Detail 01
4/4 size
The full concert size. Big bore, big sound, and it takes real air support to fill the horn.
Product detailSKU #1274319722452
Miraphone187 Series 4 Valve 4/4 BBb Tuba
1/2
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A 4-valve 4/4 BBb tuba at the professional tier. For a player who already knows what they want out of a full-size horn.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Orchestral and wind ensemble players wanting a full, dark BBb voice
- College players buying their first career instrument
- Section leaders who need a horn that anchors the low end
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Marching band — wrong size and weight entirely
- First-year students better served by a rental
- Players needing a fifth valve for demanding low-register solo work
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
BBb key
The default American band key. Standard fingerings, and every band part is written with it in mind.
Detail 03
4 valves
Fourth valve closes the range gap under low E and pulls low D and C into tune without lip correction.
Detail 04
$12,695 price
Career-instrument pricing. The money buys tolerances and even response across registers, not extra hardware.
Detail 05
Series 187 designation
A distinct model line from the 186 — different body, so play both back to back before choosing.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Case and mouthpiece are typically separate at this price — confirm before ordering
- 02Plan storage: a 4/4 tuba needs real floor space and a stand
- 03Play-test if at all possible; horns in this class differ noticeably in blow resistance
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01How does this compare to the 186?
Both are 4-valve 4/4 BBb tubas. The 187 sits higher in price here. They are separate model lines, so the honest answer is to play both and pick by feel.
02Is four valves enough?
For band and most orchestral work, yes. Four valves cover the low range and fix the worst intonation problems. A fifth valve is for players doing heavy low-register solo repertoire.
03Will a beginner outgrow it?
No. This is the opposite problem — it is more horn than a beginner needs. It is a buy-once instrument for a committed player.
04What mouthpiece should I use?
A standard BBb tuba mouthpiece. Size is personal — larger cups give more low-end volume, smaller ones make the upper register easier.
