186 vs 188

[Mary Ann]

What is the playing difference between a typical 186 and a typical 188?
I see such glorious things said about both but have no idea how they are same and different.

[tadawson]

2? <ducks>

[MiBrassFS]

They’re similar, but different. Neither is “small.” The 188 is a little bulkier and a bit heavier.

I’m sure that’s of no help, but it’s all I gots from owning both at one time or another.

[bloke]

Other than that mouth pipe having to be a little longer to fit around a fatter bell, they are about the same up until the main tuning slide (where the 88 begins getting bigger than an 86). The main tuning slide bore is actually the same as with their kaiser instruments, which is 21.2mm. From there on, the instrument continues to grow slightly larger than the model 86, and offer a little rounder sound with intonation that's equally good to the 86. I personally don't find the low range response to be better, as both of those models seem to offer sort of "average / good / nothing spectacular" low range response.
I tend to like the older 16 and 1/2 in bell model 86 instruments and most any of the model 88 C instruments (LOL - other than the gold brass one that I bought new in 1984 which was a dog).
My personal opinion is that a model 87 (which is an attempt to make a 88 style instrument in B-flat) falls short and disappoints.

[Casca Grossa]

Other than that mouth pipe having to be a little longer to fit around a fatter bell, they are about the same up until the main tuning slide (where the 88 begins getting bigger than an 86). The main tuning slide bore is actually the same as with their kaiser instruments, which is 21.2mm. From there on, the instrument continues to grow slightly larger than the model 86, and offer a little rounder sound with intonation that's equally good to the 86. I personally don't find the low range response to be better, as both of those models seem to offer sort of "average / good / nothing spectacular" low range response.
I tend to like the older 16 and 1/2 in bell model 86 instruments and most any of the model 88 C instruments (LOL - other than the gold brass one that I bought new in 1984 which was a dog).
My personal opinion is that a model 87 (which is an attempt to make a 88 style instrument in B-flat) falls short and disappoints.

I am a Mirafone fan. I have owned many models and played professionally on a 186 and 188. I agree with Bloke's assessment and would love to have 16.5 inch bell 186 back. I did really enjoy my 188 though and felt it had the best sound and blend for the Air Force Band I played in. I think an older 186 with the 16.5 inch bell would be my ultimate do it all tuba.

[gocsick]

I just had the opportunity to play both back to back @Buckeye Brass... Take my thoughts with a grain of salt as I am not the tuba sophisticate that many of the more knowledgeable people here are .. I am more of the neanderthal big horn honk loud category. I was also using a Bobo Symphonic mouthpiece... shallow with a tight throat.

Joe pointed out the physical differences... to me they felt very similar. The 186 had a barkier (not a bad thing) more direct sound. The 188 was a bit broader and sweeter. The 186 actually felt more open and easier blowing.. which confused me. The 188 actually felt very much, to me at least, like I was playing a BBb 186 the way it steered. Personally I liked the 186 CC better... but I prefer punchiness and crispiness... I can see why so many people really like the 188.

[bloke]

188 is wound tighter as (as far as real estate is concerned) is (though larger) actually two inches SHORTER.