 Re: Sotto Voce mute
As an expert on the subject, I can tell you that the mute is very sturdy despite its light-weight nature. One of the DMA students at Arizona State Univ. stepped on his during a lesson and it quickly popped back into shape! I keep mine in my Marcus Bonna quad case and it is in great condition.
As for the fit, I have found that for pitch and tone color to be optimum, a breath of warm air in the bell and just enough pressure to keep the mute in is best. It isn't meant to be a practice mute (though several have stated they like it for that purpose) it is specifically meant for soft passages, so playing too loud may be pushing the mute out of your bell. What horn and bell size/shape do you typically use? I know some players who use Monette have had different results due to the bell shape.
I would love any feedback (positive or negative) as I want to put forth the best possible product.
-Eric Baker
-Co-Designer and Manufacturer of the "Sotto Voce" straight mute |