Probably apples to oranges but...

[Jerryleejr]

Ok guys,
Going to check out a miraphone 187 and a kanstul 33s. I'm coming from a king 2341. Anything specific to look for? I also have a 5V 187 and miraphone 289(not a lot of info) that might become an option. Just some small ensemble (church) and solo stuff. I'd like a 191 or 1291 but these may very well fit my abilities now and for years to come. Not excluding other models it's just these are available and within driving for a play test.
Also piston vs rotor is a non-issue...
JJ

[Bob Kolada]

1291/191 is my favorite of the bunch but may not be the best bet for a small ensemble horn. If price is an issue the 1291 copy I played was very nice. I'm not sure a 33A would be a big change from a 2341.

[bort]

Yep, apples to oranges for sound and playing characteristics. If you're not set on anything particular, then go with whatever you like the best!

FWIW, I think the Miraphone 289 is the most rare (in the US, at least) and coolest looking of the bunch... 2nd from the right in this photo.

[Jerryleejr]

Yep, apples to oranges for sound and playing characteristics. If you're not set on anything particular, then go with whatever you like the best!

FWIW, I think the Miraphone 289 is the most rare (in the US, at least) and coolest looking of the bunch... 2nd from the right in this photo.

I agree but that would be a new order, the others are used and considerably cheaper. However that being said if the sound and playability is equal I'm not opposed to the 289 by any means...

JJ

[bort]

Well, adding new vs. used to the mix... then I'm really not sure what to suggest. Good luck and have fun tuba shopping -- I know it doesn't help you narrow it down, but there's not a "loser" on your list, it will all be personal preference!

[Jerryleejr]

Well, adding new vs. used to the mix... then I'm really not sure what to suggest. Good luck and have fun tuba shopping -- I know it doesn't help you narrow it down, but there's not a "loser" on your list, it will all be personal preference!

Oh trust me I've spent countless hours here reading all the likes and dislikes of various models and it will come down to playing them and fitting the budget. And who knows something else might come along in the process. But for now the 187 and 33S will at least get a test...

JJ

[Roger Lewis]

I use my Miraphone 188 (CC sister of the BBb 187) for about 90% of my work. The 187 has a great sound and is very playable. I've always enjoyed them. But go with the sound and feel that fits you.

Roger

[Jerryleejr]

I use my Miraphone 188 (CC sister of the BBb 187) for about 90% of my work. The 187 has a great sound and is very playable. I've always enjoyed them. But go with the sound and feel that fits you.

Roger

Thanks Roger
It's a shame the brick and mortar stores have dwindled, it would be so nice to have a good selection to try back to back.

JJ

[iiipopes]

If you're looking seriously at a 187, also include looking at a B&S GR51 tuba. Similar size, big round smooth tone color, really good intonation, works great with a PT82 mouthpiece, similar price new. I had the chance, but not the cash, to get one a few years ago.

[Jerryleejr]

If you're looking seriously at a 187, also include looking at a B&S GR51 tuba. Similar size, big round smooth tone color, really good intonation, works great with a PT82 mouthpiece, similar price new. I had the chance, but not the cash, to get one a few years ago.

Dillions is working on the GR51, miraphone 289, and 5v 187 they are just low on BBb inventory currently. So maybe another road trip once they come in. I've got time.

JJ

[swillafew]

Looks to me like you are shopping an excellent selection. Don't be afraid to try a horn in another key; F and BBb horns share a lot of fingerings and you can be operational on one very quickly. Happy hunting.

[Jerryleejr]

Looks to me like you are shopping an excellent selection. Don't be afraid to try a horn in another key; F and BBb horns share a lot of fingerings and you can be operational on one very quickly. Happy hunting.

I'm to far down the rabbit hole I think to switch lol...

JJ

[Tom]

I really have nothing to add except to say that I've always wanted to try a Miraphone 289.

I have never even *seen* one personally in the US though I am sure there are a few floating around.

[Jerryleejr]

I really have nothing to add except to say that I've always wanted to try a Miraphone 289.

I have never even *seen* one personally in the US though I am sure there are a few floating around.

That might be a good reason to go with it, all things being equal...

JJ

[ArnoldGottlieb]

I recently visited the Kanstul factory while on tour so I was able to play Kantstul's and my own King 2341 on the same day. I loved some of the Kanstul's and may end up buying 1 or 2 in the future, however, my King 2341 is still with me on tour making money every night. What does your King not do that you think another horn will? I know where the Kanstul CC (especially the travel tuba) edged out my King, but there are certainly things that my King does better. And as far as customer service, Kanstul is definitely a company that answers their own phones. So, if you have some specific questions I think I still have notes from that day.
As for Mirafones, they are def apples to oranges in the comparison for me. I love them, but its not what I need on my current gig, although it may be on my next one. And I loved the 2 GR51's that I played, very in tune and very focused sound, easy to play loud, but again, not what my current gig asks for.

[Beans&Tuba]

I bought my 289 from Matt Walters at Dillon music. It plays very well.

[Jerryleejr]

I recently visited the Kanstul factory while on tour so I was able to play Kantstul's and my own King 2341 on the same day. I loved some of the Kanstul's and may end up buying 1 or 2 in the future, however, my King 2341 is still with me on tour making money every night. What does your King not do that you think another horn will? I know where the Kanstul CC (especially the travel tuba) edged out my King, but there are certainly things that my King does better. And as far as customer service, Kanstul is definitely a company that answers their own phones. So, if you have some specific questions I think I still have notes from that day.
As for Mirafones, they are def apples to oranges in the comparison for me. I love them, but its not what I need on my current gig, although it may be on my next one. And I loved the 2 GR51's that I played, very in tune and very focused sound, easy to play loud, but again, not what my current gig asks for.

I had to sell my king:( so no horn currently had I kept it I would have done the MAW valves and continue to march. And looking at new prices puts me close to the ones I'm looking at. I am curious how do you think the GR51 compares to the king?

JJ

[Jerryleejr]

Lol now the GR51 is in the mix

JJ

[ArnoldGottlieb]

Instead of responding online, we went back to the '90's and used the phone to talk. And yeah, I'd say the GR51 is in the mix for sure.