Yamaha Silent Brass

[Michael Bush]

...would be better if it connected with bluetooth. All these wires are an aggravation.

Dang useful gadget, though.

[fkin]

Hi, Talleyrand,

you received already? it seemed that it came safely. how does it play?

i like it , but i am mainly a amateur trombonist and have very little time on the tuba so sell it. it good to see if finally find a good home!!!

Kin

[fkin]

the blue tooth is a good idea!! but i would rather playing it without those electrics!!!!

[Lingon]

the blue tooth is a good idea!! but i would rather playing it without those electrics!!!!

Or in a bit different direction maybe something in the line of The Morrison Digital Trumpet but in a more tubalike style? Not as bulky as a tuba with Silent Brass mute.

[PaulTkachenko]

It's far too heavy.

[geneman06]

I agree all those wires are annoying. But, as a practice aid, I find the yamaha silent brass to be more effective without the electronics.

[MartyNeilan]

I agree all those wires are annoying. But, as a practice aid, I find the yamaha silent brass to be more effective without the electronics.

Exactly. Remove the mic/pickup completely (if memory serves, just loosen the locknut that goes around it) and the mute blows a little more freely and plays just a little louder - easier to hear yourself but still not too loud for neighbors.
I have grown to prefer the Dennis Wick practice mute. Sized for a 4/4 and will fit in a 3/4 (sticking out a lot) but it is too small for a 5/4-6/4 horn.

[Michael Bush]

I knew about the weight/balance issue before I bought it. I figured the tuba I am going to use it with is so heavy to begin with at 34 pounds (see the thread on the "Man's Horn" viewtopic.php?f=2&t=50499-- different wrap, of course), and since I use a DEG rest with it, the marginal gain in weight wouldn't be a deal killer, and it isn't. Since I hold it closer to upright than at an angle, the balance issue is noticeable but again not a deal killer.

As far as the pickup, here is my thinking. Tell me if it's flawed. The thing I like about it is that it objectifies what is coming out of the bell, much like a recording does. But unlike the recording it gives me the feedback in real time. I can make adjustments and hear the results immediately without switching back and forth between the tuba and the computer (on which I make recordings). Apart from the issue of time spent switching back and forth, it also seems to help me be more accurate, for example when playing scales and Brass Gym exercises with a drone track. I get both my playing and the drone through the earphones, which for some reason I find makes it easier to assess my playing.

If I'm just messing myself up in some way, I'd be anxious to know about it.