lwillson

Hi,
I'm new to TrumpetMaster.com, but I have been playing trumpet for about 10 years (so still fairly new at that, too). I currently play in an indie-rock band, and I'm looking into ways to alter my sound in unique ways. I have been looking into different mutes that are out there (I have the standard ones - straight, cup, harmon, plunger) and I was also considering getting a silent brass mute or a clip-on mic and running the sound through some pedals.

What are some interesting, unique mutes that I can buy or make myself (is there anything that will give the trumpet a metallic, rattley sound?)? What's the best method for electronic alteration (and by best, I mean cheapest... I've thought about getting a silent brass mute or a clip-on and running it through pedals or a computer, but I'm just not sure). Basically, I'm looking for anything that's gonna help me compete with the distortion of an electric guitar.

I'm sure some of you older members have answered questions like this a dozen times, but I really appreciate your input, or at least a push in the right direction. Don't get me wrong - I love the sound the trumpet makes naturally, but that damn guitar!!

- L

trumpetnick

Where are you based L? http://www.trumpetmaster.com/vb/f214...ium-49184.html (WTS Denis Wick straight aluminium)

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Spada Bach B flat 72, leadpipe 2L/DWMM1.5C
Spada Bach C 256, leadpipe 2LQ/DWMM1.5C
1956 Olds Ambassador Cornet
Spada Custom Piccolo

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lwillson

I'm based in Chicago.

rowuk

Several things come to mind.
A contact microphone like the ones that you can stick on a guitar for tuning. try sticking it on the leadpipe or different places on the bell
a standard clip microphone - but perhaps covered with paper, aluminum foil, Saran Wrap, or hang it on a spring so it moves with you when playing - constantly changing distance
You can cover the front of the bell with paper or aluminum foil with holes in it. That will get a very unique buzzing sound. You don't need tons of holes, not that much air is moving.
drill some holes in an old straight mute - make them about the size of a drinking straw and cut straws to different lengths and insert in the holes
how about a kazoo glued to a hole in an old straight mute?
I remember Miles Davis with a mouthpiece attached to a hole drilled in the mouthpiece from the side, right into the throat.

That should get you started.

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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

Markie

Check out RingMutes. Sometimes you can get them on Ebay cheap.

tptmusicaz

Adam Rapa has done some very unique work with guitar effects through a mic on his trumpets. You can find out some of that info at his website www.adamrapa.com There's also a neat video of him playing some of that on Dave Monette's website as well.

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Tptmusicaz
1965 Conn Connstellation 38B
Bach Strad Eb 229
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Mouthpieces: Monette Prana B2S3, B4LDS1, E2S3, and AP5L (piccolo)