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I have to ask for some advice about the Silent Brass system. Long story short, the music building at my school was flooded and will be closed this entire school year. There is a practice room shortage. I'm considering practicing in my apartment with the Silent Brass. I KNOW that it's not the same as practicing in an open room and by no means will it be my only way of practicing, but can anyone tell me if it will work well enough? I have to have some options because there are going to be about 500 music students competing for very limited practice room space. Let me know your thoughts!

I have one and it's saved my life! Most practice mutes will suffice but I like the relatively little resistance that the silent brass mute has and I don't mind the extra weight because I use a tuba rest normally. Practicing with a practice mute (of ANY sort) is better than not practicing at all of course. If the choice is between getting a silent brass system or not practicing, get the silent brass. If the choice is between the silent brass or another practice mute, maybe somebody on the list can help out with other suggestions. My $0.02 is this: Get one if it's means you'll practice more.

I found it especially useful while on tour. The hotel guests around my room slept better for it.

I have had my silent brass system for a few years now, and I am still very satisfied with it. In my experience, you will be well served to balance the practice with time in a large room as well as much as you can. Also, when I first got it, all pitches above middle C were nearly a half step sharp - on CC and F tuba. I had to use alternate fingerings if I had to practice up there. Maybe it had something to do with myself or my equipment, but two years and two tubas later, the intonation up top does not seem to be so much of a problem. In any case, I am pleased with it. Hope this helps!

I will register my dissatifaction with the Silent Brass. I rate it in the POS category. Assuming you are playing a tuba, I will recommend an Ion Balu mute. I think it will quiet things down enough to keep the barbarians away from your door; plus, you get a good mute. Get a ProTec euphonium gig bag to carry the mute.