Sounds a lot like the Carmine Caruso studies. So simple looking on the page, but so difficult to do.

Bloke, What a coincidence, we both bought a 186 the same year. My experience came out a bit different. I remember paying 1750, which seemed a fortune at the time. 5 valve model, straight linkage, MIRAFONE and 9099 serial number on the bell. Original bell now used as a mute stand as it was crushed in ...

Difficult to answer. I currently have 5. Miraphone 186 5V C Miraphone 188 5V C Yamaha 381 5V Eflat Adams Solo F Wessex C Helicon Of all these fine tubas, the only one I’m completely satisfied with is the 186. 50 years old, somewhat modified, and probably the best all around tuba I’ve ever played. In ...

If this is the same as the case a YEB 381 used, I’ve got one down here in Daphne AL. Pretty much mint condition, only used it to take the tuba home, then only used a gig bag.

My photos seem to be too large to attach.

Start slow, then ramp up quickly. Since it was a respiratory problem, make sure your breathing is OK. Spend a few days just doing mouthpiece work, long tones, slurs. Make sure breathing works as it used to, then jump in with both feet. Been there myself a few times, have allergy issues. Yoga ...

Interesting post. Next month will be exactly 50 years since I bought my first tuba. Miraphone 186 C, 5 valve. Been modified some since then, but still my favorite and easiest to play. Took about a month to work out the slide pulls, but since then, intonation is rock solid.

Totally agree. Rochut is my go to. In fact, any time I think my technique is slipping, I pause and pull out the vocal music. It’s all about the music.

No idea, but I’m interested in what you find. I just moved to the gulf coast and was thinking of posting if anyone knew of a good place to take my helicon to. Need a very minor dent taken out. I’m about an hour from Pensacola and 45 minutes from Mobile.

Sad to hear they are changing. I just ordered from them a few weeks ago. Purchased a slightly customized 188 which they listed as a 188-LA model. Thought they were very easy to work with, shipping went very smoothly. Horn was exactly what I thought it would be. Very happy with the purchase.