Is the Miraphone 186 a good first CC tuba?

It is a serious step up from a student tuba. Its even response and intonation help developing players, but the weight and rotary-valve upkeep suit someone ready for a long-term instrument.

What does the fifth valve do?

The fifth rotary valve extends the low register and gives alternate fingerings for better intonation. It is a common feature on professional CC tubas.

Does it come with a case and mouthpiece?

Yes. It ships with a case and a TU26 medium-large mouthpiece, plus a lyre holder and strap ring.

How does it compare with a piston-valve CC tuba?

The 186 has a warmer, more blended rotary sound and a strong low register. Piston tubas are often easier to maintain and more familiar to American band players.

What key and pitch is it built for?

It is a CC tuba tuned to 443 Hz, which suits modern orchestras and bands.

Is the 4/4 size right for orchestra?

Yes. The 4/4 body with a 470 mm bell gives enough presence for orchestral and band work without the bulk of a 5/4 or 6/4 horn.

Where is the Miraphone 186 Series Rotary Valve CC Tuba cheapest?

At Walmart, for $11,999.57, as of our latest check.

Where can I buy the Miraphone 186 Series Rotary Valve CC Tuba?

7 stores we checked sell it, including Musician's Friend, The Tuba Exchange, Music & Arts, Walmart, Musicians Friend.

Miraphone 186 Series Rotary Valve CC Tuba

Best price now

$11,999.57at WalmartChecked 26 min ago

Compared across 7 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Miraphone 186 Series Rotary Valve CC Tuba

Best price now

$11,999.57at WalmartChecked 26 min ago

Compared across 7 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Lowest price today: $11,999.57 at Walmart (checked Nov 10, 2026).
Checked at 7 stores.

Our take on the Miraphone 186 Series Rotary Valve CC Tuba

The Miraphone 186 is a 4/4 CC rotary-valve tuba with five valves, a 470 mm yellow brass bell and a nickel silver leadpipe. It is the German maker's long-running all-round orchestral and band tuba, known for a warm, centered sound and even response across the range. The fifth rotary valve extends the low register, and the 443 Hz pitch suits modern ensembles. It suits serious students, community players and professionals who want one flexible CC horn, though it is heavy at about 23.6 lb and costs far more than most piston-valve student tubas.

Best forOrchestral and wind band playersCollege tuba majorsPlayers wanting a flexible 4/4 CC hornBuyers stepping up from a student tuba

Pros

Warm, centered CC sound that blends in section and orchestra
Five rotary valves give a strong low register
Even response and solid intonation across the range
Nickel silver leadpipe and valve trim resist wear
Ships with case, TU26 mouthpiece and accessories

Cons

Heavy at about 23.6 lb, awkward to carry and transport
Rotary valves need regular maintenance and are less familiar to piston players
Premium German build puts it well above student tubas
Large 470 mm bell takes up space in tight pits and cars

Miraphone 186 Series Rotary Valve CC Tuba prices at every store

The Tuba ExchangePre-owned
In stock
$8,795.00Checked 26 min ago
Visit The Tuba Exchange
Musician's FriendNew
In stock
$11,999.57Checked 26 min ago
Visit Musician's Friend
Music & ArtsNew
In stock
$11,999.57Checked 26 min ago
Visit Music & Arts
WalmartNew
In stockSold by Musicians Friend
$11,999.57Checked 26 min ago
Visit Walmart
Musicians FriendNew
In stock
$11,999.57Checked 26 min ago
Visit Musicians Friend
eBayNew
In stockSold by music_and_arts
$11,999.57Checked 26 min ago
Visit eBay
Dillon MusicNew
In stock
$13,633.00Checked 26 min ago
Visit Dillon Music

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Miraphone 186 Series Rotary Valve CC Tuba price history

Lowest price we've seen: $11,999.57 on Nov 10 at Music & Arts. Tracked across 6 stores since Nov 10.

What reviewers say

Owners and teachers describe the 186 as a dependable, warm-sounding CC tuba with good intonation and an easy low register. Many call it a lifetime horn for students and amateurs, while some note its weight and the upkeep rotary valves demand.

What people mention

SoundPraisedOwners describe a warm, centered tone that blends well in ensembles.
IntonationPraisedPlayers report an even scale and dependable pitch across the range.
Low registerPraisedThe fifth valve is valued for extending and securing the low notes.
WeightCriticisedAt about 23.6 lb it is tiring to carry and awkward to transport.
Valve upkeepMixedRotary valves are praised for feel but noted as needing regular maintenance.

Specifications

Instrument Type: CC Tuba
Number Of Valves: 5
Pitch: 443 Hz
Valve Material: Nickel silver trimmings (valve section)
Bell Size: 18.504 in, 470 mm
Bore Size: Conical 0.772 - 0.835 in, Conical 19.6 - 21.2 mm
Leadpipe Material: Nickel silver

Questions and answers

Is the Miraphone 186 a good first CC tuba?: It is a serious step up from a student tuba. Its even response and intonation help developing players, but the weight and rotary-valve upkeep suit someone ready for a long-term instrument.
What does the fifth valve do?: The fifth rotary valve extends the low register and gives alternate fingerings for better intonation. It is a common feature on professional CC tubas.
Does it come with a case and mouthpiece?: Yes. It ships with a case and a TU26 medium-large mouthpiece, plus a lyre holder and strap ring.
How does it compare with a piston-valve CC tuba?: The 186 has a warmer, more blended rotary sound and a strong low register. Piston tubas are often easier to maintain and more familiar to American band players.
What key and pitch is it built for?: It is a CC tuba tuned to 443 Hz, which suits modern orchestras and bands.
Is the 4/4 size right for orchestra?: Yes. The 4/4 body with a 470 mm bell gives enough presence for orchestral and band work without the bulk of a 5/4 or 6/4 horn.
Where is the Miraphone 186 Series Rotary Valve CC Tuba cheapest?: At Walmart, for $11,999.57, as of our latest check.
Where can I buy the Miraphone 186 Series Rotary Valve CC Tuba?: 7 stores we checked sell it, including Musician's Friend, The Tuba Exchange, Music & Arts, Walmart, Musicians Friend.

Stores we've priced the Miraphone 186 Series Rotary Valve CC Tuba at

Walmart deals and prices

Case Included

Yes

Height

36.417 in, 925 mm

Weight

10.70 kg, 23.59 lb

Finish Type

Lacquered

Body Material

Yellow brass

Body Shape

4/4

Mouthpiece Size

TU26, Medium large (mouthpipe)

Mouthpiece Included

Yes

Included Accessories

Lyre holder, strap ring

Design Highlights

Nickel silver wreath

Color

YellowSource