Whether you are still a beginner – or you have already been performing your trombones professionally – you need to have the proper tools to let you perform better. Even if you are just practicing at home or at a studio, you should avail yourself of the essentials such as the trombone mute. Hence, it is then important to look for the best trombone mutes so that you can improve your performance with your trombones.Trombone mutes come in various styles and features. Because of this, you may find it quite daunting to look for the ideal one. In addition to this, looking for the best product might be hard especially if you do not have enough knowledge of what to look for in a good trombone mute. However, there is no need for you to worry about. In this article, have identified ten of the best trombone mutes on the market. We have even highlighted each of their unique features, making it easier for you to look for the right product to use.
Top 10 Best Trombone Mutes
What to Look for in Trombone Mutes
Since we are finding the best trombone mutes, we need to look at each of their ideal characteristics first. It is crucial to know these features because they could tell what a good product is. When you see that a trombone mute has these features, then you are sure that you have the perfect product that would not only give you quality but would also suit your desires. Without further ado, here are some of the features that you need to look for before buying the best trombone mutes.
The Type of Trombone Mutes
The first feature that you should look for in trombone mutes is their type. There are different styles, and each style delivers its own purpose. Here are some of the most popular trombone mutes that musicians often use in performances.
- Straight mute is usually the first mute that any player would use. It is shaped like a cone, and you can use it for almost all types of music. A straight mute can be built from various materials such as fiber and metal.
- Harmon mute, on the other hand, consists of two individual parts. The main part is put in the bell, while the second part – the tube – extends from the main portion. By moving your hand over the end of the tube, you can produce the “wah – wah” sound.
- Cup mute produces a similar sound to that of the straight mute, but the sound is less bright and softer. Jazz-style musicians often use this.
- Practice mute – as its name implies – is made for practicing. We suggest not using it for stage performances because of its low sound.
- Plunger mute looks like a rubber plunger. That is how it got its name. This mute creates a larger “wah – wah” effect than the Harmon mute.
Functionality
After knowing the different types of trombone mutes, it is very crucial that you look for the product that is highly functional. Be able to look for the trombone mute that would serve whatever purpose you would have. Pick the mute that would efficiently make the tone of your trombone much softer, change its tone quality seamlessly, and product a tonality like no other.
The things that we mentioned above are just some of the key features that you should take into consideration when picking the best trombone mutes. You should take note, however, that the final decision will still be dependent on your preference.
All Trombone Mutes
To further guide you in looking for the best trombone mutes, we have created a list of options for you to choose from. Below, we have discussed the distinctive features that you can find in each of the trombone mutes. By doing so, it will be easier for you to decide on the ideal trombone mute that is based on your preference. Look out for each of their unique features and try to compare them with each other. This will help you narrow down your choices better.
1. Soulo SM5712 Tenor Trombone Bucket Mute
Kicking off our list of the best trombone mutes is the Soulo SM5712 Tenor Trombone Bucket Mute. It features two adjustable positions for different color sounds. Its unbreakable clips would allow you to quickly turn it on or off. It is extremely lightweight, you can expect that it is lighter than other buckets. It helps you produce perfect pitch with no back-pressure in all registers.
2. Denis Wick DW5505 Trombone Straight Mute
We also think that the Denis Wick DW5505 Trombone Straight Mute is a great option should you be looking for the best trombone mute. It is acclaimed for its sound quality, superb workmanship, and intonation that is suited in all dynamic ranges. Moreover, its construction is something worth noting that it is made with high-purity spun aluminum so it does not break off quickly.
3. Denis Wick DW5529 Cup Mute
We have another similar model from the same brand as before. The Denis Wick DW5529 Cup Mute features an adjustable cup position so as not to destroy your trombones. It is able to give a clear sound quality whether you use it with a microphone, for solo, or section playing. With this mute, you can obtain lower register notes more easily.
4. Bremner Trombone Practice Mute
The Bremner Trombone Practice Mute would allow its players to practice almost anywhere while avoiding the chances of making noise. This mute is made from lightweight ABS plastic that is hard-wearing for maximum durability. It consists of a small amount of backpressure as compared to other practice mutes. It helps keep the tune faithfully accurate throughout the entire range. This mute is ideal for warm-ups before going onstage.
5. Pro Tec ML204 Liberty Tenor Trombone Practice Mute
The Pro Tec ML204 Liberty Tenor Trombone Practice Mute is another great option that you must try. It is made of high-quality material and construction for maximum durability. So with its aluminum material, you are ensured that it will last longer. It features a cork that is long-lasting, allowing you to use it for a long time. This mute is known for being well-balanced and free blowing.
6. LotFancy Trombone Straight Mute
The LotFancy Trombone Straight Mute is constructed with a high purity spun aluminum. It has superb workmanship, ensuring you that it will not be destroyed easily. This mute efficiently reduces the volume of your trombone, allowing you to practice without disturbing others. It even has premium neoprene-enhanced composite cork pads for long-lasting use. This can be a good tool for when you are aiming up easily.
7. Humes & Berg Stonelined Trombone Mute
The Humes & Berg Stonelined Trombone Mute, we believe, is another great option especially since it produces an excellent, precise, and crisp sound. It does not create noise that could only disturb those beside you. While it is really used for trombones, it can also be used by other brass instruments to ensure maximum efficiency.
8. EastRock Trombone Mute
The EastRock Trombone Mute is a trombone mute that is made with superb workmanship and high-purity spun aluminum. When you play your trombone with this silencer, you can play your instrument without having the need to disturb others. This mute can fit all types of brass instruments such as the trombone itself. It also features an enhanced composite cork pad that you can use for a long time.
9. Protect ML205 Liberty Bass Trombone Mute
The Protect ML205 Liberty Bass Trombone Mute is built using high-quality materials and construction. This means that you will be using this for quite a while without this being destroyed easily. It is well-balanced and it is free-blowing. Don’t worry though, because there are stores inside of the bell. There is also a long-lasting cork assigned to it.
10. Harmon E Wow-wow Trombone Mute
Completing our list is the Harmon E Wow-wow Trombone Mute. This trombone mute helps create a classic sound all from the expense of your home. This is made of all aluminum so there’s still a chance that it will not break or get destroyed easily. IT also features a cork, keeping it protected for alone.
Conclusion
If you want to make your trombones to sound much softer, then you should really have to buy the best trombone mutes. Do not forget that the best ones are highly functional and that they do not hinder giving you a great performance. Scrutinize through the different mutes closely, and weigh your decision from there. If you look into our list very closely, then you will not be hard up in looking for the product of your choice.
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