Alexander 163 Vs. Miraphone Bruckner

Tubas, euphoniums, mouthpieces, and anything music-related.
Forum rules
This section is for posts that are directly related to performance, performers, or equipment. Social issues are allowed, as long as they are directly related to those categories. If you see a post that you cannot respond to with respect and courtesy, we ask that you do not respond at all.
Post Reply
Pakins51
Posts: 65
Joined: Fri Aug 21, 2020 7:02 am
Has thanked: 10 times
Been thanked: 10 times

Alexander 163 Vs. Miraphone Bruckner

Post by Pakins51 »

Has anyone played both of these horns and if so how do they compare? They seem to be a similar size, with the Bruckner maybe being slightly bigger. I’m referring to the newer Alex’s.
These users thanked the author Pakins51 for the post:
PlayTheTuba (Wed Mar 08, 2023 11:46 pm)


PlayTheTuba
Posts: 180
Joined: Tue Feb 07, 2023 1:58 pm
Has thanked: 107 times
Been thanked: 35 times

Re: Alexander 163 Vs. Miraphone Bruckner

Post by PlayTheTuba »

Well the Bruckner plays really well. Easy to play, in my opinion, every register. The large bore and being between a 4/4 and 5/4 Tuba allows powerful players tob take advantage of them without being up. I actually preferred the Bruckner over the B&S 4197 (pt20p) but I personally think they're bigger than I would've liked. So I'm getting a 4097 (pt20)-rotary instead.

The used Alexander at this year's Army conference sounded nice. Didn't spend to much time with it though.

I believe Horn Guys has a brand new Alexander 163 for sale. I know technically they want to sell what they have but could be worth a call. And they also have a Bruckner too.

New Alexander 163 link
https://hornguys.com/collections/cc-tub ... -cc-tuba-1

New Miraphone 291 Bruckner
https://hornguys.com/collections/cc-tub ... ry-cc-tuba

Although, if 4/4 rotary CC is on your list, the B&S might be worthy enough to include it. Best of luck
User avatar
LeMark
Site Admin
Posts: 2840
Joined: Wed Aug 12, 2020 8:03 am
Location: Arlington TX
Has thanked: 77 times
Been thanked: 822 times

Re: Alexander 163 Vs. Miraphone Bruckner

Post by LeMark »

The Bruckner might be my favorite CC tuba, but I have to admit not having the chance to play many Alexanders
Yep, I'm Mark
User avatar
bort2.0
Posts: 5258
Joined: Thu Aug 13, 2020 9:13 am
Location: Minneapolis
Has thanked: 336 times
Been thanked: 1001 times

Re: Alexander 163 Vs. Miraphone Bruckner

Post by bort2.0 »

Bruckner is easier to play
Alexander sounds better

Otherwise think they're pretty different, and hard to compare.
User avatar
Sousaswag
Posts: 654
Joined: Thu Aug 20, 2020 1:55 pm
Has thanked: 14 times
Been thanked: 229 times

Re: Alexander 163 Vs. Miraphone Bruckner

Post by Sousaswag »

Horn guys has a VERY nice-looking 6v Alexander 163 for sale for less than a new Bruckner, I believe.

I’d buy the Alex and run with it just for the great deal and rarity/cool-factor. I’m sure it’s a great tuba. The Miraphones are great players too but as I’ve mentioned before I don’t like the upward-pointing leadpipe angle. You may disagree.
Meinl Weston 2165
B&M CC
Willson 3200RZ-5
Holton 340
Holton 350
Pan-American Eb
King Medium Eb
User avatar
Mary Ann
Posts: 3045
Joined: Thu Aug 13, 2020 9:24 am
Has thanked: 522 times
Been thanked: 598 times

Re: Alexander 163 Vs. Miraphone Bruckner

Post by Mary Ann »

Sousaswag wrote: Wed Feb 15, 2023 9:48 am Horn guys has a VERY nice-looking 6v Alexander 163 for sale for less than a new Bruckner, I believe.

I’d buy the Alex and run with it just for the great deal and rarity/cool-factor. I’m sure it’s a great tuba. The Miraphones are great players too but as I’ve mentioned before I don’t like the upward-pointing leadpipe angle. You may disagree.
Upward pointing leadpipe angle? That is actually what I NEED. Picture? I haven't seen ANYTHING but straight-out leadpipe angles on non-modified tubas.
User avatar
Sousaswag
Posts: 654
Joined: Thu Aug 20, 2020 1:55 pm
Has thanked: 14 times
Been thanked: 229 times

Re: Alexander 163 Vs. Miraphone Bruckner

Post by Sousaswag »

https://hornguys.com/products/miraphone ... -cc-tuba-1

https://hornguys.com/collections/cc-tub ... gold-brass

Look at the 7th picture down of the horn’s side view. Notice how the leadpipe bends upward towards the bell. It looks more pronounced on the Bruckner.

I owned one of these and while I liked how it played, I could never be comfortable with that angle being as tall as I am, I felt like I was looking down while I played.
Meinl Weston 2165
B&M CC
Willson 3200RZ-5
Holton 340
Holton 350
Pan-American Eb
King Medium Eb
Post Reply