Silent Brass System Pickup Mute for Tuba de Yamaha. Advantages and Disadvantages (English)

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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 buy it, I describe some positive and negative experiences that I have had practising with this mute since 2007.

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

Advantages:

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

2. 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.

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

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

5. 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.

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

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

Disadvantages:

1. Weight and size (2,9 kg y 15" x 38-9/16"): it is inconvenient for travelling as well as having to put it on and take it off frequently. Its centre of gravity is higher up which 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.

2. 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.

3. Set up: as I said before, its 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.

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

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

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


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