why do i have to start on a practise mute if i can start on a straight?

Straight is OK. It depends how much tolerance your neighbours and family have..

when did you start using mute

I started playing with a bugle band. Played in the Bugle Band for 3 years. Great fun!!
That was back in 1970...long time ago.

Bad news for family and neighbours. No mutes for Bugle. I used a towel/sock to help quieten it down.

By the time I got to trumpet (8 months of bugle) I had an open range of 9 notes, so I only had to learn the fingering. (BTW my range is still about the same). I used a practice mute from day 1 on trumpet.

My neighbours did not realise, they thought that I had given it up...Pleasant surprise to see me play in Church, then Youth Orchestra, Brass Bands, etc. I am not a pro..just keen to play as a hobby, and small band gigs.

I think mutes add a whole new game to trumpet playing, and can add depth to a small band; helps to give variation and colour.

I have owned 3 mutes for a while now. The Straight mute, the Harmon mute, and the Cup mute. The cup has been my favorite, though I use the Harmon more often. The straight mute I almost never touch.

I recently bought a standard toilet plunger, and it simply rocks, especially after hearing Wynton Marsalis play one. I`m still learning how to use it appropriately, since it takes some cooridination.

I have three more mutes on the way from Musician`s Friend. The Velvet tone (bucket mute), the solotone (cleartone mute), and the pixie mute. I`ve read two sources now where the plunger is used over the pixie for an awesome effect. I`m gonna dig using that combo, I`m sure. The velvet tone mute is gonna be sweet, as well. As far as the solotone mute goes, I just discovered it on the internet during that past week, and I decided to order it, instead of the Derby mute (hat), which is the next and possibly final mute that I`ll buy. I watched Marsalis using a derby during one of his concerts. It was great.

There are also Bubble mutes, from J-ral. J-ral also manufactures the shortcut, which is simply a short piece of metal with a bell on the end. It allows for your mouthpiece to be inserted. It`s about 5 inches long, and looks great for practicing your buzzing and slurs, while the trumpet is still at home. I think this would be great for days when there simply seems to be no time for standard practice.

Uh, lets see... There is also a mute called the tri-tone. I think this one has a straight mute, a cup mute, and a plunger, all in one mute. I don`t think I`d bother with this, though it may suit some quite well. I think I like the fact that I`ll own 7 to 8 mutes separately. I think I`ll eventually buy a practice mute, possibly an electronic one, like Yamaha`s model. It includes some reverb effects and headphones, great for practicing quietly at home, not disturbing anyone, and yet getting a nice full sound, like you`re in an auditorium, or something.

My name is Ryan. I`ve played trumpet at a church, here in Toledo, for the past five years. Previously, I played in high school, mainly on the French Horn. I`ve been studying up on Wynton for a while, soaking up his thoughts for consideration. I will certainly take his practice methods seriously, as should any aspiring trumpet player.

As for mutes.... if you`re creative and serious about what you`re doing, then yes, they`re nesessary.

Hi Ryan,
You`re right on with the Pixie and plunger combo. Sounds fantastic...really can make it growl. Pixie is OK but not great by itself.

I`ve used a Buzz-WahWah and it`s worth a look as well.

I have not tried a bubble mute, but noticed one for Flugel as well when I checked on them. I will have a go at that. Best for 2005.

The buzz-wow... ahh.. that`s one that I keep overlooking. I`ve seen numerous pics on the internet, but am yet to hear one. I`m thinking that I`ll pick up one of those, eventually.

Thanks for the reply.

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