Miraphone 180 - any good?

[Sten]

Hi,

Has anyone played this model and would be willing to give it a review? How does the sound and playability compare to other F tubas?

Cheers,
Sten

[geomiklas]

Hi,

Has anyone played this model and would be willing to give it a review? How does the sound and playability compare to other F tubas?

Cheers,
Sten

Hi Sten, I just bought a 180 F on Friday and because I had to go to work, I have not been able to sit down with it aside from the test play at Baltimore Brass. In making my purchase decision, I considered how much will I actually play an F tuba, versus the cost, even considering several other brands including Jin Báo types. I’ve played Miraphone 186 5UCC (major 3rd 5th valve) all of my college and professional life (current horn with LH 5th lever), so it just simply made sense for me to grab up this 180 5UFF (major 3rd, LH 5th valve).

George

[bort]

Hi,

Has anyone played this model and would be willing to give it a review? How does the sound and playability compare to other F tubas?

Cheers,
Sten

It's not that they are bad, it's just that there are often better options. They are older designs, and suffer greatly from the problems around low C, B, and Bb. Upper register sings and is nice... But if you need the full range, it usually takes a lot of work, and even then it's still not great.