TubeNet

Though the sousaphone is meant to be played as loud as possible, be it indoors and outdoors, I have found a "mute" which you can use for the sousa that will only cost you no more than $6.

I mention this about the "sousa mute" since there might be some of you who live in apartments or places where others might not want to hear you play, though they'd be missing out. Or your baby might be sleeping or your spouse is on the phone and you don't want to disturb them. If you're like me, a big sousa fan, here is something to serve as a mute so that you can still play for the upcoming parade while others seek peace and quiet.

Head to your Wal-Mart, K-Mart, or any sporting goods store and purchase either a volleyball or a basketball to put inside the bell. I'd go with the volleyball since it's a little bit smaller in diameter and fits in better. Once you have the ball inside the bell, try playing all the notes, from the high Bb to the low Bb. I've tried this out and it works perfectly. I can still hear the note in the bell part near my left ear without having it blare out to disturb anyone else.

So if you're in this situation of needing to play in a quiet setting, a volleyball or basketball will be a great investment for everyone. If it isn't necessary though to use a sousa mute, do as my tuba instructor implored me to do, "Play Loud!"

Hank74

To make the ball act like a practise mute there must be a leak somewhere. The air you provide to make the lips buzz must have an escape.

Where?

Klaus

Regarding the volleyball for a mute, I wouldn't suggest cramming the thing in all the way into the bell. Put it in just enough though so that the air can come out, but also so that the sound will be quieter. You'll have to adjust it enough so it comes it just right to make this work.

Hank74

I absolutely agree with what you said Henry. Only use the ball for a detachable sousa/recording bell.

For the regular tuba, there is the traditional mute which is better designed for a straight bell. Before you think that every mute is highly priced, look around for a used one. Or if you are creative and can do so, make one of your own. I've heard of that being done with wood or plastic from a hardware store. I'll leave it up to you though to make that decision.

Hank74