This is a straight mute for French horn made by Ion Balu of the USA, which is not widely available in Japan. It's in excellent condition overall, with minimal signs of use on the cork and string. A Thompson Edition mute case, perfectly sized for the mute, will be included as a bonus. I'm selling it because I haven't used it much and it feels wasteful. It's a beautiful item, but please understand that it is a used item. The color is Black Onyx, a color that Nero Instruments doesn't currently carry. It's a stylish black base with a slight brownish tint. Nero Instruments retail price: ¥37,400 This mute is produced by Mr. Ion Balu, a former horn player with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. It is used by the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, the Cleveland Orchestra, and others. It provides a clear and consistent sound quality across the entire range. The double-layered cork adheres to the bell, keeping the mute centered and preventing wobbling, while maintaining a consistent airflow. It is tunable and comes with the original string. It is very durable and can withstand considerable impact. Thank you for looking.