AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Miraphone Bb Tubas 2026
The top pick is Miraphone 91A GM Bb-Tuba ($12,794). Miraphone 282A M Bb-Tuba gives you the most for the money at $9,821. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 15 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 20, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Weight10 kg
The Miraphone 91A GM is a serious tuba for the seasoned professional – or a very dedicated student ready to step up. The gold brass construction provides a warm, powerful sound with excellent projection, while the conical rotary valves make technical passages surprisingly easy. It's a true workhorse, built to last and deliver consistent performance for years to come.
Pros
- Gold brass body delivers a rich, resonant, and projecting tone.
- Miraphone’s conical rotary valves offer exceptionally smooth and fast action.
- Nickel silver rim provides a comfortable and responsive embouchure feel.
Cons
- The 5/4 size and 10.00 kg weight make it physically demanding for smaller players.
- The gold brass/nickel silver key system, while beautiful, adds to the premium price.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$12,794 now$12,794€11,398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight10.5 kg
The Miraphone 496A Hagen GM is a serious tuba for serious players. The gold brass construction delivers a rich, resonant tone that cuts through an orchestra or dominates a brass band. This is an ideal choice for professional tuba players and advanced students seeking a top-tier instrument with exceptional response and projection.
Pros
- Gold brass provides exceptional warmth and projection.
- Hagen GM voicing offers a focused, powerful, and controlled tone.
- Minibal ball bearing linkage ensures incredibly smooth and responsive valve action.
Cons
- The weight makes it demanding for players with less strength.
- The Hagen GM voicing, while powerful, might lack versatility for some genres.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$13,414 now$13,414€11,950 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight8.8 kg
The 282A M is a fantastic choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking a professional-grade Bb tuba. Its 3/4 size makes it manageable for a wider range of players, while the Miraphone build quality and conical valves deliver a rich, powerful tone that's perfect for orchestral and solo work.
Pros
- Miraphone’s renowned conical valves offer exceptional response and intonation.
- The nickel silver leadpipe contributes to a warm, resonant tone.
- The 420mm bell projects a powerful, focused sound across the range.
Cons
- The 3/4 size, while versatile, may feel cramped for larger players.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most players.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$9,821 now$9,821€8,749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight9 kg
The Miraphone 494 Hagen GM is a truly exceptional tuba, offering a rich, resonant tone and remarkably comfortable playing experience. This 3/4 size is ideal for advanced students and professionals seeking a high-quality, versatile instrument for orchestral and solo work. It's a real step up in build quality and sound compared to entry-level options.
Pros
- Gold brass construction delivers exceptional warmth and projection.
- Hagen design offers a remarkably balanced and responsive feel.
- Combined gold brass/nickel silver valve system ensures smooth, reliable action.
Cons
- The 3/4 size might feel restrictive for larger players.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most players.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$11,896 now$11,896€10,598 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight9.7 kg
The Miraphone 86A GM is a serious tuba for the discerning player. Its gold brass construction gives it a rich, focused tone, perfect for orchestral and solo work. This is a high-end instrument built to last, ideal for professionals and advanced students seeking a top-tier tuba experience.
Pros
- Gold brass body delivers exceptional warmth and projection.
- Minibal thrust rod enhances valve response and reliability.
- 450mm bell provides a powerful, resonant low range.
Cons
- Premium-priced, a significant investment for most players.
- Weight (9.70 kg) can be fatiguing for extended performances.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$12,009 now$12,009€10,698 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight10.5 kg
The Miraphone 496A Hagen M is a truly exceptional tuba, built for serious players seeking a rich, powerful sound and impeccable mechanics. It’s a workhorse instrument, offering phenomenal projection and intonation, making it perfect for principal tuba positions in orchestras and demanding solo work. The Hagen bell’s unique voicing really sets it apart.
Pros
- Exceptional resonance due to Hagen bell design and brass construction
- Nickel silver accents provide durability and a refined aesthetic
- Minibal linkage delivers incredibly smooth, fast valve action
Cons
- The substantial weight (10.5 kg) can be tiring for less experienced players
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most musicians
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$12,682 now$12,682€11,298 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight10.15 kg
The Miraphone 495 Hagen M is a serious instrument for the discerning tuba player. Its robust build, responsive valves, and rich, dark tone make it a fantastic choice for professional orchestral players and soloists seeking a powerful and expressive sound. It’s a workhorse tuba built to last.
Pros
- Exceptional resonance thanks to the carefully drawn brass body
- Minibal linkage offers incredibly smooth, fast valve action
- Nickel silver accents add a touch of elegance and durability
Cons
- The substantial weight (10.15 kg) will be challenging for younger or smaller players
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most musicians
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$12,885 now$12,885€11,479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight10.3 kg
The Hagen GM is a serious tuba—built for advanced players and professionals who demand top-tier sound and mechanics. The gold brass gives it a rich, centered tone that cuts through an orchestra or really shines in a solo setting. If you’re looking for a tuba to last a career, this is a strong contender.
