"Classic" Mirafone (note the spelling) 188-5U CC tuba from either late 1983 or early 1984 in gold brass with a full nickel-silver valve section (sometimes called the "Anniversary Edition").
This horn is in excellent condition for its age and history, but, it is not perfect in terms of blemishes, etc. If you want new, buy new. This is an excellent example of the 188 from the "childhood" years of the model in my opinion. So why am I offering it for sale?
First, I'm not digging the gold brass. It's my first GB horn, and for me and MY sound in my head its just not exactly perfect. It's still really good, though. Plays and feels like an older 188 is supposed (as far as I'm concerned) to, right down to the pitch tendencies.
Second, I've acquired the parts (in nickel silver) to convert the 5th valve from a 2+3 combo to a flat whole step. It occurs to me after all the discussions I've seen here and in the old place that some people just flat out LOVE the 2+3 combo. For me and my ape-brain, I need my CC horns to all have the same fingering system and I've got 25+ years on the flat whole step so that's what I'm doing.
SO, if you've ever hankered for a really, reeeaaaaalllly nice 188 from the early 80's WITH THE LONG 5TH, you have about 9 or 10 days to let me know you would be interested in the horn because otherwise it's getting the short 5th. I've already made the appointment to drop off the horn in the AM on 3/9. I MAY still sell the horn after the conversion, like I said the GB and I aren't in love. I also may feel differently after the conversion.
I'm asking $7,500 for the horn and I will throw in the parts for the 5th valve as well. No bag or case. I will sell you the Superfine case I had made for this - in leather - for $500 as part of the deal but I will not sell the bag unless the horn is in the deal. So, $8,000 for the horn and bag. Here's the bag:
I'm just west of DC and will drive 4 hours in any direction to meet you or drop it off. Outside of that it's shipping at your expense, but I will pack it up proper before shipping.
I'm probably not interested in a trade, but if someone wanted to part with an Eastman 836 or MW 6450 I would listen. Charmin not for sale.
Please PM me with questions or interest.