r/Tuba • u/Low-Current2360 • 2h ago
gear Leadpipe swap on miraphone 186 Bb
Has anyone ever tried a leadpipe swap on a miraphone 186 Bb?
I recently purchased a used Miraphone 186 with 5 valves. The fifth valve is added later and the leadpipe doesn't seem to be the original. It's in excellent condition and has that typical German sound with great projection. But...
The only problem I'm having now is that some low notes aren't really working. It's like there isn't enough space in the instrument for the amount of air I want to use. Low Bb down to Gb, concert pitch, feels restricted in air flow. At louder dynamics the sound breaks.
I also own a Yamaha fiberglass sousaphone and a Musica Steyr Bb kaiser tuba. On these tubas the low register from Bb down works just fine.
Would a larger bore leadpipe fix this?
Has anyone here swapped a leadpipe for a bigger bore leadpipe? Why did you do it and what were the effects?