Hi Ion,

I have to apologize for taking WAY too long to get back to you. It seems that things never stop here. We just finished last week with Mahler#7 and are now in to our summer programing which ends with a 10 day residency in Vail starting in mid July.

The (Majestic) mutes are fantastic,(...). The don't have the buzz of the metal and have a softer sound than the (...) mutes. They have superior intonation and a blow that is not too resistant, nicely balanced and they are wonderfully crafted.

I will be returning to the MET in September and will turn my colleagues on to them. The horn players and tubist here at the NYP like theirs and I'm sure we will use them alot at the MET. Feel free to quote me and count on me to spread the word of your excellent product.

Sincerely,

Jim Ross, Trumpet New York Philharmonic

Dear Ion,

I like your (...Majestic trumpet) mute very much. I consider it a specialty mute for softer passages. It responds well and is the same in all registers. The sound is quite nice and the intonation is excellent....

I have been using it in our performances at the Hollywood Bowl. I can certainly recommend it...

Sincerely,

Don Green

Principal Trumpet -- Los Angeles Philharmonic

Dear Mr. Balu,

...I have to say that (the Majestic mute) is a very special tool for me. The mute really sounds great, and playing with it is a big joy. I hope it will soon be popular among trumpeters around the world.

With best wishes,

Jouko Harjanne, Recording artist, International Soloist, Finland.

Welcome to Balu Mutes and Stands online

We are excited to present "The Original Balu Stop Mute 2.0" We believe that this is the most important advancement in horn stop mutes. This is most likely our most revolutionary to date. Click here

In November, 2002, Ion Balu, M.M. (pronounced ee-ON BAH-loo) established Balu Mutes. Now, our company is a collaboration of four musicians and artists that produces the world's best Horn Straight mutes, and we provide the world's only Horn Practice mute with Negligible Air Resistance. We are proud to present the famous "Majestic" and "Exuberance," our series of Trumpet Mutes; along with our Trombone Straight Mutes, Euphonium and Tuba mutes.

We are offering the world's most exotic and exclusive instrument stands.

Added to our offer is a variety of extra merchandise which could bring some fun to your order; such as the T-shirts, and coffee mugs.

All of our mutes and stands are hand-built in the U.S.A. We endeavor to continuously refine our products, even after surpassing our competition. Congratulations for becoming another owner of a Balu Mute or Stand.

Your investment will prove worthwhile for years to come.

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!

Alan Baer, Principal Tubist, New York Philharmonic

The mute is one of the best (if not the best) tuba mutes that 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 it looks! (...) A great mute.

Norman Pearson

Principal Tuba Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra

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