Get ready to be amazed by The Most Unbelievable Things People Have Used as Trumpet Mutes!
From everyday kitchen gadgets to wacky DIY inventions, these shocking substitutes will leave you laughing and shaking your head in disbelief.
Keep reading to discover the wild world of trumpet mutes that proves musicians will do anything for that perfect sound—even if it means getting a little unconventional!
A sock (yes, it works)
Believe it or not, one of the most surprising items people have used as trumpet mutes is a simple sock!
Yes, you read that right—a sock! Musicians have discovered that stuffing a sock into the bell of the trumpet can effectively dampen the sound, creating a unique, muted tone. It’s a quick and easy solution when traditional mutes aren’t available, showcasing the creativity and resourcefulness of trumpet players.
Plus, it adds a touch of humor to practice sessions, as you can imagine the look on a bandmate’s face when they see a sock hanging from your instrument! Who knew that something so ordinary could become an essential part of a musician’s toolkit?
Toilet paper rolls—great for a quiet practice session
Toilet paper rolls have surprisingly found their way into the world of trumpet playing as an inventive and cost-effective mute option.
The roll fits snugly over the bell of the trumpet, effectively dampening the sound while still enabling players to work on their technique and tone. While it may provide a different level of sound control than professional mutes, the toilet paper roll is a testament to musicians’ creativity and resourcefulness.
It’s a humorous reminder that sometimes the simplest solutions can lead to practical results, making practice a little more fun and accessible.
Plastic cups—because why not?
Plastic cups have emerged as an unexpected yet clever solution for trumpet mutes, proving that creativity knows no bounds in the world of music.
Placing a plastic cup over the bell of the trumpet can effectively dampen the sound, creating a quirky and unique tone. This makeshift mute is not only easily accessible but also adds a playful twist to practice sessions.
The lightweight nature of plastic cups allows for a comfortable fit, making them a fun alternative when traditional mutes are unavailable.
Plus, using a plastic cup brings a sense of humor to rehearsals, as bandmates are sure to chuckle at the sight of a musician jamming with a cup in tow.
Old kitchen sponges (just in case you’re feeling creative)
Old kitchen sponges have found their way into the realm of trumpet mutes, showcasing the endless creativity of musicians when it comes to sound dampening. By simply inserting a sponge into the bell of the trumpet, players can achieve a muted tone that softens the sound while still allowing for expression and technique practice.
This unconventional approach is not only resourceful but also environmentally friendly, giving new life to sponges that might otherwise be tossed out. Using a kitchen sponge as a mute adds a playful element to practice sessions, often leading to amusing reactions from fellow band members.
Water bottles—surprisingly effective!
Water bottles have emerged as a surprisingly effective solution for trumpet mutes, demonstrating the ingenuity of musicians in their quest for unique sound modulation.
By placing an empty or partially filled water bottle over the bell of the trumpet, players can achieve a distinct muted tone that softens the sound while still allowing for clear articulation. This makeshift mute not only dampens the volume but can also add an interesting texture to the music, making practice sessions more fun and experimental.
Plus, water bottles’ accessibility means that musicians can easily find a mute option on the go, whether at home or during rehearsals.
Here are three fantastic trumpet mutes that offer great sound and quality—perfect for taking your playing to the next level without breaking the bank:
Yamaha SB7J Silent Brass System
FEATURES: Brass resonance modeling technology reproduces an unmuted tone in your ears
OTHER INFO: 2 reverb types (Room, Hall) fill out your sound
- Features a new micro USB connection and an electric condenser microphone
- It has low-profile personal studio beltpack clips directly to your belt
- Includes earbuds and an auxiliary cable
- None
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Harmon 5194 Trumpet WOW-WOW Mute
FEATURES: The all-aluminum wow-wow trumpet mute produces a classic effect
OTHER INFO: Aluminum with Cork seal
- Free-blowing mute that does not alter your tone in any way
- Some musicians may experience a slight change in intonation or resistance
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Protec ML104 Liberty Aluminum Adjustable Cup Trumpet Mute
FEATURES: All-aluminum adjustable mute for trumpet
OTHER INFO: Non-transposing mute produces a quieter, full sound with an altered timbre
- Incredibly durable and won’t dent or change shape when dropped
- Lightweight design
- It may require more effort to play and can restrict airflow
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Trumpet Mutes:
Everyday Items That Inspire Musical Creativity
The inventive use of everyday items like socks, toilet paper rolls, plastic cups, kitchen sponges, and water bottles as trumpet mutes showcases musicians’ creativity and resourcefulness.
These unconventional solutions not only provide effective sound dampening but also add a humorous twist to practice sessions, making music more accessible and enjoyable. Whether it’s a sock hanging from the bell or a plastic cup perched on top, these makeshift mutes remind us that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places.
Embracing such creativity in music fosters a playful atmosphere, encouraging musicians to think outside the box. So, the next time you need a mute, don’t hesitate to raid your home for these quirky alternatives!
Really digging the idea of using a sock as a mute! Gotta love the creativity in the music world. Props, Robert Emery, for highlighting these fun hacks.
lol so you’re telling me I can grab a kitchen sponge and my trumpet sounds different? Has anyone tried this? Sounds too simple to be true.
Yeah, it actually works! The sponge dampens the sound quite well, perfect for practicing without making too much noise.
Guess my kitchen’s becoming my new music studio, lol!
While I appreciate the creativity of using household items as mutes, I wonder about the acoustic trade-offs. Conventional mutes are designed to not only lower the volume but also to alter the tone in a specific way. Do DIY solutions such as socks and plastic cups provide a similar quality, or are we sacrificing sound for convenience? Curious to see a comparison.
I’m a sax player but this got me curious. Do you think any of these DIY mutes could work for a sax, or is it too different because of the reed? Always looking for ways to practice without waking up the neighbors.
Interesting read! But, wouldn’t the density and material of water bottles affect the sound differently compared to traditional mutes? Curious on your thoughts, Robert Emery.
You’ve got a point, TechieTrevor23. The material definitely plays a role in sound modification. From what I understand, the plastic of water bottles might create a softer, more muffled sound due to its flexibility compared to the rigid structure of traditional metal mutes.
Really loved the idea of using kitchen sponges as mutes! Tried it at home and it works wonders for my practice sessions without annoying the family. Great tip!