In the next post, the tuba player Hugo Portas speak us about the Yamaha Silent Brass System Mute for tuba.



Below, I separately list all of the advantages and disadvantages that I encountered while using the Silent Brass System Pickup Mute for Tuba.

Although I am not trying to give advice or influence whether or not you should boy it, I describe some positive and negative experiences that I have had practising with this muste sinde 2007.

There are many other aspects that could be incluided here but I have chosen 9 advantages and 7 disadvantages:

ADVANTAGES:

• Intonation: it keeps the horn in tune pretty well (there are some differences in pedal and high register).

• Technique: with the extra resistance, practising flexibility, scales, etc. It is even more effective. Ideal for playing routines, working slowly or sight reading or practising right before a performance.

• Habits: since more air is required due to the extra resistance, this helps in fixing good habits such as getting big and qualitiy breaths.

• Versatility: It can be used with all kinds of tubas (B flat, C, E flat or F).

• Silence: it doesn´t bother others when you practise. Even playing as loud as possible, it is inaudible in the next room. You can practise as much as you want anytime, even at 3 in the morning.

• Listen: it is possible to record yourself and then listen to the recording immediately.

• Set up: it is very fast and easy to set up, as it is only one piece.

DISADVANTAGES:

• Weigth and size (2,9 kg and 15" x 38-9/16"): it is incovenient for travelling as weell as having to put in on and take it off frequently. Its centre of gravity is higher up whitch produces extra tension on the back. A tuba stand is recommended in order to avoid extra tension and extra weight. Being in an extra pack, for travelling this does not help either.

• Fragility: the mute soft case without any protection means it can take time to find a safe place for it in the car, train, etc.

• Set up: as I said before, it´s set up is very fast and easy. The problems start when you want to put it on or take it off. This process takes around 5 minutes. During breaks a Steel floor stand helps, which supports tubas in an upright position.

• Technique: it is almost impossible to work on many aspects of intonation, tone quality, dynamics, etc.

• Headphones: I would not recommend its use during practise sessions. Listening to a closer "tuba sound" with them it does not mean anything. You are lossing the real sound made.

• Price: its cost could be considered high or appropriate depending on whether the mute is used a lot or just occsasionally.

If you want purchase this mute (also for trumpet, trombone, and french horn), only click HERE.

Hugo Portas.

Web: http://www.hugoportas.com/
Twitter: @Hugoportastuba