Silent Brass question (for the geeky types)

[Tubadork]

So,
every now and then I have to do some practicing on my silent brass (so I don't get kicked out of my apartment) and I was working one th VWilliams tuba concerto (on my f tuba) and I noticed that above middle C the notes would not center at all (which is not a problem otherwise). I didn't know a mute could kill notes off. I figure that since it changes the sound, that means that it effects the overtones, then by extention (obviously) the overtone series. Does anyone have any more scientific info about this (or am I just nuts).
Cool,
Bill "hoping Rick Denny will have some crazy mathmetical equation for me" Pritchard

p.s. sorry for my bad spelling

[Z-Tuba Dude]

I find that if I shift the angle of the SB mute slightly, so that the mute "extension" changes it's position in the throat of the bell, the effect on the intonation/disturbance of notes is different (not necessarily better, just different).

[jtuba]

Can you get in the exercise room there? Go there if nobody is in there. Also, maybe use a room at Kennesaw State. When I first got to San Antonio and was on that side of town, I used to go to UTSA and practice there.

[windshieldbug]

I figure that since it changes the sound, that means that it effects the overtones, then by extention (obviously) the overtone series. Does anyone have any more scientific info about this (or am I just nuts)

It's not the mute itself that changes the overtone series, it's where it is in the bell. Ask any horn player about stopped notes, hand position, or open horn. For a more scientific explanation, see:

http://www.corno.de/schmid/deu-eng/naturalhorn.htm

The examples on the first page shows how the overtone series changes by hand placement.

This same effect has been studied both ears and instruments in horns for centuries.