practice in silence with yamaha's brass instrument muting system

practice in silence with yamaha’s brass instrument muting system
all images courtesy of yamaha

playing the trumpet in an apartment in a large city might not always be popular with one’s neighbors. yamaha’s ‘silent brass’ muting system addresses this dilemma head on. the construction and circuitry have been completely reworked since it’s first implementation back in 1995. yamaha’s improved technology has made it lighter, smaller, more ergonomic, as well as producing a better sound quality.

a team effort from three key designers – keizo tatsumi, yuichiro suenaga and kei kunisada, worked on the challenge of creating a smaller, lighter tool that has a precise weight balance when attached to the wind instrument. it was also important that the compact ‘pickup mute’ system would be easier for musicians to play in an even greater variety of settings. 

the kit includes a horn insert, amplifier and headphones

‘by silencing the instrument and at the same time achieving a sound quality that satisfies the player, the silent brass muting system effectively expands the choice of environments in which music can be enjoyed,’ explains designer yuichiro suenaga. ‘and that has to be a good thing.’ 

the insert suctions into the horn output the ‘silent brass’ comes in four sizes

since 2002, the hong kong design centre has been organizing the business of design week (BODW) – asia’s leading annual event on design innovation and brands. BODW brings together some of the world’s most outstanding design masters and influential business figures to discuss and share their views on creative thinking and design management from their varied cultural and social perspectives, providing a valuable platform for individuals to network, exchange ideas and explore potential working partnerships. the 2015 edition of BODW introduces the partner city initiative, inviting barcelona as the inaugural affiliate. this sees a number of barcelona creative talents — from the fields of design, architecture, urbanism, gastronomy and sport — take to the stage to discuss the cultural capital’s community-driven design approach and rich artistic heritage.