Alexander 163 CC 5 valve and Miraphone 186 CC 5 valve

[Ted Cox]

Two Tubas for Sale:

Own a Legend: "Mike" - The Alexander 163 CC Tuba of Mike Thornton

This is more than just a tuba; it's a piece of orchestral history, a proven instrument that embodies the rich, resonant sound Alexander is famous for. For sale is "Mike," my beloved Alexander 163 CC tuba with five valves, circa 1980, an instrument with an extraordinary provenance that speaks for itself.

"Mike" was the cherished second Alexander owned by the legendary Mike Thornton, who graced the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra with his artistry for 35 years (1974-2009). If you've never experienced the magic of Mike playing his Alexander, take a moment to listen to "Church Windows" – you'll understand why Alexander tubas are so special. The story goes that Pete Norton, the Cincinnati Symphony's bass trombonist for 34 years, was so captivated by this tubas sound that he practically insisted Mike buy it from his student, Zach Cramer.

This incredible tuba has been my steadfast companion and "workhorse" since 2011. Its lineage extends even further back, as Zach Cramer acquired it from Ivan Hammond, a student of the renowned Bill Bell at Indiana University. Ivan himself added the crucial fifth valve (a two-whole-step valve) and precisely cut the first slide and tuning slide, enhancing its already remarkable intonation.

Having played Alexander tubas for decades, I can confidently say this is the finest one I've ever had the privilege of holding. If there are better Alexanders out there, I simply haven't played them. As Dave Kirk of the Houston Symphony once told me, playing an Alexander is a "journey through sound." With "Mike," that journey never reaches a final destination; it only deepens and becomes more rewarding with every note.
This exceptional instrument comes with a well-used gig bag. Priced at $6,500, I am seeking a buyer who truly understands and appreciates the caliber of an instrument like this. Due to its unique nature and value, shipping is not a viable option. I hope to find a new owner who can personally experience and continue the legacy of "Mike."

Email works best for me. ted@spirithouseyoga.com

A Miraphone Reborn: Your Chance to Own a Tuba with a Story

This isn't just a Miraphone 186; it's a piece of my personal history, and it could be the next chapter in yours. For sale is my Miraphone 186 in CC with five valves (two whole-steps), the very tuba I bought brand new at age 16. Manufactured in 1975 with serial number 10,026, this instrument is now 50 years old and has a remarkable journey behind it.

The story of this tuba began with the legendary Tommy Johnson, who, according to my teacher Harold Strand (Phoenix Symphony), personally selected this very instrument for me as a favor to Harold. I owned and played it for 17 years before I reluctantly sold it in 1992 to acquire my nickel-silver Alexander. For the next 29 years, it lived a life with other musician’s unknown to me, until, in a twist of fate, one of them contacted me, offering to sell it back. I didn't hesitate. The moment I opened the box and saw inside the bell, I knew it was "my" tuba. Playing it again, I wondered why I ever let it go.

This Miraphone meant so much to me that I chose to play it for my final performance with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic on May 24th, 2025. I began my orchestral career on this very tuba in 1980, and it felt right to end it on the same instrument 45 years later. For what it's worth, one of my esteemed teachers, Michael Lind, even declared it the best Miraphone he had ever played. The price is $4,800, with a bag. Shipping makes me nervous, but I still have the box it was shipped in – but you’ll have to pay the shipping and figure out the best way to have it arrive safely to you.
Both tubas have been thoroughly cleaned and are ready to go.

[Kctuba]

I remember Ivan playing that Alex in Toledo. It was the first Alex I had ever seen or heard, and it was beautiful. Although it used to sit right in the middle of his office at BG, and we were always afraid of catching that fifth valve slide! What a great instrument!

[the elephant]

Enjoy your retirement, Ted. You have had a great career. BRAVO!

[Jim Williams]

Congratulations on an amazing career, @Ted Cox!

[Ted Cox]

Gentlemen,
Thank you both for expressing your sentiments on my career. I miss you both and am so grateful to know you. I'm proud of my accomplishments, but I'm not finished with my life - so much more to do, but it won't involve music. A skinny kid from Phoenix who believed he could play tuba professionally in an orchestra one day. And now, a half-century later, I find myself on the other side of the dream and I can't believe how quickly it all happened. The work I've been doing outside of music for the past 21 years will continue through our Conscious Living program - the most potent and rewarding work so far. Yes, laying down sound in an orchestra is hard to beat - but changing lives through a lifetime of wisdom is really something quite special.