Bozeman CL: Miraphone 18X
Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2021 4:31 pm
Looks like a regular, old 186 BBb from between 1985-1988 or so, with the plastic DVS system that everyone should replace ASAP as they get brittle and snap off at the worst possible times. The second slide pull ring is missing, looks like the whole ring and base are gone, and it is clean beneath, so *maybe* that is a replacement crook. The Thumb ring is a replacement and not Miraphone at all. The bottom bow has been off and it looks like a LOT of work has been done to "un-smoosh" the horn at both ends, and the soldering to the braces is poorly executed and not cleaned up at all. Bell garland is pretty wavy for at least 90ยบ of the circumference.
This is a bit of a beater and the seller is nuts to say it was owned and cared for by a professional because it looks just like an old high school band tuba to me.
I would think that $2000 would be more than fair for this horn unless it is an exceptional player. Judging by the quality of the work done to it, I doubt that this is the case.
I don't mean to be harsh, but I would buy this just to tear it apart and clean it up. And after all that work I *might* get a little bit more than he is asking for it as it is now.
Caveat emptor. Do not do a long-distance CL purchase for this tuba. Buy only if you are local and can play it first, and if you are prepared to haggle on the price. I would shoot for $2500 if you *really* like it, $2000 if you are not crazy about the magical-pixie-dust-unicorn-like musical qualities the owner seems to think it has. Again, it very well *might* be a great player. Test before you buy!