After many attempts to create a good tuba mute, Mr. Balu decided on a more radical design. He found the perfect balance between an even muted sound throughout all registers and a light yet rugged construction. Our tuba mutes weigh on average from 2-3 lbs. (XS – XL).
The result is a mute that tubists from around the world (Japan, Australia, Finland, Brazil, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, even China) along with an overwhelming majority of American players, have come to appreciate for its clear sound and projection.
The Design
Our three-size interchangeable corks (a Balu innovation) allow our tuba mutes to fit into any size bell on the market today. Three feet on the base of the tuba mute will keep your mute safely on the floor without scratching the lacquer, while two small feet on the side of the base opposite the handle (a Balu innovation) allow the player to position the mute in a horizontal resting position, essential for quick and convenient access. The cork at the top protects the bell from mute-related dents when quickly inserted into the horn.
The Fit
We recommend our XL mutes for the very large tubas, such as 5/4 and 6/4 C tubas, our regular size for 4/4 C tubas, and our XS mutes for all Eb and 3/4 F tubas. If in doubt about which size you will need, we have sold so many tuba mutes that you can ask fellow tuba players on forums such as Facebook, Reddit, etc.
We offer our tuba mutes in the following finishes:
- Black Onyx
- Red Mahogany
- Walnut
- Amber
Replacement corks are available: $20 per size or $50 for all three sizes.
Unfortunately our much-sought-after hybrid Sputnik Mutes (a Balu innovation) are no longer in production. We will be sure to update any changes!
Here is what professionals have to say about our mutes!
Alan Baer – Principal Tubist of the New York Philharmonic
“I’m just loving my Balu mute! It’s the first mute that I ever played that plays in tune! No matter what I’m playing in the Philharmonic, my Balu mute sounds great, and looks great too! Buy it now! You won’t be disappointed!
Christopher Hall – Principal Tubist of the Metropolitan Opera New York
“Ion Balu’s tuba mutes are the best I’ve played. I don’t need to pull out the main slide for intonation, ever! The response is as if you didn’t have a mute in, but the sound is still muted. My old mutes are now in a corner of the basement, I think…”
John Van Houten – Hollywood Recording Artist
“I have played many Tuba mutes in my career, and Ion Balu’s is the finest and best crafted one that I have ever used. The nature of my work requires exceptional versatility of styles and tone colors. So whether it’s films such as ‘Star Trek’ or ‘Up’ or television shows such as ‘The Family Guy’ and ‘The American Dad’, the Balu’s Tuba mute more than satisfies the requirements of my musical needs.”
Visit Mr. Van Houten on his website at www.johnvanhoutentuba.com.
Norman Pearson – Principal Tubist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra
“The mute is one of the best (if not the best) tuba mutes I have played. The pitch is spot on and it responds evenly in all registers. Also, I’ve gotten lots of positive comments from my colleagues about how nice is looks! (…) A great mute!”
Mike W Roylance – Principal Tubist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra
“I am so thankful for my Balu mute. Finally, a mute with precise intonation, and even response throughout the registers of the horn. AND, it looks fantastic! Thanks, Ion, for making my go to mute for all my gigs.”
