FS: Raw Brass Mirafone 186 CC NOW $2,800-SOLD

[chunk9]

For sale is my Mirafone 186 CC in raw brass. It has been converted to DuBro linkages, which could still use some work. The horn is from the 1970's, with a nickle-silver leadpipe, due to red rod of the old leadpipe.
The sale will include a nice non-playing stand, a leather strap, and a 4-mouthpiece holder, and a gig bag.
It has a great, colorful sound that has been somewhat lost in the newer horns. However, I have started going a different direction. The tuba is located in Oklahoma.
Pics will be in following posts.

[chunk9]

Tuba also has an adjustable gap receiver and a saturn water key.

[chunk9]

Another couple photos

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Last photos

[chunk9]

Motivated to sell, OBO.

[ashhealey]

Pm sent

[chunk9]

Guess I gotta BUMP!

[Schlepporello]

Pm sent

I was wondering if you had seen this listing.

[chunk9]

BUMP for price change. $2,800

[chunk9]

What will it take to sell this horn?
BUMP!

[geomiklas]

What will it take to sell this horn?
BUMP!

A 5th valve might help the sale.

[ERidler9999]

Shoot me a message I’m interested

[the elephant]

I just met Dan today and exchanged cash for tuba, and MAN is this a great example of a 186!

The green corrosion from the pet urine came off in about 20 minutes of mild scrubbing using a couple of different chemicals from my shop. It was not the heinous issue some people were worried about.

I will be adding a 5th valve using all factory parts but it really does not need one. The pitch is spot on. If I *do* need to move a slide the 1st, 4th and 3rd slides all move *very* freely (due to excellent alignment, not to lapping), so jacking 4th out for low F is not hard at all.

The horn has that "meaty" sound the late 1960s (larger leadpipe) horns had, much like a baby Alexander, but with a lot more power and presence than my Jinbao 410, and of course it has LOTS of color. It also does not seem to be willing to make the infamous 186 "tearing metal" tone. It will do it, but it has to be done intentionally. The overblow/loss of focus issues so many older 186 tubas had does not seem to be a thing with this example.

There is a lot of dent work to be done, but it is all very fine, small stuff. The bell could use some TLC, too. Frankly, I can use this horn in the orchestra today, as it.

Dan tossed in the gig bag, which also needs cleaning, but is in excellent condition. It is an older blue Miraphone bag, so it has the extra pocket in the lid. My two others do not have this, so I am happy about that.

Instead of the tuba stand in the ad (which I did not need) he gave me a stripped wooden hard case shell that I will be fiberglassing and then rebuilding the interior with firmer padding and new liner material. I will be using Peavey road case hardware once the fiberglassed halves have been fitted for it and the proper cutouts have been made. This will be a really nice road case for under the bus or even domestic flights.

This was a major score for me, and my money went to a *great family* with a new child on the way.

I am supremely happy with this horn. It is one of the best tubas I have personally owned. The intonation seems to be every bit as good as my freakishly in tune Mack 410. I am certain it will become my work main horn.

Thanks, Dan. It was great to meet IRL and to get to spend a little time with you and your family today. It was also cool to see your Jeep, which is very nice, even though the RHD thing was so odd for me to see. Thanks again, sir!

[Casca Grossa]

Congrats to both of you!!! Can't wait to see Wade work his magic and see the pictures when everything is completed.

[geomiklas]

Congrats. Your description of the 186 sounds a lot like my 1967 186. I cant wait to see what you do with it.

[Bill Troiano]

Wade, it sounds a lot like a tuba I borrowed from someone here in Austin who owns a lot of tubas. I wanted to buy it, but he wasn't selling. I did end up with a 1965, 186 5U CC and it has that wonderful vintage Miraphone sound. Good luck with yours.

[the elephant]

Bill, I know this man, and I bet he is probably reading this and smiling.