Here is a very informative AI summary. I particularly like bloke 's famous candid tone. (It probably should read, "his world-class candid tone."
Joe Sellmansberger, often known by his online handle "bloke" on TubaForum.net, is a highly respected tuba player, instrument repair technician, and ...
Search found 350 matches
- Wed Apr 29, 2026 5:56 am
- Forum: Music Chatter
- Topic: Pretty close to the truth
- Replies: 9
- Views: 255
- Tue Apr 28, 2026 2:54 pm
- Forum: Repairs & Modifications
- Topic: Projects: Cerveny 5v Eb conversion and Mira-Bach 184
- Replies: 15
- Views: 430
Re: Projects: Cerveny 5v Eb conversion and Mira-Bach 184
I've figured out how to configure the fifth rotor on top of the 4v block by using a donor L-shaped piece of tubing from the donor 1st valve and a donor 2nd valve slide. It will end up looking kind of like how five valve Alexanders look:
https://i.imgur.com/AHKRGnO.png
except the 5th rotor will ...
- Wed Apr 15, 2026 2:46 pm
- Forum: Repairs & Modifications
- Topic: Projects: Cerveny 5v Eb conversion and Mira-Bach 184
- Replies: 15
- Views: 430
Re: Projects: Cerveny 5v Eb conversion and Mira-Bach 184
I’m finally getting the gumption and have space in my shop to tackle two looming projects: converting a Cerveny 4v Eb to a 5 valve, and I’m also doing a frankenproject:
Olds O-99 (Bach) body
Miraphone 184 bell
Conn 14k valveset with added fourth from another 14k
The end result will be ...
- Sun Apr 12, 2026 7:29 pm
- Forum: Music Chatter
- Topic: Three Decades of the Freak Jury
- Replies: 53
- Views: 1624
Re: Three Decades of the Freak Jury
I was in the Air Force at the time, playing in the band at Travis AFB. I believe I had taken an audition for either the conert band or ceremonial brass in DC right before the site went up. One of the players in the DC Air Force Band told me about it. I believe I was one of the first people to get an ...
- Sun Apr 05, 2026 7:44 am
- Forum: Music Chatter
- Topic: instrument pricing point of reference
- Replies: 6
- Views: 1959
Re: instrument pricing point of reference
I'll hold out for a Schiller.
- Thu Mar 26, 2026 2:27 pm
- Forum: Music Chatter
- Topic: Bambino in quintet?
- Replies: 13
- Views: 3782
Re: Bambino in quintet?
Not a fan of tuna
- Sun Mar 08, 2026 8:35 am
- Forum: Music Chatter
- Topic: elebloke lunch together at Fazoli's in Southaven Mississippi, today
- Replies: 27
- Views: 1846
Re: elebloke lunch together at Fazoli's in Southaven Mississippi, today
The elephant room will only include BBb tubas, sousaphones, and cimassi? cimbassos? The only excerpts permitted will be from movie soundtracks, 60's and 70's pop songs (on cimbasso of course), trad jazz, and polka/German beer hall music. The Ride will get you immediately removed from the conference.
- Tue Feb 24, 2026 5:43 pm
- Forum: Music Chatter
- Topic: Descriptions of tubas' playing characteristics
- Replies: 21
- Views: 1524
Re: Descriptions of tubas' playing characteristics
bloke I personally look for wide slots and a world class core to the sound. The other characteristics I seek are authoritative projection with vociferous low end sub tones, a traditional open wrap design that keeps air flowing smoothly all the way down to the subsonic registers, and anything that ...
- Mon Feb 09, 2026 5:49 pm
- Forum: Music Chatter
- Topic: Looking for CC Tuba for College Under $5k in Eastern PA
- Replies: 22
- Views: 2017
Re: Looking for CC Tuba for College Under $5k in Eastern PA
Hi everyone, I’m heading to college this fall as a music education major and I’m starting to look for a CC tuba. I have about $5,000 as an absolute maximum budget right now. I have an appointment at Dillon Music to try their 410CC (Miraphone 186 copy), and there is also a used Conn 52J CC there ...
- Sun Feb 08, 2026 12:12 pm
- Forum: For Sale or Trade: Tubas, Euphoniums, Mouthpieces, and Accessories
- Topic: Mirafone 184 - Sold
- Replies: 0
- Views: 307
Mirafone 184 - Sold
https://photos.app.goo.gl/wicpCA9Xej8Gm9cp9
Sold
1985 Mirafone 184 originally owned by Dana Hofer. I am the 3rd owner. Comes with gig bag. Old style 5th valve and updated linkage. Some lacquer wear and typical small dings and scratches for a horn of this vintage. The bell had some creases taken ...
Sold
1985 Mirafone 184 originally owned by Dana Hofer. I am the 3rd owner. Comes with gig bag. Old style 5th valve and updated linkage. Some lacquer wear and typical small dings and scratches for a horn of this vintage. The bell had some creases taken ...
