Miraphone 186 BBb Tuba - Ex-US Air Force Band of the West
For sale is an exceptional professional Miraphone 186 BBb Tuba. Made in Germany, the 186 is Miraphone's most iconic tuba, revered globally for its tremendous sound, flawless intonation, and robust 4/4 size. This particular instrument has an incredible history, having been a working tuba for the United States Air Force Band of the West. It is very well cared for and remains in excellent condition.
Who Is This Horn For?
This is the ultimate professional tuba for a serious musician, university music program, or a dedicated collector. Its proven history in a top-tier military band environment guarantees its quality. The 4-rotary valve system and huge sound make it ideal for symphonic band, orchestra, and large ensemble performance.
The Miraphone 186: The Defining German Tuba
The Miraphone 186 is widely considered the standard for a professional, full-sized (4/4) BBb tuba, rivaling any horn in the world. It perfectly embodies the famous German tradition of building powerful, dark, and resonant low brass.
What makes the Miraphone 186 a legendary horn:
- Massive, Rich Sound: Designed with a large 17.7-inch bell and bore, this tuba produces a foundational, huge sound with tremendous depth and resonance, without becoming muddy or unfocused.
- Proven Rotary Valves: It features four smooth rotary valves that are characteristic of the German tradition. These valves are known for their fast action, airtight seal, and durability.
- Military Provenance: This horn has been vetted and maintained by professional military personnel, ensuring it has met the highest standards of playability and reliability throughout its career with the Band of the West.
Specifications & Condition
- Model: Miraphone 186
- Serial Number: 15448
- Pitch: BBb
- Valves: 4 Rotary Valves
- Bell Diameter (Approx.): 17.7 inches (450mm)
- Bore Size (Approx.): .772 inches (19.6mm)
- Condition: Excellent condition. The horn has been very well cared for, is highly polished, and shows minimal signs of use, reflecting its professional maintenance history. The valves and slides are exceptionally fast and smooth.
- Our Service: Our comprehensive service included a thorough cleaning, internal inspection, precision adjustments, and fine-tuning to ensure optimal playability.
Why Choose Fleming Music?
Here at Fleming Instruments, our expert on-site instrument repair workshop guarantees that each instrument we sell is meticulously inspected and fine-tuned before it reaches you. We take pride in offering a 1-year warranty and 2-week return policy on all instruments, giving you peace of mind with your investment. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, so please reach out to us at the shop via phone, email, or website contact: https://flemingrepair.com/pages/contact.
As always, we invite you to stop by our Houston shop to try this instrument in person. Nothing compares to the experience of a horn in your own hands. Follow our accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for the latest updates, content, and promotions: https://linktr.ee/Fleming_Music. We are grateful for your support of our small business and look forward to helping you find the perfect instrument or accessories!
