Posted by Tom B. on April 04, 2003 at 17:20:06:
In Reply to: band director needs help posted by Ari Contzius on April 04, 2003 at 13:26:27:
If money seriously is not object, here are my choices:
Elementary: Miraphone 182
Small BBb, high quality.
Middle School & High School: Miraphone 186
Solid 4/4, rotor valves, not an "odd" instrument so repair, etc. should be easy.
I can't stand the new King at all (one of the first ones...perhaps improved now)...especially the valves.
I believe that rotors are safer than pistons in the school system. Pistons have to frequently be removed, cleaned, and oiled, while rotor valves require minimal handling to function properly. Less frequent handling means less chances for damage to occur. Both rotor and piston horns can be damaged, and rotors do have more "exposed" parts that could break, but nearly everything can be fixed if the price is right.