Pros
- Gold brass construction delivers exceptional warmth and projection
- Miraphone’s Minibal ball bearing linkage ensures incredibly smooth valve action
- Combined gold brass/nickel silver provides a unique tonal blend
Cons
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most players
- Weight (10.30 kg) can be fatiguing during extended performance
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$13,244 now$13,244€11,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight10.5 kg
This Miraphone 289A GM is a serious instrument built for the professional or advanced student. The gold brass body provides a gorgeous, resonant tone, while the rotary valves offer a refined playing experience. It's a fantastic choice for orchestral players and soloists seeking a truly premium tuba.
Pros
- Gold brass body delivers a rich, warm, and powerful fundamental.
- Nickel silver wreath enhances projection and tonal clarity.
- Conical rotary valves offer exceptionally smooth and fast action.
Cons
- The 5/4 size and 10.5 kg weight will be demanding for smaller players.
- Gold brass/nickel silver combination adds to the premium-priced nature.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$13,345 now$13,345€11,889 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight10 kg
This tuba feels like a well-built instrument with a strong body and bright bell. The gold brass materials and light weight make it easy to play. It suits musicians who want a solid instrument without extra marketing talk.
Pros
- Solid gold brass body and lead pipe construction
- Conical rotary valves for smooth air response
- Lightweight 10 kg frame for easier handling
Cons
- High price point limits budget-conscious buyers
- No valve action type beyond 'combined' detail
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$13,468 now$13,468€11,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 15 bb tubas
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Miraphone 497 Hagen M Bb-TubaMiraphone57Stable$22,214€19,790$22,214€19,790Check ↗
- 12
Miraphone 494 Hagen M Bb-TubaMiraphone42Stable$10,325€9,198$10,325€9,198Check ↗
- 13
Miraphone 84A M Bb-TubaMiraphone42Stable$10,549€9,398$10,549€9,398Check ↗
- 14
Miraphone 86A M Bb-TubaMiraphone42Stable$12,345€10,998$12,345€10,998Check ↗
- 15
Miraphone 98B M Siegfried Bb-TubaMiraphone42Stable$24,356€21,698$24,356€21,698Check ↗
Bb Tubas by the numbers
Measured across all 67 models we track, not a sample.
Median $12,885 — half of all bb tubas here cost less.
median of 40 models · 6.4 kg–11.8 kg
How to choose the best bb tubas
Heritage & Craftsmanship
Miraphone's been around since 1919, and that history translates into a level of craftsmanship that's hard to ignore. They're still largely hand-built in Austria, which means each horn gets a personal touch - something you feel in the response and the overall build quality.
Tone Characteristics
The classic Miraphone sound is a warm, resonant low-end with a surprising amount of projection. It's not a scooped-out, modern sound; it's got that classic European tuba 'thump' with a real fullness in the midrange - that fat midrange honk that cuts through without being harsh. They don't tend to be overly bright, which is a blessing for recording.
Valve Action & Ergonomics
Miraphone valve actions are typically smooth and consistent, even on the lower-end models. The neck profile is often a bit more upright than some American designs, which some players find more comfortable for extended playing - less shoulder strain. This can be a big deal when you're gigging regularly.
Construction & Materials
Miraphone uses high-quality brass alloys, often yellow brass for the bell and sometimes a combination of materials to manipulate tone. The bracing is solid, and the overall construction feels rock-solid - these horns are built to last, and they'll handle the rigors of a touring musician's life.
Model Variation (and Cost)
Miraphone offers a dizzying array of models, from the student-oriented 10 series to the pro-level 40 and 50 series. The higher the series number, the more complex the design (bell shaping, valve material, etc.) and the higher the price. Understanding these differences is key to finding the right fit.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're in the market for a Miraphone Bb tuba? Smart move. They're not the cheapest option, but if you're serious about your low end and want a horn that'll sing in a section or cut through a rock band, Miraphone deserves a serious look. We'll break down what makes them tick, because a tuba isn't just a tuba - it's a commitment.
Don't be swayed by the hype. A Miraphone isn't a magic bullet, but it is a serious instrument. The biggest trade-off is usually price - you're paying for that Austrian craftsmanship.
Lower-series models (10, 20) are great starting points, but the higher-series horns (40, 50) really unlock the full Miraphone potential. Try before you buy if possible; the neck profile isn't for everyone.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 17 bb tubas from the Thomann catalogue (of 67 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are Miraphone tubas worth the money?
If you're serious about tuba playing and want a horn with a classic European tone and solid construction, absolutely. However, consider your budget and playing level - a student might be better served by a more affordable option.
What's the difference between a Miraphone 10 series and a 40 series?
The 40 series generally features more complex bell shaping, improved valve material (often titanium), and a higher level of finishing. The 10 series is a more basic design, but still a well-built instrument.
Do Miraphone tubas need a lot of maintenance?
Like any brass instrument, regular cleaning and valve oiling are essential. The valve action is generally reliable, but occasional servicing by a qualified technician is recommended, especially with higher-series models.
I've heard Miraphone tubas can be 'dark' sounding. Is that true?
They do have a warmer, more resonant tone than some brighter American tubas. This isn't necessarily a bad thing - it just means you'll need to adjust your playing and embouchure accordingly to get the projection you need. It's a different character, not a flaw.
Can I easily find parts and repairs for a Miraphone tuba in the US?
Parts can be a bit harder to source than for more common American brands, but reputable repair technicians familiar with European instruments are out there. It's worth finding a good tech before you buy, just to be safe.
