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Miraphone Hagen 494 4V Rotary BBb Tuba

$9,300.00

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Item Details

Miraphone introduces the new Hagen 494 BBb tuba.  Joining the larger Hagen 495, 496 and 497 models, the 494 features a .740" bore, four rotary valves and a 16.9" bell. Miraphone calls it the 3/4 size Hagen ("three quarter size") but it's still fairly big...just not as big as the other Hagens. The 494 has a vertical tuning slide like the 282 and 191 BBb models and a fairly wide bell throat, Indeed it handles about like the median of those two. Still rotary, but a slightly faster taper than a 186.  Efficient but fluffier.  Beef.  Also looks a little like a Cerveny Piggy tuba, a little less piggy but those same proportions: wide bell throat, tall top bow.  The bugle looks similar to a MW Hojo BBb or MW 3450 CC, those being descendants of the Mahillon tubas from Belgium.  It's that "pretty big but still compact" size.

Test:  This tuba plays nicely.  It's plenty open down low and also well centered, but its wide bell throat belies its "3/4" moniker.  It's a bigger sounding tuba than the 282, and it doesn't look small either.  First, third and fourth slides are all top accessible by reaching under the top bow.  Third and fourth slides have very long pulls, giving several tuning options in the low range.  You can play a low CC right in tune with slides pulled, just in time to play "The Lion King".  The included TU19 mouthpiece suits the instrument well.  Pitch is right on:  BBb and F line right up, open D is close and acceptable.

The pictured instrument had flawless workmanship, only needing some de-burring of the first slide tubes for smooth action.  Miraphone tubas can also be ordered with "loose" slides with cord stops upon request.  The nickel leapdipe is positioned off the bell, a nice touch.  The linkage system is completely silent, the rotors can be tightened, and the mechanisms should last your entire professional career.  This is an heirloom-quality instrument you can be proud of.

Miraphone gig bag available separately - same size as 191. Care kit and TU19 mouthpiece is included. Mouthpiece receiver is 26" above the bottom bow and angles up slightly, so this is playable by a taller person.  Includes strap rings and lyre mount for biergarten work.

 

For the BBb player, this 494 is a full size tuba that is large enough for a concert band situation, whether with one or more tubas.  If you like BBb in a small ensemble, this one does it well - it sounds dark but you don't have to play super loud to be heard. The compact shape of the open bugel feels slightly more agile to pick up and move with, maybe important for the medium sized or lighter weight person who may play it.  If you would otherwise look at a Miraphone 186 or 191, this 494 can do a lot of what both the others do, but human-scaled.

 

Product Name BBb tuba
Model-number model 494 Hagen
Tuning B♭
Intonation 443 Hz
Model 494
Number of valves 4 valves
Size 3/4
Material in body yellow brass
Finish lacquered
Bell diameter 430 mm (16,9 inch)
Material valve section nickel silver trimmings
Lever system spiral spring system
Rod Miraphone minibal rod
Valve system rotary valves
Bore of valve section 18,8 mm (0,740 inch)
Lyre holder with lyre holder
Leadpipe material Nickel silver
Strap ring with strap ring
Total height mm/inch 920 mm / 36,22 inch
Total weight instrument 9,0 kg / 19,8 lb
Total weight in kg and lb 9,0 kg / 19,8 lb
EAN 4046878229989

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