Posted by Mark E. Chachich on November 29, 2002 at 13:05:29:
In Reply to: Clash of the miraphones posted by Kyle Cabral on November 27, 2002 at 21:47:49:
I play both rotor and piston tubas. If the valve is well made and well maintained, the valve type is absolutly unimportant when I start playing.
I have never considered some of the issues that are posted so often when I selected a tuba:
piston vs. rotor
silver plate vs. lacquer vs. brass
type of alloy (brass, gold brass, etc...)
etc...
Stated size only as a rough guide
3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 6/4
The issues I have considered important are (not necessarly in this order):
what musical function will the tuba serve (quintet, band, orchestra, generalist)?
what sound do I want?
what problems can I not live with?
what problems can I live with? (I have yet to find the perfect tuba)
is the tuba well made?
cost?
and; overall, does the tuba work for me?
Also, when I was a music student I consulted my teacher (for advice, not the final word) about buying a tuba.
So, as for rotor vs. piston, I have never considered it is an issue.
As for Mirafone 186 vs. 1295 (I have no idea how you play, and both are fine tubas) which tuba works best for you for what you want?
best of luck,
Mark E. Chachich