Posted by Not valve-related on June 04, 2003 at 16:12:56:
In Reply to: Re: New tuba for HS band - recommendations? posted by dp's opinion... on June 04, 2003 at 13:05:50:
The Miraphone 186 is a fine instrument, but not suitable for the rigors of school use. Here are a few issues that I can see:
1. Bell with a wreath is more difficult to iron the dents out of competently.
2. Nickel side-bow guard without a wire makes for less protection and is a pain to repair.
3. Tall instrument is going to be placed on its bell by someone and is way too easy to knock over.
4. Thin metal limits the number of "overhauls" before the instrument is scrapped.
A squat-looking tuba with beefy construction is really the thing that will put in the most years. Heck, the Weril 4/4 is probably the best deal for the money and not a bad player, by all reports. And the top-action valves limit exposure to stray forces.