Posted by Dennis Morris on July 15, 1999 at 14:53:03:
In Reply to: Re: Practicing in an apartment posted by Charles Ortega on July 15, 1999 at 13:18:11:
Silent Brass is at the Woodwind & Brasswind for about $325 if I remember correctly. I'm thinking about getting it myself. Check out an earlier thread for some user feedback.
I have the Humes and Berg practice mute. I'm not really crazy about it -- it's very stuffy and screws up the intonation characteristics of my horn, which is why I'm considering Silent Brass. However, at the time I got the Humes (mid-80s) it was the only solution I knew about, and it was something like $75 -- a lot less than $325. You pay your money and take your choice.
I'm very careful to use the mute as a supplement, not the primary way I practice. It's a useful way to get in a little extra time, or for me to practice if I get home too late for my normal hours. If you have to choose between practicing with a practice mute or not practicing at all, the decision is fairly obvious. But I'm concerned about developing bad habits if the majority of my practice time is with the mute.