Miraphone Eb tuba "Norwegian Star"

[Guest]

I have just received some news from Miraphone regarding the 283 "Norwegian Star" which may interest other Eb tuba enthusiasts:

Oystein Baadsvik, for whom the tuba was designed, has suggested that there be two versions offered of this model. One will be a solo version and the second a symphonic version.
The symphonic version is planned to make its debut by next year's Frankfurt Music Fair (February/March 2006). The solo version will follow behind and estimated presentation is not yet determined.

[armytuba]

I was fortunate enough to have played the prototype model that Miraphone had at last year's ITEC in Budapest. Clearly one of the best Eb tubas I'd ever played.

[Peach]

I wonder what's actually different between the two models?
I can't see it being the leadpipes alone or Miraphone would (should?) offer interchangeable pipes.

Presumably the bore through the valve section is different also?
Maybe even different Bell size or tapers?

Be interested to know when the details are revealed...

[Oystein Baadsvik]

Hi
The two models are completely different.
Different body, taper, valve bore, shape, bell, size. You name it.
Both where designed from scratch and there has been a parallell developement involving hancrafting 5-6 completely new prototype bodies.

Some details. SO=Solo model, SY=Symphonic.
SO model has cylindrical valve section, SY has conical
SO is smaller and will probably fit into a standard small F-tuba case. SY is taller, bigger bore and also goes into a larger case.
SO is designed for solo playing and chamber music. More direct in the sound and less of the ambient bass sound that the SY has.
SY is designed as an allround tuba, suited for eveything from a full symphony orchestra, band, chamber music and some solo playing. I would use it for Hindemith, but it has agility and clearness enough to play whatever you want, ex Carnival of Venice, Vivaldi-Winter etc. My 2003 US Octubatour (recitals) was made on one of the prototypes for SY.
SO will probably have a shorter valve stroke than SY and some new production techniques are right now beeing tested to make sure the valves are as fast as possible. Can't go into details right now as we are in a developement phase.
SO and SY of course has different leadpipes.
One of the most important features of both tubas is that the sound blends well. My definition of blend: the sound gets affected by the surrounding sound, orchestra, trombone section, strings, piano or whatever you play with. It actually feels like your lips are beeing guided into the right pitch and sound quality by the existing sound in the room.

Hopefully tuba players will also appreciate the native sound of both models and that they are easy to play.

It has been more than 2 1/2 years since we started.

I'll be using the SO on the upcoming US Octubatour.
And, it's there for you to try.

All the best,

Øystein

I wonder what's actually different between the two models?
I can't see it being the leadpipes alone or Miraphone would (should?) offer interchangeable pipes.

Presumably the bore through the valve section is different also?
Maybe even different Bell size or tapers?

Be interested to know when the details are revealed...

[Guest]

Øystein, thank you very much for explaining the differences in the two models. They sound like they could be the ultimate in Eb tubas - very exciting!

Do you have any photos of the two versions you could put up either here, or on your website?

Thanks again. I am very much looking forward to trying out the Symphonic model once released

[Steve Inman]

Bell / Bore / height specs available yet?

Curious,

[JayW]

**side note** GO hear Oystein play if he is in your area in October !! I am jealous of those in the Midwest as he is not comming to the east coast

[MaryAnn]

Have I missed an announcement of a Midwest tuba conference?

MA

[Oystein Baadsvik]

Hi
Have a look at www.baadsvik.com and go to the Gallery section to view some images from the process along with some explanations. Even if none of these models are the final ones it should give you an idea of the look.

Øystein

.

Øystein, thank you very much for explaining the differences in the two models. They sound like they could be the ultimate in Eb tubas - very exciting!

Do you have any photos of the two versions you could put up either here, or on your website?

Thanks again. I am very much looking forward to trying out the Symphonic model once released

[Steve Inman]

Bell / Bore / height specs available yet?

Curious,

Are we close enough to production for Miraphone to release bell diameter and bore specs yet?