Miraphone 1292 (?)

[JCradler]

Saw someone trying one of these at the Potomac Competition exhibits. It was clearly designated a 1292. 4 pistons, one rotor. Is this the Al Baer super-duper bling model or something? I forget which vendor had it, but I was just curious as to what(aside from the model#) makes it different from a 1291 Miraphone. Come to think of it, I didn't even ask the guy if it was a BBb or a CC...

[james]

I believe this is the "New Yorker" or "New York Phil" or whatever model that includes Al's personal touches(smaller leadpipe and bell rim guard-plastic molding around the bell rim). I'm pretty sure it is a CC tuba only. Having played both recently, I prefer Al's model over the others. It seems to have more life and brightness in the sound. More centered. Either one of these models is very even sounding, and extremely easy to play in tune (except for E and Eb in the staff. They are EXTREMELY flat but tune quite nicely with the 1-2 and 2-3 alternates). I just simply prefer the upgrade to the others. The other model seems a little too dark and dull of a sound for my playing style. I will say both models are more "brighter player" friendly. The horn comes to life when played with a faster air stream. However ,the 1292 seemed to take less effort to come to life when I played it.

Roger? Care to clear any of this up?

[Bill Troiano]

This past winter, Alan Baer did tell me that Miraphone would probably be marketing a 1291 with his modifications and calling it a 1292. They would also continue to offer the original 1291.