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SO, last April I bought a beautiful Miraphone 191-5 gold brass w factory 3rd valve tuning kicker from Lee Stofer. Right from the start I loved the sound, the intonation, the fantastic German build quality, the totally right now pedal range, the single spit valve (a little thing, but convenient). It could sing sweetly or roar like a tiger with just a little prod on the gas pedal. However, after a few months I realized I just didn't like the feel of rotary valves. I know, that's sacrilege. Along with that, I wasn't comfortable playing it while standing, and I always stand for solos. A few weeks ago I was asked to solo for our fall concert, and ended up using a neoprene harness - which I didn't care for either (and never used with the BAT). This is not a condemnation of the 191, it's just that with 30+ years with my previous tuba (Holton 345) I greatly preferred pistons. If you have a 191 (or other rotary horn) that you like, good for you. It's like if I'd bought an incredible sports car, best motor, best transmission, best color...but the seat and driving position were killers (I drove a friend's Boss Mustang like that way back in the day). I'd get something else. Therefore, I decided to start looking.
In my brain I was hoping for a 1291-5 (or maybe the Holton Harvey Phillips model); nothing comparable showed up. I contacted a few retailers to no avail (including a sales person at a well-known tuba place that you all know who told me my 191-5 was "yesterday's gas station sushi", then told me I should be looking at a "Miraphone Fafner". Yeah, he did, in writing.) I chanced to check Lee's web page, and saw that he had a King 2341 that he'd done his magic with - hand fitted valves, all vented, extra spit valves to eliminate the King Spin, nylon valve guides, his custom mother of pearl valve buttons, everything slicked up; in short, everything he does to his custom Lee Stofer CC tubas without the big cut. I contacted Lee, asked if he would add a 5th valve (I'd really grown to like that about the 191-5), and if he had a bag to go along with the hard case, since I was including a bag with the 191. Last Saturday daughter Kati and I made the 1200 mile trip (3 am to 11 pm) and came away with the custom King.
Playing the King in Lee's shop felt like coming home to my 345. Hand position, mouthpiece position, the "feel"...was just what I was so used to. And, best of all, this thing plays. Intonation is as good as or better than the 191. Lee's tricked out pistons are smooth as butter and quicker than anything. The pedal range accesses more readily than my Holton. Lee added braces where his experience said they were needed, and this horn is solid. The sound is exactly what I want, even well above the staff. I'll be playing it in Tuba Christmas tomorrow night, and for our Christmas Concert this Sunday, and I'm excited to do so. Oh, and the bag he had for me?...A gorgeous, new dark chocolate/caramel 2 tone leather Glenn Cronkhite. Uff-da.
So, I'm completely pleased. A tricked-out 2341 may not be the horn for you (like the 191 wasn't for me), but this one sure makes me happy. I've said it before, but comparing the 2341 to my (much missed) 345, the King feels like a baby BAT. I can live with that.
If you get the chance to visit Lee's shop you won't regret it. He's a great story teller and proud to show you his work. Be sure to have lunch at the Sunrise Cafe in DeWitt on the way home, too.
Tim

that's really cool! my main issue with the Kings are water collection and build quality. It sounds like Lee took care of the 1st one and I'm sure if he detected anything wrong with the other, he would have taken care of it.

Congratulations, Tim! A gorgeous tuba!

Really happy for you that this worked out as it did!

That custom fifth valve is slick.

matt g wrote: ↑Tue Dec 07, 2021 10:08 pm That custom fifth valve is slick.

Matt,
Yeah, when Lee sent me photos I was concerned that it would jam against my wrist. When I got there I mentioned it to Lee, he said he'd tested it himself and found no problem. Playing it the past few days I agree - it's just right. And (ironically) a Miraphone. Ha!

.

I think one of the main issues was flexing of the detachable leadpipe caused the 1st valve casing to warp and bind.

At one time this things were rattle factories. Maybe fine if you're an adult who. Takes care of their stuff, but at one time I was teaching in a bunch of schools that were using these for Jr high tubas. Not.a good fit.

I teach for a school now that has several of them, and not a single one is in use. I need to Ask them about that and find out why

tofu wrote: ↑Tue Dec 07, 2021 10:59 pm But honestly, I really wonder if that extra weight is justified if you like to stand with it.

Tofu,
Maybe, but it's still significantly lighter than my 345, so it's a piece of cake for me!
Tim

The water annoyance for me (on a 1240) was the back side of the 1st valve circuit, where there's a little uphill elbow going into the valve. I guess it wouldn't be a problem if I had played it pointing straight up. The pictures don't show that spot, but I'm guessing that's factory?

All the King 2341's I've had, all dumped 1,2 and 3rd slides from the top if the horn was sitting on the bell. The problem with the new style like this, is they bottom out against the floor before the slides fully come out. I've never had a collection issue on them just, they do pile up a lot of water and needs dumping after each song (annoying). Never needed to spin it.

Sometimes I miss my rotors, I don't miss the weight (Mack210) but I miss the rotors.

I’ve been watching that horn for some time now, hoping it got a good home. I was very tempted by it myself but my present circumstances made making a trip like that out of the question. I ended up buying a factory “showhorn” version for 5000 including shipping. So for 500 more you got all those nice upgrades. Not counting the added 5th valve cost of course. Personally I would have skipped that because of the added weight, plus I just would not have used it often enough to justify it, but to each his own. I really like my 2341, and I’m sure you will love yours too. Congrats and enjoy!

A very beautiful horn that you will enjoy for a very long time. Congratulations!

If you've ever heard @edfirth play his, you know that there ain't one stinkin danged darned thing wrong with a 2341!

I love that the 5th valve piping is all nickel silver.

For those who are interested in either tuba, I did take some comparison photos (inspired by Rick Denney's tuba page). They are attached below, along with photos of my previous 345 with the 2341 I had borrowed for so long. There's also a pic with Lee, just for fun.
Tim