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Miraphone 1260 Intermediate 4 Valve Eb Tuba

Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2023 1:02 pm
by KerryAbear
This tuba has been listed on Reverb for over 3 years.
https://tinyurl.com/5dyxm7sc
Miraphone model 1260 Eb tuba built in 1971. Non-compensating horn similar in design to the Yamaha YEB321S which sells for $6300 in yellow brass.
Personally, I think it’s because it’s over priced at $3500.
The seller compares it to a YEB-321 (which they value as new and not used), but the only comanality I see is that it is a 4 valve top action.

Does anyone know anything about this model?
I’ve tried to search for information on a Miraphone 1260 as well as 7406 but haven’t found in information about this horn.

Also, does having the tuning slide directly off the lead pipe as opposed to past the valve cluster effect an instrument in any way? I’ve never played an instrument with this configuration, but have seen it on quite a few old tubas.

Re: Miraphone 1260 Intermediate 4 Valve Eb Tuba

Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2023 1:10 pm
by bort2.0
I'm sure is well made and plays nice enough, but that is NOT a $3500 tuba. Frankly, I wouldn't buy it at most any price, there are just so many other options available.

Something mediocre in perfect condition is almost always a loss for the seller.

Re: Miraphone 1260 Intermediate 4 Valve Eb Tuba

Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2023 7:05 pm
by bloke
The B-flat version (1970's) was 17mm bore I believe.

This was probably the same.

Also, the B-flat version was quite lightly braced.
I would have to guess that this E-flat was never used in a school.

Re: Miraphone 1260 Intermediate 4 Valve Eb Tuba

Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2023 12:35 pm
by DonO.
I have noticed this one for some time. Looks like it’s in really good shape, although more pictures from different angles would help determine that. But I never heard of something being for sale on Reverb that long without reducing the price. Yes I know it looks like it was reduced but in reality it’s been $3500 for a really long time. I guess he”knows what he has”. If it were more like $2000 I might be tempted.

Re: Miraphone 1260 Intermediate 4 Valve Eb Tuba

Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2023 10:46 pm
by LargeTuba
Save yourself and money and buy a Yamaha Yeb321. I have one and it’s absolutely fantastic.

Re: Miraphone 1260 Intermediate 4 Valve Eb Tuba

Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2023 2:56 am
by KerryAbear
LargeTuba wrote: Thu Feb 16, 2023 10:46 pm buy a Yamaha Yeb321.
I’ve been waiting for one to come up for sale.

Though, I am considering getting that York at Dillon as a cheap way into a good sounding E♭horn. But after a valve job, adding a 4th valve, and getting a case; it definitely is the cheap route.

Re: Miraphone 1260 Intermediate 4 Valve Eb Tuba

Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2023 10:59 am
by donn
I already have a nice Eb, just curious - the comments seem to reflect a belief that this Miraphone isn't as good as the Yamaha 321? Is that based on reports from owners, or has the YEB 321 become of those community favorites like the Olds O-22 etc. whose virtues exceed all others - if the seller had not mentioned the 321 and instead said it's like that Weril that was around for a few years a couple decades ago, but better made, would that have gone over better? The price doesn't seem outrageously high to me, but then I don't recall having heard anything specific about this model.

Re: Miraphone 1260 Intermediate 4 Valve Eb Tuba

Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2023 1:01 pm
by LeMark
13" bell? I wouldn't give $1000 for it. The miraphone perinet line were cheaply made, student line tubas.

Re: Miraphone 1260 Intermediate 4 Valve Eb Tuba

Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2023 9:39 pm
by bloke
LeMark wrote: Sun Feb 19, 2023 1:01 pm 13" bell? I wouldn't give $1000 for it. The miraphone perinet line were cheaply made, student line tubas.
Well made, but delicate and under-braced.

Everyone loves to hate _ _ _ _ _ for some reason, but probably the most E-flat fun someone could have for a couple thousand dollars is a Jinbao compensating E-flat.

Yeah, it's not the best made - and no way would I own one, but a whole bunch people rave about paying double and triple (for stuff made in the same factory) from someone else. 😐

https://www.jimlaabsmusicstore.com/stor ... ba-silver/

Re: Miraphone 1260 Intermediate 4 Valve Eb Tuba

Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2023 10:45 pm
by arpthark
bloke wrote: Sun Feb 19, 2023 9:39 pm
LeMark wrote: Sun Feb 19, 2023 1:01 pm 13" bell? I wouldn't give $1000 for it. The miraphone perinet line were cheaply made, student line tubas.
Well made, but delicate and under-braced.

Everyone loves to hate _ _ _ _ _ for some reason, but probably the most E-flat fun someone could have for a couple thousand dollars is a Jinbao compensating E-flat.

Yeah, it's not the best made - and no way would I own one, but a whole bunch people rave about paying double and triple (for stuff made in the same factory) from someone else. 😐

https://www.jimlaabsmusicstore.com/stor ... ba-silver/
I had one of these for a while. I want to say I bought it used for under $1,500, and it worked well for me.

The fellow that I sold it to, unfortunately, said the valves ended up seizing up completely after a few months of use and his repairman couldn't figure out the problem. No idea what's up with that.

Occasionally 15" bell Bessons and the like pop up at or under two/three grand and that would be even funner.