Miraphone · 12xx (non-compensating)
Miraphone 1255L
A rare premium 3+1 euphonium built for players who prefer a non-compensating response, using Miraphone's conical professional-scale bore and compact 290 mm bell.
Manufactured in Germany.
Specifications
| Model | 1255L |
|---|---|
| Line | 12xx (non-compensating) |
| Tier | Advanced |
| Price band | $$$ |
| Pitch | Bb |
| Valves | 4 — 3+1 (3R/1L), piston |
| Compensating | No |
| Bore | 15.5–16.2 mm |
| Bell | 290 mm · yellow brass |
| Leadpipe | gold brass |
| Valves material | nickel silver trimmings; piston |
| Weight | 4.3 kg |
| Water keys | 2 |
| Finishes | lacquer, silver plate |
The verdict
The 1255L makes sense only when its omission is understood. It has four valves in a professional-style 3+1 arrangement, the same 15.5-to-16.2 mm bore progression and 290 mm bell dimensions as the M5000, and an ergonomic 4.3 kg build—but no automatic compensating tubing. Miraphone explicitly positions it for players who prefer that.
I classify it as advanced because it is a specialized full-size instrument rather than a conventional intermediate step. The M5000 adds compensation to closely related dimensions; buyers should compare the response and low-register behavior directly instead of assuming the fourth valve makes the two functionally equivalent.
- Who it's for
- Advanced players who knowingly favor the freer or simpler feel of a non-compensating instrument but still want left-hand fourth-valve ergonomics and substantial German construction.
- Known for
- Easy response, good intonation, a 15.5-to-16.2 mm conical bore, 4.3 kg weight, gold-brass leadpipe, and an uncommon non-compensating 3+1 layout.
- Watch out
- Its professional-looking layout is not compensating. Combined-valve low notes still require player correction, so it is a specialist preference rather than a lower-priced M5000.