Miraphone 496B Hagen GM Bb-Tuba
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
The 496B Hagen is a serious tuba—a top-tier instrument built for professional players and advanced students. Its gold brass construction and conical valves produce a richly focused sound, perfect for orchestral and solo performance where projection and tonal depth are paramount. It’s a substantial investment, but the quality and playability justify the cost for those seeking a premium tuba experience.
Product Description
- Miraphone 496B Hagen GM Bb-Tuba
- Bb Tuba
- 496 Hagen model
- Size: 5/4
- 5 Rotary valves
- Bell Ø: 450 mm
- Bore: 21.20 mm
- Body and lead pipe made of gold brass
- Valve mechanism made of combined gold brass and nickel silver
- Conical rotary valves
- Miraphone-Minibal thrust rod
- Height: 1035 mm
- Weight: 10.50 kg
- With clear lacquer finish
- Including TU43 mouthpiece
- strap holder and sheet music bag
PROS
- • Gold brass body delivers a warm, resonant, and powerful fundamental tone.
- • Conical rotary valves offer exceptionally smooth and fast action for agile playing.
- • Miraphone-Minibal thrust rod design minimizes valve play and ensures long-term reliability.
- • 450mm bell projects sound with authority and impressive carrying power across a wide range.
CONS
- • The 10.5kg weight demands significant physical strength and stamina for extended playing.
- • Gold brass construction makes it prone to minor dents if not handled with care.
- • The Hagen model’s focused sound may lack some versatility for extreme stylistic applications.
Product Video
Key Features
Bore Size
21.20 mm
Bell Size
450 mm
Material
Gold brass (body & leadpipe), Nickel silver (valves)
Valves
5 Rotary valves
Finish
Clear lacquer
Weight
10.50 kg
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Hagen typically offers a more focused, darker, and slightly more controlled sound than the Vienna or Berlin models, prioritizing clarity over a broader tonal palette.
The TU43 is a good starting point, but its depth and stiffness might be better suited for experienced players; less experienced players might benefit from a more open and flexible mouthpiece.
Avoid dropping or bumping the tuba, and be mindful of impacts; regular polishing with a suitable brass polish will help prevent tarnish and maintain its finish.
