Brass instruments like trumpets and trombones aren’t just difficult to learn to play, they’re loud. By learning to use a mute, you’ll get way more range out of your instrument. Wind instrument mutes are highly useful accessories and they don't necessarily cost a lot.
Brass Instrument Mutes
Mutes are little like lids. They're placed in the bell of the instrument to block and alter the airflow, which changes the sound. While you could even get a mute for your tuba or sousaphone, in practice, mutes are usually reserved for lead instruments like trumpets and trombones.
Practice Mutes
It's a fact of life: trumpets are loud. As such, odds are that not everyone in your apartment building will be equally appreciative of your choice to learn to play a brass instrument. Luckily, practice mutes are also a thing. This type of mute is specifically designed to limit most of the volume.
Different Mutes
While there are many different mutes, only a few are commonly used, one of which is the harmon mute. Also known as wah-wah mutes, harmon mutes have not only defined the sound of Miles Davis, but can be heard in countless old animated cartoons (like Road Runner). Plunger mutes are also widely used and sound like less intense wah-wah mutes, while straight mutes will give you a more buzzy and biting sound. Last but not least, there's the cup mute, which packs a moody, mellow and nasal sound, making it perfect for jazz.
