Wow-Wow compared to Bubble?

LLD · 11-22-2007, 09:47 PM

I'm looking into buying some mutes.

I have a practice mute and a Harmon Wow-wow aluminum mute.

Is the different sound of a Bubble mute worth it?

And the substantial premium for copper?

Also... what are the basic mutes that I should have?

kadleck · 11-22-2007, 10:37 PM

LLD -

Every trumpet player should probably own the 4 most common mutes: straight (metal preferred), cup, harmon & plunger.

I prefer the bubble mute, but what you have is certainly a fine mute. Everyone is different, but I find that copper is not worth the extra $.

Good luck -
Tony

LLD · 11-22-2007, 10:39 PM

Thanks!

Anything wrong with the "economical" polyethylene mute (about $13 on Musicians Friend) or Windy City seems to have some good deals on metal straight mutes.

rowuk · 11-23-2007, 01:32 AM

Tony said it all. Everything else is "specialty" meaning you will know when you need it enough in advance.

Many times you have to play muted in the section. A plastic mute will sound considerably different than a metal one and that could limit section blend. Popular in Europe:
Straight mute: Tom Crown, Dennis Wick or JoRal
Cup: Humes and Berg (the red and white stone lined one)
Harmon: the original Harmon or Alessi
Plunger: Humes and Berg (the red and white stone lined one)

If you own these, you will NEVER have a problem!

TRUMPONIMUS · 11-23-2007, 01:29 PM

LLD,
Tony has given the advice you need. The mutes he mentions are the standard types you will need. I would say stay away from the plastic mutes of any type.
A rubber toilet plugger makes an excellent plunger mute ...
and it's fun to hand the wooden handle back to the salesman at the hardware store telling him ... "I won't need this part"
Jimmy.

Vulgano Brother · 11-23-2007, 01:45 PM

I have both a copper and aluminum Harmon, and a bubble mute. I like the sound of the bubble, and prefer the aluminum Harmon--it is not as heavy (and doesn't fall out quite as easily after a quick change), and sounds "nastier." Mutes are for effect, if a composer wants us to sound pretty, he'll write for the open horn.

11-22-2007, 09:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
LLD New Friend Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 45	Wow-Wow compared to Bubble? I'm looking into buying some mutes. I have a practice mute and a Harmon Wow-wow aluminum mute. Is the different sound of a Bubble mute worth it? And the substantial premium for copper? Also... what are the basic mutes that I should have?

11-22-2007, 10:37 PM	#2 (permalink)
kadleck Artist in Residence Mezzo Piano User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: new york Posts: 514	Re: Wow-Wow compared to Bubble? LLD - Every trumpet player should probably own the 4 most common mutes: straight (metal preferred), cup, harmon & plunger. I prefer the bubble mute, but what you have is certainly a fine mute. Everyone is different, but I find that copper is not worth the extra $. Good luck - Tony

11-22-2007, 10:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
LLD New Friend Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 45	Re: Wow-Wow compared to Bubble? Thanks! Anything wrong with the "economical" polyethylene mute (about $13 on Musicians Friend) or Windy City seems to have some good deals on metal straight mutes.

11-23-2007, 01:32 AM	#4 (permalink)
rowuk Moderator Fortissimo User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Germany Posts: 4,374	Re: Wow-Wow compared to Bubble? Tony said it all. Everything else is "specialty" meaning you will know when you need it enough in advance. Many times you have to play muted in the section. A plastic mute will sound considerably different than a metal one and that could limit section blend. Popular in Europe: Straight mute: Tom Crown, Dennis Wick or JoRal Cup: Humes and Berg (the red and white stone lined one) Harmon: the original Harmon or Alessi Plunger: Humes and Berg (the red and white stone lined one) If you own these, you will NEVER have a problem! __________________ Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

11-23-2007, 01:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
TRUMPONIMUS New Friend Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 13	Re: Wow-Wow compared to Bubble? LLD, Tony has given the advice you need. The mutes he mentions are the standard types you will need. I would say stay away from the plastic mutes of any type. A rubber toilet plugger makes an excellent plunger mute ... and it's fun to hand the wooden handle back to the salesman at the hardware store telling him ... "I won't need this part" Jimmy.

11-23-2007, 01:45 PM	#6 (permalink)
Vulgano Brother Moderator Fortissimo User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Home Posts: 3,265	Re: Wow-Wow compared to Bubble? I have both a copper and aluminum Harmon, and a bubble mute. I like the sound of the bubble, and prefer the aluminum Harmon--it is not as heavy (and doesn't fall out quite as easily after a quick change), and sounds "nastier." Mutes are for effect, if a composer wants us to sound pretty, he'll write for the open horn. __________________ "A tool good enough to be so used and not too good" C.S. Lewis That Hideous Strength www.letsbuildhope.org

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