dovod

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

Principaltrumpet

First of all I think the best straight mute depends on what you are playing. The must I use in Fetes is nowhere near the one I would use in Pines of
Rome (personally). As for a good all around straight mute I really like the trumcor mutes, if you would like something a little lower priced you can never go wrong with the Dennis Wick or Tom crown Mutes.

As for getting new corks it depends on how much you like the mute. If it does everything you need it to and you enjoy playing with it go for it. Some music stores will charge a ton for it. But some charge next to nothing.

Lastly a practice mute. There are 2 I really enjoy. I like the BrassSpa practice mute. but I also enjoy using the Sotto Voce designed by David Hickman and one of his former students Eric Baker (who is a member here). The mute is actually a straight mute but works well when you need to play soft without plugging up the horn.

If you search through the forum you will find many post on practice mutes and what is good. You will also find many different opinions. Like everything else here, take the advice, then experiment and decide what you like best.

Also search the forum for posts about practicing in an apartment. There are many great ideas. I live in one and asked about it a year or so ago and the responses were pretty interesting.
JR

__________________
Yamaha "Chicago" C
Yamaha "New York" Bb
Blessing Eb/D
Yamaha 6810S Picc
Bach 2C

Joshua C. Ritchie
http://www.joshuacritchie.com

note360

The Dennis Wicks are really nice and so are the Jo-Ral (Jo-Ral bubble mute = better than a harmon mute atleast a non vintage harmon mute)

__________________
"I'll play it and tell you what it is later." - Miles Davis
"Do not fear mistakes. There are none." - Miles Davis

Trumpets:
TR300 Bach [marching horn]
Big Apple Bach Strad (ML)

Cornets:
1952 Olds Ambassador L.A

Mouthpiece: Curry 5c, Olds 3 (for the cornet atm)

bockhaus

Since I'm just starting to play again, I didn't want to stick too much money into a practice mute. Since I'm just starting to play again, my wife insisted upon it! I came across this web site for a DIY practice mute. It's lighte, it's quiet, it's cheap and my wife is happy. Renuzit Mute

Solar Bell

I play mostly big band lead, and I prefer the Tom Crown straight mute. I use the all copper model.

This is just his opinion,

In our swing/big band we all use copper Harmon brand harmon mutes. I like the sound of a Harmon mute much better.


-cw-

__________________
Chuck Willard
The Willard of Oz

"Don't be afraid to see what you see."
Ronald Reagan

note360

What I should of said is that they have a tendancy to have better tuning. My bad. I too have a tendancy to like a all harmon section if they can all compensate (of corse this is all opinions and from my personal experience)

__________________
"I'll play it and tell you what it is later." - Miles Davis
"Do not fear mistakes. There are none." - Miles Davis

Trumpets:
TR300 Bach [marching horn]
Big Apple Bach Strad (ML)

Cornets:
1952 Olds Ambassador L.A

Mouthpiece: Curry 5c, Olds 3 (for the cornet atm)