TubeNet

Any suggestions on a good practice mute?

I’ve come across this, but it looks a bit pricy:
http://www.tuba-mute.com/index.php?lang ... acticemute" target="_blank

If you have a recommendation, how does it affect pitch and response?

I’m looking for a way to practice at home in the evening when my kids are in bed.

Thanks!
Drew

Get ahold of Lee Stofer and get set up with a Schlipf mute. Fitted to your bell size, highly effective, and compact enough to ride along with your horn in a bag/case.

I'm looking for a DIY and was thinking "large paper mache cone surrounded/filled with open cell foam."

DrewMa wrote:Any suggestions on a good practice mute?

I’ve come across this, but it looks a bit pricy:
http://www.tuba-mute.com/index.php?lang ... acticemute" target="_blank" target="_blank

If you have a recommendation, how does it affect pitch and response?

I’m looking for a way to practice at home in the evening when my kids are in bed.

Thanks!
Drew

Yes they are excellent. Only work in one bell size otherwise they have a bunch of funky pitches. Mr Schlipfinger replies to emails but I think list of dealers is on his page. Mr Stofer in the US as already pointed out...

Love the one I just picked up. Remember when you buy it this thing will probably last for years and years.

That said, the pillow I was using before this was cheaper. But the Schplif provides just a liiiiitle more consistent response.

I've been using the Yamaha Silent Brass System for the past couple of months when I don't want to disturb anyone else around the house. Reading up on the Schplip, it sounds like it requires the player to get used to the tone changing with the mute in, the mute can fall out of the bell, the mute fits one bell size. My YSBS straps onto my TU330, 52J, King 1230 Helicon and York Eb/CC Helicon and it doesn't change the tone or the playing characteristics of the horns and yes, it's silent. I plug my time keeping device into the second audio in jack and my Bob Marley over ear headphones into the headphone jack. There are deals that can be had on the new generation of this fine device.

I've got a Schlipf due to arrive tomorrow from Stofer. Seriously excited to have one of my own after trying them at the Army workshop.

When I was playing euph at work, I had one of the red-painted aluminum Denis Wick practice mutes, too. It fit inside the bell just like the Schlipf does.

[update] Got the Schlipf today. It's just as impressive in our apartment as it was in the Elephant Room at Ft Myer. When I played on it, my wife said, "Ooooh!... That's it? That's good."

I had tried a Silent Brass a long time ago, and I liked it, too. But this was available, and it takes up zero extra space.

I have used the Yamaha Silent Brass and the Schlipf. Most of my practice is with a mute in order to keep the family happy.

I much prefer the Yamaha silent brass. Intonation much better and it feels more like playing a tuba. I find the low register is EASIER with the silent brass mute (have tried it on various tubas and same experience on all of them). I use it without the amplifier/headphones. The Yamaha won't work well on a 3/4 size tuba. Yamaha is top heavy compared to the Schlipf. If you are experiencing shoulder or back pain then go with the Schlipf. Or for pain free ergonomics with the silent brass you can replicate my set up - get a tuba essentials stand and leave the tuba with the silent brass mute on it setup in your practice room so it takes mere seconds to start practising. Also makes it easy to oil the valves!

I have a Yamaha Silent Brass mute/system that is looking for a home, if you are interested.

PM me, if you are interested.

Thanks for sharing all your experiences and suggestions. I appreciate the feedback. I’m planning to visit Lee Stofer to have him do a little work on my tuba and plan to check out one of the Schlipf mutes when I’m there.

Thanks again,
Drew