Posted by opinion (whatever).. on October 09, 2003 at 23:36:46:
In Reply to: Soliciting Opinions re Mirafone 1864U FS posted by Tuba Dad in St. Loui on October 09, 2003 at 23:25:48:
I dunno. The guy did a nice job of straightening it all out, but the bell looks like it's probably "toast"...beginning to be creased with the slightest bump and on the verge of cracking.
The Mirafone S-arms from that era had teflon inserts and may not be too noisy (even though 25 or more years old), but I would bet the rotors themselves have lots of vertical play (loud clicking - far noisier than linkage problems).
Shop nationwide. You'll find something nice. Round-trip freight is rarely more than $250.
I have a tuba on ebay right now, but it's not a BBb, and possibly already bid out of your price range.
If you're a fan of internet auctions...