Posted by John Swensen on September 17, 2001 at 16:23:09:
In Reply to: Re: Re: silent brass posted by jb on September 17, 2001 at 16:02:19:
Unless they have changed dramatically in the past year an a half, they are not an ideal solution for tuba.
They are very heavy and top-heavy (forget about setting the horn down on your lap, or tipping it to remove water). The elastic attachment straps tend to come apart, dinging the bell at the end of their flight.
They make the horn play out of tune and very stuffy (think harmon mute without the stem, here).
The electronics sound terrible (unless you like the sound of clipping).
However, they are rather quiet.
Stuffing a rolled-up blanket down the bell might work about as well.