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Happy Saturday everyone, so I'm having a bit of a dilemma, I've lived in my apt complex for almost 3 years now and I practice with a Denis wick tuba mute in my apt quite often and up until now I've never had a noise complaint not even a knock on the door, but now that I've been getting them Ive been thinking if there's a mute thats even quieter than the wick, I don't like to be a bother to people, but I obviously don't plan on not practicing, so if anyone can point me to a real silencing mute or something I can do to muffle my sound even more, is greatly appreciate it.

The Wick is quiet enough, if properly seated. A crying baby definitely makes more noise. Some people will complain about anything. Unless you are practicing at 4:00 AM, you should talk to your apartment management and work things out with whoever has an issue. One apartment I lived in, the old lady downstairs used to yell and curse at my kids every time they even moved. Things eventually escalated, and she had to move out. You may also want to consider a house over an apt. Depending on where you live, it is often cheaper to buy a house than to rent one. Basic repair skills and a box of handtools can take care of a good percentage of a fixer-upper's needs.

Try a Schlipf mute... very quiet!

A schilpf mute? I've heard of them but I haven't heard them or have any idea where to get them haha but if they are quiet I'll probably give it a try in the future

MartyNeilan wrote:The Wick is quiet enough, if properly seated. A crying baby definitelmakes more noise. Some people will complain about anything. Unless you are practicing at 4:00 AM, you should talk to your apartment management and work thing out with whoever has an issue. One apartment I lived in, the old lady downstairs used to yell and curse at my kids every time they even moved. Things eventually escalated, and she had to move out. You may also want to consider a house over an apt. Depending on where you live, it is often cheaper to buy a house than to rent one. Basic repair skills and a box of handtools can take care of a good percentage of a fixer-upper's needs.

The Wick is VERY good, I was amazed at how quiet it made me -ω- which is why I'm starting to think this lady may be just the type to complain about anything, also a house would be nice but as a university student it's a bit beyond me at this point, i have been thinking about it though

EMC wrote:A schilpf mute? I've heard of them but I haven't heard them or have any idea where to get them haha but if they are quiet I'll probably give it a try in the future

Give Lee Stofer a call.

http://tubameister.com/" target="_blank

I agree, a properly seated DW mute should be enough for your apartment needs. I have found it compliant with noise codes in NYC atleast. You may need to have a civil discussion with you neighbor to try to ascertain an ideal time would be for you to practice, to be as little of an imposition. In one apartment, where I had some complaints, I was able to work with the resident below me to:
1. find the cause for the noise transmission (kitchen air vent) thus,
2. block the vent with Styrofoam to insulate against sound
3. practice further away from the area
4. find a compatible time to practice

Everything worked out well in that situation. Unfortunately repeat "transgressions" and the resulting frustration on both parties can rapidly deteriorate relationships. Also remember some people lack compassion and people skills. Go into any conversations as the nice guy, but be prepared to encounter an angry person. Hopefully you don't feed the troll.

Best of luck!