- Fri Jan 30, 2026 8:26 am
- Forum: Music Chatter
- Topic: Some thoughts on downsizing /advice and opinions sought
- Replies: 24
- Views: 2434
Re: Some thoughts on downsizing /advice and opinions sought
I play far less than you these days. Maybe a gig or two per year. I have owned two B&S Symphonies over my college and professional years. I would have no use for them these days, but miss those horns incredibly. I owned a Mirfone 185 briefly that I consider the one that got away. If I had it to do ...
- Sun Jan 18, 2026 10:45 am
- Forum: Music Chatter
- Topic: Carol Jantsch Soloing with Philadelphia
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1495
Re: Carol Jantsch Soloing with Philadelphia
https://i.imgur.com/KWvdOHi.jpeg
Carol was fantastic on the John Williams. She got a nice round of applause when she quoted Imperial March and Luke's Theme from Star Wars in the cadenza. She is such a musical player and this really highlighted that aspect. So much emotion. It could have been ...
- Fri Jan 16, 2026 3:36 pm
- Forum: Repairs & Modifications
- Topic: 2026 goings-on at Bean Hill Brass (parts parts parts parts)
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1053
Re: 2026 goings-on at Bean Hill Brass (parts parts parts parts)
I have a feeling the forum member will be very happy with their 5 valve Eb once it's done.
- Sun Dec 14, 2025 10:31 am
- Forum: Off-Site Deals and Ads
- Topic: Facebook: Silver Miraphone 184 CC
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1512
Re: Facebook: Silver Miraphone 184 CC
I'm contemplating selling mine for $3,800. Maybe I am grossly undervaluing mine. Mine is not silver plate though.prodigal wrote: Thu Dec 11, 2025 5:37 pm I mean, I love an old Mirafone, but $9500 for a 184?
Am I being cheap or realistic?
- Tue Dec 02, 2025 10:11 am
- Forum: For Sale or Trade: Tubas, Euphoniums, Mouthpieces, and Accessories
- Topic: Tuba mouthpieces
- Replies: 0
- Views: 476
Tuba mouthpieces
Mouthpieces are located in Reading, PA. Both in excellent condition. Price includes shipping within the US.
Monette 97 - $260
Marcinkiewicz CH H4 - $160
https://photos.app.goo.gl/VPpFK95YWjhKGuJt7
Venmo or CashApp work best for payment.
Monette 97 - $260
Marcinkiewicz CH H4 - $160
https://photos.app.goo.gl/VPpFK95YWjhKGuJt7
Venmo or CashApp work best for payment.
- Tue Nov 25, 2025 1:14 pm
- Forum: Repairs & Modifications
- Topic: Miraphone Kaiser Tuba linkage upgrade
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1075
Re: Miraphone Kaiser Tuba linkage upgrade
I have two Mirafones from the mid 80's. One with the original white nylon linkage and one with modern linkage. I still like the feel of the original better. Nice work though. Thanks for posting.
- Tue Nov 18, 2025 4:13 pm
- Forum: Music Chatter
- Topic: I follow this guy's videos on facebook, because he and his low brass section are the sh!t.
- Replies: 16
- Views: 977
Re: I follow this guy's videos on facebook, because he and his low brass section are the sh!t.
Yeah. I like things that are in tune and resonant.
He and his section mates are low brass gods.
https://www.guerzenich-orchester.de/en/the-orchestra/orchestra-members/details/frederik-bauersfeld
I think he has about a hundred videos (aka "reels")
He also has a YouTube channel that I haven't ...
- Wed Oct 29, 2025 2:40 pm
- Forum: Music Chatter
- Topic: Pistons vs. Rotors, a simple survey
- Replies: 44
- Views: 2696
Re: Pistons vs. Rotors, a simple survey
Casca Grossa wrote: Mon Oct 27, 2025 4:00 pmMy 184 has been great for me. There are other horns I wish I could play, but I can make mine work just fine.Jperry1466 wrote: Sun Oct 26, 2025 11:19 pmSame for me. The rotary valves on my 184 CC work far better than pistons for my crooked arthritic fingers.
- Mon Oct 27, 2025 4:00 pm
- Forum: Music Chatter
- Topic: Pistons vs. Rotors, a simple survey
- Replies: 44
- Views: 2696
Re: Pistons vs. Rotors, a simple survey
My 184 has been great for me. There are other horns I wish I could play, but I cn make mine work just fine.Jperry1466 wrote: Sun Oct 26, 2025 11:19 pmSame for me. The rotary valves on my 184 CC work far better than pistons for my crooked arthritic fingers.
- Fri Oct 24, 2025 3:16 pm
- Forum: Music Chatter
- Topic: Pistons vs. Rotors, a simple survey
- Replies: 44
- Views: 2696
Re: Pistons vs. Rotors, a simple survey
My hand pain dictates I use small bore rotors.