had a gf in Collierville.

Thanks

[NCSUSousa]

What about Holtons? No one's mentioned those yet- Ive decided on a BB♭ 4 or 5 valve and they make a model BB460 in their Collegiate line????

Also looking at a Miraphone 191.

Thanks

You're not going to get many recommendations in favor of the Holton Collegiate on this board. I've read that line of Holtons is built by Yamaha and the BB460 is a re-badge of the Yamaha 321 4 valve tuba. If that's true, I've seen the Yamaha and here's my review: Not an overall bad horn, but it's not that great either. There are a few used Yamaha 321s on e-bay right now. There's one at the TubaExchange website too.

If you have the $$ for a Miraphone 191 get that and don't look back. It's a good 4/4-5/4 German style tuba. EDIT - It's got a large bore compared to similar instruments, so it will take some time to get used to. Don't let that put you off - it's the kind of instrument I'd love to have as an upgrade to my current tuba.

[bort]

Joe's a good guy -- give him a call (yes, on the phone) and he'll help you find something that will work for you.

[jimmilo]

Hey Bill,

I found this today while looking through Craigslist. I don't know anything about the tuba or the seller but it's in your area. It would be nice to pick up something local and not deal with shipping. Looks to be a nice price too.


http://palmsprings.craigslist.org/msg/4409752518.html" target="_blank

[Donn]

model 282?

[bernynhel]

Hey Bill,

I found this today while looking through Craigslist. I don't know anything about the tuba or the seller but it's in your area. It would be nice to pick up something local and not deal with shipping. Looks to be a nice price too.


http://palmsprings.craigslist.org/msg/4409752518.html" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank

That was long gone by Mon AM - a 3/4 BBb of unknown make or model - I got an old 186 BBb. Thanks!

[bernynhel]

I was in the same situation two years ago. I watched California's Gold...Good luck wherever your musical journey takes you.

Get a used Miraphone 186...

...You need an instrument which plays well, period. Anything else is important only should you wish to sell. There will always be a market for a 103. Or a MW25, or 186.

If you have the $$, the 186 is a great choice...

...Bb makes a lot of sense, but if a C reaches out and grabs you, or even an Eb bass tuba, I'd say go home with something you like and the key will not be a big problem...

My advice:... A miraphone 186 can be used in just about any musical situation.

If you already read bass clef and have never played tuba(BBb) before, a CC would be an easy learning curve ... an excellent choice.

What if Ive never blown anything bigger than a blues harp and dont know a bass clef from my elbow? ...wouldnt it be easier to just start with BB♭ fingering now and avoid transposing later?...I really don't know. Thanks!

Yes...I don't see the inherent advantage of starting on CC instead of BBb given that you have no previous experience.

Thanks, again to all the above. I wound up with a vintage (ser #8925) Mirafone 186 (I guess? no model number on older ones?) and its original case. Seems tip-top except for the mouthpiece which is unmarked and obviously well used so Ill get a couple new ones and go from there. I was able to blow about a half a dozen open notes from about a mid staff A# down to another A# a couple of octaves lower and so I did that til the neighbors phoned about 5 minutes into it so my composition for A concerto for a one armed tubist will have to wait until I learn some fingering and can come up with a less obnoxious combination of notes and failed notes.

[Donn]

Excellent! Full size quality tuba, notes, complaining neighbors - sounds like you're now living the life!

[bernynhel]

Excellent! Full size quality tuba, notes, complaining neighbors - sounds like you're now living the life!

How does one identify a tuba like this as a model 186? It just has the M logo, ser # under that, "Mirafone" engraved and running around the bell - thats about it but its about 39 1/2" long and the bell is 16 1/2 inches across. Has 4 rotary keys.

[scottw]

Made in 1974, according to the serial #. 16" bell will indicate a 186 of that period. Terrific horns, usually plays in tune [if you do!], holds it's value probably better than any other. Send us a picture? Show the kranz and show the valve linkages especially.

[bernynhel]

ser #4925 not 8925 so a 1969? Seems to be in tip top shape - all valves work smoothly and quietly, slides all slide, blow in, noise out, etc. I dont know about the mpc though - not marked and only a 7mm throat though that may not be bad its just an unknown starting point unless anyone recognizes it. I need to find a good online instructor - any recommendations? I uploaded the rest of the pics here.

mpc_hf_ed.jpg

Thanks!

- BIll