TubaForum.net

The new-style mouthpipes for these geometrically fit a WIDER bell brace, so - when replacing a mouthpipe on a VINTAGE (16-1/2" bell / handmade) 186 CC tuba, normally the upper brace must be removed and a new-style wider one must be jammed in place. This is annoying/costly/difficult, darkens-or-burns additional lacquer, is annoying, and results in a non-original repair.

I have decided to no longer hoard the LAST FIVE REMAINING FACTORY-MADE NEW/OLD STOCK OLD-STYLE FIT MIRAPHONE (MIRAFONE) 186 CC TUBA MOUTHPIPES.

These are long enough for a 4-valve instrument, and can be cut (large end) to fit a 5-valve instrument.

I'll be charging $335 each plus shipping.
Please note that - to minimize the chance of damage - they're going to need to be shipped in an out-of-proportion size carton, so allow for shipping costs (and I cannot calculate that at this time, but just be aware...and no, I won't be doing anything ridiculous, such as shipping them in euphonium cartons, etc.)

For those who are dealing with patched, spliced, red-rotted, improvised (etc.) mouthpipe tubes on vintage 186 CC tubas, here's the ONLY chance (ever) to purchase a NEW (old stock) CORRECT VINTAGE BENDS mouthpipe tube. (Miraphone NO LONGER bends mouthpipes to fit these.)

I believe the small-end inner diameters varied a bit - over the years. I don't have that information, right now, but I'll try to get it posted.

I only have a few.
They've ended up being stored elsewhere, so I'm going to have to plan a little trip to fetch them...
...so expect a few weeks delay between ordering and receiving.

- Don't forget that I'll be charging for shipping (FedExGround) though local pickup is FINE.
- Yes, these will be sort of like a "pre-order", but they already exist, and (yes) I'll need payment ($335) with each order, and I'll charge for the shipping (once calculated) later.
- Realize that - if you're in Tennessee - I will need to charge SALES TAX.
- If you hate my guts (and REALLY NEED one of these, but don't want me to know that you bought it) just get a friend to buy it for you.

As always, I'm offering these to you folks FIRST.

I have a couple of orders from here, but I'm not moving on to advertise at a much larger and more more tuba-repair-oriented site.

two not spoken for...
...I might (??) keep one, but - if two speak up soon - y'all can have 'em.

Yes, I still have NOT gone and fetched them...

OK...
Here's a picture - prior to me installing the Miraphone receivers which I have, and which will be included.
If any of you purchasing them prefer them larger on the small end, I can go through a method to make them larger.
(My personal tastes would suggest leaving them as they are.)
I'm pretty sure this is just about the same size as the small end of my B&S tuba's mouthpipe tube, and part of what makes that tuba so special.
I'm also pretty sure that this is the same as what was supplied with my 186 (bought new in 1974) that I should never have swapped out.

OK...
The I'm going to start billing and shipping today.
One of you wants one.
Another of you would like to have two.
One other person would like one.

One is still available.

As seen, Miraphone (last month) made me some custom NICKEL receivers to fit these mouthpipes.
They are a perfect exterior fit, and are slightly counterbored.
EACH of you should let me know whether you would like me to solder the receivers on.
Also - if you prefer a perfectly smooth bore, the tips of the mouthpipe tubes would need to be reamed inside, just a bit.

As seen, the tails are plenty long for either 4-valve or 5-valve...with some trimming required for either configuration.

Here are pictures...
I'll be contact each of the three people who have expressed a desire to purchase.
I've been waiting for the receivers...thus the delay.

I'm doing what I find annoying, which is "bumping" an ad.

...but - simply put - I would like to sell one more of these.

If your vintage 186 C has a red-rotted 'pipe, it deserves a new one, yes?

...and - again - these FIT the vintage models (with the very narrow bell-to-upper-bow brace) WITHOUT having to replace that brace (in order to change the geometry to "current").