Can anyone identify this tuba? I know it's a Mirafone F tuba, but I'm not sure what model number it is.
I don't think it's a 180, but I'm not sure if it's a 181, or something completely different. From the serial number, it's from about 1980.
It looks great, but a little "different" (long skinny valve paddles and it looks like the 5th valve is after the 4th...usually not the case for rotary horns, right?)
Yup. Kaiser baryton (as in large tenor tuba) with an upright bell. If it's an F, then the handle and latches on the case are abnormally large.
Looks to me like a 12-inch bell and a height about 2-1/2 times that. An F tuba that size would need another full loop of the outer branches, not to mention longer valve slides.
Rick "thinking people who can't describe instruments should include a ruler in the picture" Denney
Notice that the 5th valve is "on the bottom" rather than first in line where the leadpipe enters the valve cluster. I've never seen a Miraphone F tuba with this arrangement -- this is typically reserved for the "quint" valve on a 6-valve F, when it is located down by the tuning slide. All of the Miraphone 5V F tubas I have seen have the 5th valve above 1,2,3,4.
You will see the identical valve cluster in use on their oval and bell front baritone horns at their website:
Thanks everyone...mystery solved. I knew something looked weird, but while looking at these pictures quickly (while at work), I couldn't put my finger on it.
