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This is an anomaly, serial number is from 1975 but they didn't technically start making the 17.75'' bells then yet. I probably wouldn't give Taylor Music my business based on a very insulting offer on a trade in but this is an interesting piece for someone looking for a clean bell. Odd for sure..




https://www.ebay.com/itm/363686752094?h ... SwaKJh3adO

Even more interesting is that replacement bells do not have serial numbers assigned to them.

I suspect the number was added for the owner of the original horn, either by that store or Miraphone and that this person then did not opt to install the bell. The engraving is from the 1990s or later, I think. Also, modern bells do not have any engraving on the kranz, like this one.

Weird. It is the real deal, though, so if I needed one I would use this. A replacement bell from the US supplier is currently $1575, in like condition.

All that said, the most head scratching thing about it is the size to me...based on it's age.

Wade is right in that the engraving and kranz is consistent with something from the later half of the 1990s. If they engraved it with the prior serial number for consistency, as this bell should’ve mated up fine with an earlier 186, then that explains the confusion. It’s simply a newer bell. Probably way cheaper to get Miraphone to pull a bell off the line than to make one to the older dimension.

matt g wrote: ↑Wed Jan 12, 2022 11:31 am Wade is right in that the engraving and kranz is consistent with something from the later half of the 1990s. If they engraved it with the prior serial number for consistency, as this bell should’ve mated up fine with an earlier 186, then that explains the confusion. It’s simply a newer bell. Probably way cheaper to get Miraphone to pull a bell off the line than to make one to the older dimension.

Miraphone will make just about anything if you pay for it. I'm betting they will make a smaller, vintage-sized, sheet brass 186 bell. You just need to work your @$$ off to pay for it while you wait in the queue.

Why is there a polished rectangle on the front? I liked the 30 year patina until the big shiny rectangle

My guess is that they polished a section of the bell to show folks it wasn't rose brass or pure copper (which is what the rest looks like). FWIW, my own experience dealing with Taylor has been good. When I bought cases for my Martin from them, I corresponded quite a bit with someone who I think was the owner asking about case features and fit. I'd be interested in visiting their SD facility as the owner indicated they have a lot of older stuff in their warehouse (including tubas) that doesn't appear on their website. My guess is that includes this bell.

hrender wrote: ↑Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:59 pm I'd be interested in visiting their SD facility...

Me too. But goodness, it's far from just about everything and everyone.

Maybe when I finally get out to see the heads I can take a detour to Aberdeen on the way back... but it would probably add quite a bit of time, so I'd probably want to be sure it was worth it.

Here is my take.

In the late 90's someone ordered a bell to replace their 1975 bell that had been crumpled. Miraphone engraved the serial # on it because that is what they routinely do - despite the assertion above. The buyer backed out and it sat on a shelf with a label stuck to it - which prevented the brass under the label from oxidizing.

Anything else I can help you guys with?...

If you buy it from Miraphone DIRECTLY they will, if you request it (and with a nominal shop labor fee added to the price) engrave whatever number you want on the bell.

If you purchase a replacement bell from their "American supplier" (Ed Stregge) then you will receive a new bell with no number. This is the norm for the most part in the US due to the massive international shipping charges and potential damage to the bell if shipped to the US from Germany. It is cheaper to get a new bell from Ed.

Just so long as it is for a 186, or a 180, or the other two or three Miraphone tuba models he sells parts for.

bort2.0 wrote: ↑Wed Jan 12, 2022 11:47 am Why is there a polished rectangle on the front? I liked the 30 year patina until the big shiny rectangle

…so - otherwise - you were just about ready to buy it…

Many "trophy" shops are only able to engrave on flat surfaces, but they aren't the only ones.

Artful engraving is not a common skill.

Selmer, Paris saxophones (from the 1970's) were sent out without any engraving, due to not being able to find anyone to do that work.

the elephant wrote: ↑Sat Jan 22, 2022 10:14 pm If you buy it from Miraphone DIRECTLY they will, if you request it (and with a nominal shop labor fee added to the price) engrave whatever number you want on the bell.

There are any number of people who could engrave anything you want in the way of a serial number available on this side of the pond. A jewelry or awards store have engravers.

The Big Ben wrote: ↑Sun Jan 23, 2022 10:12 am

the elephant wrote: ↑Sat Jan 22, 2022 10:14 pm If you buy it from Miraphone DIRECTLY they will, if you request it (and with a nominal shop labor fee added to the price) engrave whatever number you want on the bell.

There are any number of people who could engrave anything you want in the way of a serial number available on this side of the pond. A jewelry or awards store have engravers.

For that matter, *I* can engrave any number on a bell, too.