Posted by Jay Bertolet on August 01, 2003 at 08:09:38:
In Reply to: Is the Mirafone 1291 piston BBb new? posted by Mark K on July 31, 2003 at 15:35:38:
One of my students just bought a 1291 BBb from Woodwind & Brasswind (thanks Roger!). The horn is remarkably similar to the 191 BBb that Mirafone offers, just piston valves versus rotary valves. Another student in my studio has a 191 and both students have been taking lessons this summer. I arranged a pair of lessons a couple weeks ago that put these two instruments side by side. The wrap on both tubas is very similar, with some minor differences in the 4th valve tubing. They play very similarly but I think the 1291 may be a bit more efficient. My 191 playing student thought so as well. The last I heard, Brasswind has at least one more of these horns in stock now. Call Roger Lewis and ask him about it, he's great to work with.
My opinion for what it's worth...