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186 5U Miraphone #1507 1960
Package includes:
Miraphone 186 5U CC 1960 bare brass tuba serial #1507
Custom symphony trunk by Mw Schuessler - Chicago
Miraphone gig bag
One Miraphone accessory bag
BBb crook
Miraphone C7 mouthpiece
music lyre

This horn was purchased new in 1960 by Bill Keck. Bill used this instrument during his studies with Arnold Jacobs, while completing his degree at Eastman and on into the beginnings of his professional career. I bought the horn from Mr. Keck while studying at the University of Southern Mississippi. Bill was teaching tuba at USM at that time in the early 70s.

Everyone that has played this horn says it's the best 186 they have ever played. I always credited that to the original large lead pipe that is still with the instrument. The horn is a great player. All credits to this particular model shine through on this horn.

The trunk is bulletproof - a custom saddle ensures nothing moves during transit. I made many bus trips to Chicago with this set-up.
Lee Stofer did a complete tune-up on this instrument several years ago. Everything works well, with tight compression and smooth and quiet mechanics. Lee did some nice patches on the lead pipe. Again, the original lead pipe is part of the magic.

I have kept everything original... it plays very well, so why change.

I want to sell the package complete for $6250.00 buyer pays for the shipping from Pensacola, Florida.
Why buy a cheap knockoff when you can have the "HOLY GRAIL"?

Please PM me with any specific questions or interests in this instrument

All the best, Tim Jackson

Oh baby, what a great tuba! AND — It used to be played in my orchestra back when Bill was the tubist. (It was more of a freelance group at that time; I'm not sure whether he was the actual principal or if they had several players on the call list.) Our 2nd bone was in the orchestra starting in 1971 and remembers Bill well. I am sorry I have never met the man. And I am very sorry I don't have the funds to buy this tuba. Our 2nd bone LOVES my old, large-pipe 186 because it reminds him of this very tuba.

Here's a big classic 186 BUMP!

Another bump for that sweet long 5th valve circuit!

This looks SO COOL!

Question- how well does it play with the Bb slide in place? Does it have intonation problems? Do the valve slides have enough length to get it to play in tune in Bb? Or is it just a gimmick, and better left in C?

Wow, what an amazing tuba! Wish I were in the market!

I am putting this back on the market. The package has changed slightly to include a Miraphone gig bag, shipping trunk, Miraphone mouthpiece, and BBb crook. PM me with Questions and interest.
Tim

I've been really lucky with two of those in particular - one from the early 60's and one from the late 60's...(bought 'em beat-up and fixed 'em up...YET neither had worn valves, and neither had ever had "repairs" previously done).

I sold one that I had intended to keep (loved it...really didn't need it).

I sold the other one in similar condition to this one (completely repaired but no upgrades).
It was just as good as the other, but - as are all old handmade Miraphones - subtly different.

Particularly when we consider the government theft (money-printing) which has occurred over the last few years (whereby our money is now worth half) I probably - de facto - sold the second one for MORE THAN this ask price, and sight unseen.

As we say in Minnesota...

Holy Buckets!

DonO. wrote: ↑Tue Feb 14, 2023 7:34 am This looks SO COOL!

Question- how well does it play with the Bb slide in place? Does it have intonation problems? Do the valve slides have enough length to get it to play in tune in Bb? Or is it just a gimmick, and better left in C?

I would also be interested in the answer to this question.

I am lowering the price on this horn. Great player. The BBb crook does not fit at the moment. During the last visit to the shop, we did some resolders on the tuning slide and the crook was not present to refit. The tuning sleeves will need to be resolders and moved slightly to accommodate both slides.
PM any questions. Tim

Do you still have the horn? I am interested.

I have some interest in this tuba and will be sending a pm

I can not figure out how to send a pm. Can you please send me one.