Miraphone Ambassador Valve Problems

[jgawn]

Hi all,

I'm a tuba player in the Central Band of the Royal Air Force. We recently (2years ago) bought 12 Miraphone Ambassador EEb Tubas. The valves on these instruments have been problematic since the first few months after we received them, regularly sticking and returning slowly at the most random of times. We were assured they would work themselves in but despite regular maintenance and professional work they still regularly fail and let us down. We have the same problems with all 12 instruments and as a result don't use them anymore. Any thoughts on what the problem could be would be much appreciated? They seem to be unusable! I'm hoping to be able to contact Miraphone to discuss the issue as all the instruments have the same valve issues! Any advice or expert knowledge would be gratefully received!!

Many thanks

Jonathan Gawn

Here is a link to a recent 4tet rehearsal on our Besson instruments playing a new piece by Tom Davoren. Enjoy!

http://youtu.be/fa4TTV8V6GY" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank

[hubert]

My suggestion would be: address directly Mr. Christian Niedermaier, head of production of Miraphone, or Markus Theinert, the acting director. I am convinced they will work out a solution.
Hubert

[jgawn]

Thanks. I will give that a go! I was just wondering if anyone had similar issues with this model? It seems very strange to have 12 instruments all with the same issue and for no one else to have experienced this problem! Also seeking advice from any experienced repairmen out there regarding possible solutions!? An excellent and respected repairman here in the uk has had several of the instruments and the problem keeps occurring despite him having worked 'miracle' repairs on other tuba valves!

[imperialbari]

Do the cases have a very fluffy lining?

If so, try rolling a tightly woven cloth around the receiver, when storing the tuba in the case. Should be combined with a through cleaning of the inner bore of main bugle and valve loops plus valve casings and pistons.

Klaus

[Sparkergolf]

This has me concerned as well. I am considering purchasing one of these. I have been scouring the web for reviews and information on these horns and this is one of the first things I've actually seen.

Anybody else own one of these? Should I be wary?

Thanks,

Scott

[MDORVAL]

I have one that I bought brand new in 2010, from WWBW, and Roger Lewis, who was working there at that time, insured me when I purchased it that these tubas were great and had no problems of whatsoever. I have no issues with the valves or anything else. The instrument works great, the sounds is rock solid and even after 4 years, have no issues at all. I maintain well all my instruments, oiled them frequently with Hetman oils and do sonic bath on a yearly based. I guess that you might have been having a defect that occurred with all of the ones you received.
Is yours the model M7000 or the M7050? I know the M7050 is the new model, so maybe if this is yours, they might have some issues with the new parts.
Mine is the M7000
MD

[iiipopes]

Lap the valves to an extra half-thou of clearance?

[pgym]

With the caveat that I am not familiar with Miraphone valve guides, I would note that inconsistent valve action on Yammys (and euphs with "floating" valve guides) is typically caused by improperly seated and/or worn guides. Perhaps this earlier thread on Inconsistent valve action may get you pointed in the right direction.

[Markus Theinert]

Dear Jonathan,
I am sorry to read about the valve problems you were experiencing with the Miraphone Eb tubas M7050. We haven't heard of any previous issues regarding the valve actions of our instruments. Of course we seek our valued customers' full satisfaction and would definitely like to help you solving this matter.
Please contact me directly under my email address at markus.theinert@miraphone.de" target="_blank" target="_blank and I am confident we will find a solution for your problem. We want these babies to be used and not sitting in a storage room!
I am looking forward to hearing from you soon,

Greetings from Waldkraiburg, Germany!

Markus Theinert
Miraphone eG
Traunreuter Str. 8
84478 Waldkraiburg
Germany
Tel.: +49-700-800-700-88
Email: markus.theinert@miraphone.de" target="_blank" target="_blank

[jgawn]

Markus,

Many thanks for taking the time to respond to this post. It is much appreciated! I'll be in touch ASAP to hopefully get the issue resolved.

Best wishes

Jonathan