Miraphone 186a?

Monty · Post by **Monty** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 7:39 am

Im looking at one on E bay- can someone give me a rundown on these horns? Im in the market for both a newer/bigger sousa than the King Im playing now. as well as an upright to study with a teacher. While Im at it- has anyone played a Besson Sousaphone? How about Helicons? Ive gotten good response to my questions about Cervenys- but are there others that I might look into?
Thanks!

humphrey · Post by **humphrey** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 5:27 pm

If you are thinking of getting a helicon it would be well worth your while keeping an eye on this ebayer:

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrp ... ssZgQ2emu6

He gets a lot of stuff from the old "iron curtain" countries and I've found his descriptions of the items to be very honest. You may have to get work done on any helicon/tuba you get from him, but you will be well aware of any faults from the copious amount of photos he lists with every item.

I bought a Lidl BBb helicon from him (see my avatar),and it has served me very well after getting the valves sorted & the main tuning slide cut a little.

Best of luck

Russ

cjk · Post by **cjk** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 7:52 am

I can't seem to find a 186a on that auction site. Are you talking about this one??

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... =WDVW&rd=1

If so, the horn looks fantastic, plays great, and comes with a really nice case. I've seen it in person (and I really wanted the case for my F tuba).