Posted by ken g on July 17, 2000 at 13:55:14:
I am a public high school band director (not a brass player) who wants to purchase three concert tubas. I had sort of settled on Miraphone 186 Bb's as the instrument of choice, but Brasswind folks were telling me that the VMI 2103 is a suitable alternative. I have been reading the bulletin board postings here for quite a while, and I have read a bunch of different things about both of these brands. While I am quite sure that the 186 would be a great instrument (better than our 3/4 Yamaha convertibles), I have three major questions:
Are Miraphones pretty consistent (will one sound about the same as another, or should you try out a bunch)?
Is the VMI tuba the real deal (like I read on a posting from over a year ago) that justifies saving $1000 per instrument, or is the Brasswind trying to hock a brand that they deal with?
Are rotary valves okay for most high school players to use?
Thanks very much for your input; this is a great website!