The lead trumpet and lead trombonist of a pro big band often make sure their sections are using the same brand of mutes for a completely cohesive sound. Of course, this isn’t always the case with session musicians in studios. As a general rule of thumb, keep all writing for muted trumpets on the stave, and muted trombones no more than one or two ledger lines above. I’m not kidding. If your music calls for a plunger mute, just head to the hardware store or, better yet, the dollar store. By using this mute, nearly all of your trumpet’s sound will be reduced. This is great for players who live in apartments or are staying at a hotel.

a b c d "Six Types of Violin Mutes for the Aspiring Violinist". Consordini. 17 June 2015 . Retrieved 13 September 2020. If a muted passage goes on for a long time, changes dynamic/style drastically or it looks like the passage should be open, I sometimes use ‘always muted’ or something like ‘always cups’ etc. to save a question of asking if it should be open or not.

Wawa

Sourdine" and "Sordina" redirect here. For the string instrument, see Pochette (musical instrument).

This mute provides a lot of resistance for the player, making using the mute much more strenuous than open playing, as well as in comparison to most other mutes. In orchestral music, the straight mute prevails. There are some other options, but the marking ‘con sord.’ without further specification would invite a brass player to use a straight mute. In big band arranging, all trumpet and trombone players have a selection of mutes available to them that are all somewhat equally called upon. Mutes are used for colouristic effect, but there are also some technical considerations if you choose to use them. Unlike the straight or cup mutes, the Harmon mute completely restricts all airflow from escaping the bell. Instead, there is a hole in the middle of the Harmon mute that the air has to pass through, which causes the trademark Harmon mute sound.

Harmon / Wawa

It simply makes the trumpet much quieter so that you can practice in a wide variety of settings without disturbing other people or sacrificing the quality of your embouchure or airflow. I like the idea of plastic not just because it’s cheaper, which is something I always look for for beginners, but because it doesn’t weigh as much, so it doesn’t add extra weight to your instrument at that delicate stage when you are just learning how to physically handle your trombone and use your breathing properly. Pros This script boosts exponentially the sonic capabilities of the library, easy to use in a simple and elegant design.

Although they are not as popular as other brands, they are dedicated to providing products with great quality. Made in the United States, Faxx mutes are a great choice for any trumpet player. All brass instruments can be muted (even tubas and sousaphones!) and the main types are (pictured below, left to right):

Practice mutes are shorter than other types of mutes and resemble a miniature Harmon or straight mute. They are made from aluminum and have a circle of cork around the small end of the mute to hold it in place inside of the trumpet bell. Plunger Mute Held to the instrument by the player as unlike the previously mentioned variations this mute has no cork. Similarly to the above mentioned Harmon this mute also makes a wa-wa but on a much grander scale. In music it is notated as to how to use the plunger. O for open and + for closed. This Harmon mute offers a unique sound that many trumpet players prefer over other brands with its edgy and biting tone. Plunder mutes won’t fit into the bell of the trumpet and are used by holding the mute in one hand and using it to cover and uncover the bell, creating a wah-wah sound effect. This can create a sound reminiscent of speech. Most mutes are used by inserting the mute itself into the bell of the trumpet. Regardless of the material of the mute (metal, wood, rubber), the majority of mutes have corks glued onto the sides of the mute which help position and hold the mute in place when it is inserted into the trumpet. Some mutes, like the plunger mute and various hat mutes fit around or over the bell, rather than being pushed into it.