Posted by Lew on December 27, 2000 at 13:21:48:
In Reply to: Yamaha Silent Brass for Tuba posted by Doug Baughman on December 27, 2000 at 13:13:28:
Check the archives, there has been much discussion on this topic. That said, I will add my two cents again. I have one and avoid using it if I can. It makes the response of a horn very stuffy, as you would expect with the bell entirely blocked. It is also heavy and makes a horn very top heavy.
Even so, I use it when I can't find time to practice other than early in the morning or late at night and it does a good job at muting most of the sound. It is worth it for me if only to extend the amount of time that I can practice while maintaining family harmony. Intonation doesn't seem to be affected, and it does allow me to hear what I am playing while not disturbing anyone else in the house.
If you get one, be careful with the straps because I have heard of them snapping off and denting bells.