breden

Hi Manny,

A quick question regarding straight mutes. What do you think of the metal TrumCor straight mutes? Does your section use them for any particular works? I'm in the market to get a new mute and am looking for the best all around straight mute. Someone indicated to me that Jo Ral is kind of the new standard - if there is such a thing. I understand that one really needs to play test many of them out and that each mute will have benefits and drawbacks with the kind of sound you are looking for. If there is a standard for Orchestral players with all around straight mute - what would it be? Also - I'd like to know what you think about Marcus Bonna straights? Not sure if you have used them in the past but I've been told that they fit well with Monette bells. I'd appreciate your feedback. Thanks much.

Manny Laureano

I think the TrumCor straight mutes are among the best straight mutes you can buy. The sound is a true metal mute sound without a trace of that veiled quality of some others. Rick Giangiulio is a pleasure to work with and I recommend his mutes without hesitaition.

The Marcus Bonna mutes are also good but I don't like the fiberglass ones. Their metal mutes are excellent. Both brands have excellent intonation.

My favorite sound in metal mutes is the Vacchiano but I could never get the corks to the right place where I didn't have to adjust the tuning slide every time I used it.

ML