I bought this tuba from Mark Jones this spring and I enjoyed it so much that I hadn't planned on selling it, but I unexpectedly came across a 6v Alexander F tuba that is so close sonically that I had to make a decision.
This is a vintage, handmade 5v Mirafone 184. Bill Kearney, who attended Eastman alongside Roger Bobo, used this instrument in the Buffalo Philharmonic. Mark showed me images of Mirafone adverts that had Bill posing with this exact instrument. Serial number 2164 points to a manufacture date of 1962. Bell is about 14" and the instrument is about the size of a German F tuba. It has almost exactly the same footprint as my Alex F.
Obviously, the interesting thing about this tuba is the interchangeable lead pipes. There is a screw mechanism that attaches the lead pipe in place. There are three pipes - the smallest, original Mirafone leadpipe, a slightly larger second generation (70s) Mirafone leadpipe, and a very large Schmidt lead pipe. For solo stuff, I like the smallest pipe, and the medium pipe works well to broaden the tone a bit if you are in, say, a quintet or small ensemble. The largest pipe nearly eliminates the characteristic 184 "burn" at the expense of exacerbating some of the intonation quirks. This is a GREAT Kraft "Encounters II" tuba. Low range has quite a bit of pop and the high range is like an F tuba.
Speaking of intonation quirks, there are a few typical of 1960s Mirafones - bottom line G is low but lippable, low C rides a little sharp, and you need to use the standard alternates for Eb and E in the staff. First valve is vented and first valve slide nicely aligned which makes it very easy to pull or push as you see fit. Fifth valve is left hand and tuned to a two-step. Linkages have been replaced from the original S-links to the nylon 70s/80s style joints - they are quick, smooth, and quiet, and the valves have good compression.
At some point in the instrument's history, the main tuning slide was cut (I assume to account for the interchangeable pipes) but I find there is quite enough wiggle room to find A=440 in a variety of environments.
Being a 54 year old tuba that was in storage for a while, there is just a bit of dezincification on one of the inner branches, but the metal is still very solid and not soft, thin or cracking.
Instrument is mostly raw brass with the original lacquer remaining at maybe 15-20%, mostly on the inner tubing. The end of the bell seems to be mostly lacquered and looks very nice and shiny. The bell kranz has a beautiful "MIRAFONE" engraving on it.
Instrument does not come with case or mouthpiece. My initial asking price is Mark's initial asking price from when I bought it from him, which is $3,000 plus buyer pays Greyhound shipping. I am in Louisville, KY and will also gladly drive 6 hours to meet you, although local pickup or a closer meeting place is preferred if driving is involved.
This instrument has been serviced by Norm Epley at NRE Brassworks here in Louisville. The tuba is in very good mechanical condition.
I can include the thumb ring wrap and arm protector if you're interested, or I can remove them, but be warned - the thumb ring is very narrow and will irritate your thumb.
PM me or email b.taylor90 at gmail dot com.
