so, my old wooden mute, the pads have come off. As a result of still attempting to use it this way, my trumpet now has a ring around the bell where the mute has pushed it out. This makes me quite sad indeed, but oh well, you live and you learn i guess.
Anyway, so my question is, should I just get some new pads for my old wooden mute, or should I get a different kind? What kind of straight mute works best in everyones opinion? Also, while I'm here posting this thread, what kind of practice mute would be best to not cut off all air and force me to play as hard as I can, but still block a great deal of the sound? I live in an apartment, and I'm sure the people who live above and beside me don't like hearing me blast my horn.
~David