Miraphone 4v CC w/ case (Mighty Quinn/eBay)

[arpthark]

https://ebay.us/m/MrUU6d

[MiBrassFS]

“no signs that it has ever been seriously damaged“ Uh…

[arpthark]

Oops!

I suppose it depends on how you define "seriously"...

[MiBrassFS]

It does look to be a well done repair…

[DonO.]

Red rot on valve casing?

[MiBrassFS]

Red rot on valve casing?

I think that’s acid bleed from assembly soldering.

[DonO.]

Red rot on valve casing?

I think that’s acid bleed from assembly soldering.

So…Miraphone would have sold it new looking like that? I would never accept a brand new horn with such a defect.

[arpthark]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but acid bleed can happen slowly. I had a friend with a shining brand new Miraphone 1293 and within three or four years it had several spots of acid bleed at solder points.

[bloke]

the version of the model marketed as S186

I tend to suspect that it was originally sold with identically-shaped black plastic links which were replaced either later or - for this sale offering - with metal ones. I've done the same exact thing when refurbing and flipping these. Usually at least a third of those black plastic ones were busted or missing (due to being busted), as the black plastic framed were too brittle on those links.

Notice that the branch connectors are plain nickel without scribed lines and that the slide tubing is brass. The really early versions of the S186 featured plain French rolled rims, but I suppose it was decided that the nickel kranz is so strongly associated with Miraphone that no-kranz was one cost cut too far.

[MiBrassFS]

Acid bleed won’t show for quite awhile. Brass instruments from many makers exhibit it. It’s from a bit of random soldering flux that hides out on the instrument at joints and slowly creeps out under the lacquer causing oxidation.

Joe points out good info above, too.

[Mary Ann]

Please note someone could get Wade's fantastic 186 for not much more ---- I guess it's a pisser living where he does, in terms of moving stuff.

[prodigal]

This horn seems to have resurfaced at Horn Stash for $6k. I'm looking to get back in to tubas, is that an outrageous price for a 4 valve 186 in this condition?

[DonO.]

This horn seems to have resurfaced at Horn Stash for $6k. I'm looking to get back in to tubas, is that an outrageous price for a 4 valve 186 in this condition?

Not the same horn. The one at Mighty Quinn has the model and serial # engraved below the logo on the bell. The Horn Stash example does not. Also, “Miraphone” on the Quinn example, “Mirafone” on the Horn Stash one. Horn Stash version is likely older. There was some sort of copyright-trademark dispute in the late 60’s-mid 70’s (I think?) that forced the spelling change for awhile.

As to whether the prices on both are fair, I’ll let others chime in on that.