The physics of a tuba mute


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TubeNet BBS ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by Karl on April 16, 2003 at 15:43:22:

I play in a Brass Band that competes in NABBA's Championship division where it seems many of the pieces call for the use of a mute. I have a F Schmidt/VMI 2103 BBb tuba and have been borrowing a Humes and Berg Stone Lined mute (biggest mute I have ever seen, >31 inches tall). It does not sound too bad and the intonation is fair. However I was playing with one of my peer's mute that is much smaller and was surprised when I could not even sound the low BBb (not the pedal tone).

Without being to technical, can someone explain what the shape of the mute'e effect is on the intonation.

Also, I would like to eventually buy one. Anyone have any good experiences with a specifc mute in a VMI 2103?

Karl Parks
Orlando, FL


Follow Ups: