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Home » Tutorial » What Are The Different Trumpet Mute Types?

Trumpet Mute Types

Last updated January 20, 2025

What Are The Different Trumpet Mute Types?

  • Proudly written by Pro-Trumpeter,
  • Cai Isfryn
  • 6 Comments
  • Trumpet | Brass

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Have you ever wondered how trumpet players create those fascinating sounds that define jazz, classical music, and more? Let’s explore the world of trumpet mute types and discover how they shape a performance.

Each mute adds a special touch, changing the trumpet’s sound to match different musical styles and moods. These small tools are like magic, making the trumpet more versatile and helping players express emotions and feelings.

Keep reading as we explore the types, effects, and best uses for trumpet mutes. It’s a musical journey you won’t want to miss!

Table of Contents

What is a Trumpet Mute?

A trumpet mute is a device that can be inserted into or affixed to the bell of a trumpet. Its purpose is to alter the tone and volume of the instrument, making it softer or changing its colour.

When played with a mute, the sound of the trumpet bell changes, becoming subdued and mellow. Trumpet mutes are commonly made from metal or fibre/cardboard and used in classical and jazz music.

Fun Fact
Did you know that the first trumpet mute was reportedly invented in the early 1800s by a French musician named Jean Hilaire Asté? The mute was initially made of wood and designed to create a softer, more muted trumpet sound for church services.
AMAZING!

Why Should You Use a Trumpet Mute?

Using a trumpet mute can significantly impact the sound of your instrument. It can help you achieve a unique and distinctive sound on a brass instrument that can add depth and character to your music.

When are Mutes Used?

Mutes are widely used in various musical genres to control volume, create special effects, express emotions, and alter the timbre. For instance, if you want to blend in a small venue or add a muted, nasal sound to your jazz music, you can use a mute like the Harmon.

Alternatively, if you want to create a warm, mellow tone for your ballads or achieve a specific sound that suits your music, you can use a cup mute to alter the timbre of your instrument.

7 Different Types of Trumpet Mutes

Let’s explore the different types of trumpet mutes and how they can be used to create unique sounds and effects.

1. Straight Mute

A straight mute is a cone-shaped object that fits into the bell of your trumpet. It’s usually made of metal or fibre/cardboard and held in place with three cork pads. Using a straight mute gives you a unique, muted sound that can add a lot to your music. It’s perfect for classical and jazz music and a gig essential for any trumpet player.

Yamaha Sb7X Silent Brass System For Trumpet Review
Best FOR AN EXCELLENT INTONATION

DESIGNED FOR: use in apartments or other noise-sensitive environments

FEATURES: Has Brass Resonance Modeling technology that maintains a natural tone and timbre

OTHER INFO: Reduces volume and allows for quiet practice

Check Price >
9/10

Yamaha SB7X Silent Brass System for Trumpet

What Retailer to Buy From?

When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item.  Our personal favorite is Gear4music.

It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too.  Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.

Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!

PROS
  • With Personal Studio belt pack with two reverb types (room and hall) for added sound enhancement
  • Includes a headphone amp and earphones
  • Easily connects to an external amplifier via the output jack
CONS
  • Relatively expensive compared to other straight mutes on the market
Arrow Down
The TedScore™: 9/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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™.

2. Cup Mute

Cup mutes are very similar to straight mutes but with a wider cup shape on the end. They’re typically made of stone-lined cardboard and are often the second mute on a player’s list. When using a cup mute, you’ll notice that it has a more muffled sound and often has an adjustable function to move the cup closer to or further away from the bell.

This type of mute is commonly used in jazz and big-band music and is typically used on the trumpet or trombone. The cup mute has a more subdued and darker tone than the straight mute.

Denis Wick Dw5531 Adjustable Cup Trumpet Mute Review
VERSATILE AND HIGH-QUALITY

DESIGNED FOR: trumpets and cornets

FEATURES: Free-blowing and very easy to play, with no noticeable problems with intonation

OTHER INFO: Offers a wide range of tones, making it perfect for a variety of musical styles

Check Price >
9/10

Denis Wick DW5531 Adjustable Cup Trumpet Mute

What Retailer to Buy From?

When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item.  Our personal favorite is Gear4music.

It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too.  Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.

Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!

PROS
  • Allows you to customize the amount of muting sound for your specific musical style and environment
  • Handmade to ensure the highest levels of craftsmanship and quality
CONS
  • One of the more expensive cup mutes on the market
Arrow Down
The TedScore™: 9/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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™.

3. Harmon Mutes

Paddy Harmon perfected the Harmon mute in the 1920s during the big band era. Miles Davis, a famous jazz musician, was known for using this type of mute in his trumpet playing. The Harmon mute is sometimes called a “wah wah mute” because when the player uses their hand to open and close the end of the mute, it creates a unique sound.

These brass instrument mutes are made by skilled technicians using metal spinning, and they’re available in copper for a slightly heavier sound.

Denis Wick Dw5505 Harmon Mute Review
LIGHTWEIGHT AND EASY TO USE

DESIGNED FOR: beginners and professionals

FEATURES: Made from high-quality aluminium for a bright and clear sound

OTHER INFO: Produces a distinctive and unique sound ideal for jazz and other genres

Check Price >
8/10

Denis Wick DW5505 Harmon Mute

What Retailer to Buy From?

When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item.  Our personal favorite is Gear4music.

It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too.  Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.

Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!

PROS
  • Known for its excellent intonation and playability
  • Highly durable and built to last
CONS
  • Some players may find the sound to be too bright or harsh
Arrow Down
The TedScore™: 8/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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™.

4. Bucket Mute

Bucket metal mutes fit over a trumpet, trombone, or euphonium bell. They’re great for altering sound and creating a soft, velvety, muted tone. Plus, they’re lightweight and free-blowing, which makes them easy and fun to use.

There are different types of bucket mutes, ranging from classic designs to modern versions that clip onto the bell using spring clips. Some of the top bucket mutes even have endorsements from famous musicians like Wayne Bergeron, Roger Ingram, and Herb Alpert!

Jo-Ral Tpt-1A Trumpet Bucket Mute Review
Best FOR LASTING DURABILITY AND GRIP

DESIGNED FOR: jazz music

FEATURES: Made from lightweight spun aluminium for easy handling

OTHER INFO: Fibre bottom produces a warm, mellow sound ideal for jazz and other genres

Check Price >
8/10

Jo-Ral TPT-1A Trumpet Bucket Mute

What Retailer to Buy From?

When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item.  Our personal favorite is Gear4music.

It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too.  Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.

Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!

PROS
  • With a soft felt cap to provide extra protection for the instrument
  • Highly durable and built to last
  • Pliable neoprene-enhanced composite cork pads offer
CONS
  • Some players may find the sound to be too muted or dull
Arrow Down
The TedScore™: 8/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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™.

5. Derby Mute

The Derby Humes & Berg mute is one of the more spectacular mutes available, and it’s kind of like a massive plunger mute. You can hand-hold it, or it has been known to be used with trumpets or trombones. It’s a plastic mute with a felt interior reproduction of an old-style Derby hat, perfect for use in show books and jazz work.

This brass instrument mute is felt-lined and practically indestructible, so it should not dent or crack. It’s corrugated with a built-in edge for easy hand manoeuvring of the derby over the other brass instrument mute’s bell.

Humes And Berg Derby Mute Trumpet Review
SUPERIOR SOUND QUALITY

DESIGNED FOR: jazz trumpeters

FEATURES: Made from high-quality fibre for a warm, mellow sound

OTHER INFO: The unique derby shape produces a distinctive sound

Check Price >
8.5/10

Humes and Berg Derby Mute Trumpet

What Retailer to Buy From?

When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item.  Our personal favorite is Gear4music.

It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too.  Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.

Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!

PROS
  • Features a classic design that's both stylish and functional
  • Can resist wear and tear over time, making it a great investment
  • Incredibly easy to use
CONS
  • Some musicians may find that they can't achieve the high notes they need with this mute
Arrow Down
The TedScore™: 8.5/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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™.

6. Practice Mute

Practice mutes are devices that attach to your instrument and reduce the volume, making it quieter to play. They also change the sound of your instrument slightly, creating a more muted and subdued tone.

Various types of practice mutes are available, each with different characteristics like volume, resistance, and sound quality. While some practice mutes are infamous for negatively affecting pitch and intonation, newer designs like the WMutes practice mute are specially crafted to produce a high-quality muted sound while maintaining good intonation.

Denis Wick Dw5526 Review
RELIABLE AND ADJUSTABLE

DESIGNED FOR: Bb trumpets and cornets

FEATURES: Carefully designed to stop nearly all sound while still producing a stable pitch and perfect intonation

OTHER INFO: Has a cup-shaped design for minimal intonation issues in all registers

Check Price >
8.5/10

Denis Wick DW5526

What Retailer to Buy From?

When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item.  Our personal favorite is Gear4music.

It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too.  Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.

Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!

PROS
  • Adjustable for a customized playing experience
  • With an extending tube for flexibility in sound
  • Allows you to find the perfect balance between sound reduction and resistance
  • Provides a unique sound and style for your playing
CONS
  • Some players may find the cup shape uncomfortable or awkward to play with
Arrow Down
The TedScore™: 8.5/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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™.

7. Plunger Mute

Plunger mutes are a musical instrument accessory commonly used by jazz musicians. These mutes are just regular bathroom plungers modified to create unique sounds when held before an instrument’s bell. They can produce different tones depending on how they are moved and are ideal for creating a ‘wah’ or ‘talking’ effect in your music.

Plunger mutes are not attached to your instrument and are held in your hand while you play. Different types of plunger mutes are available, made from materials like aluminium and rubber or metal cups that can be manipulated to produce a wide range of sounds.

Jo-Ral Tpt-6 Aluminum Trumpet Plunger Mute
PRODUCES GREAT SOUND

DESIGNED FOR: jazz musicians

FEATURES: Designed to be more comfortable to hold than traditional plunger mutes

OTHER INFO: Comes with a bronze cap to ensure that the sound won't be too sharp or harsh

Check Price >
8/10

Jo-Ral TPT-6 Aluminum Trumpet Plunger Mute

What Retailer to Buy From?

When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item.  Our personal favorite is Gear4music.

It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too.  Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.

Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!

PROS
  • With three distinctive sounds from a single mute
  • Doesn't need to be placed inside the bell
  • Lets you expand your sound range and explore new sounds
CONS
  • A little expensive compared to other brands
Arrow Down
The TedScore™: 8/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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™.
What Are The Different Trumpet Mute Types?

How to Use a Trumpet Mute

How To Use A Trumpet Mute

Using a trumpet mute is a simple process that can dramatically change the sound of your instrument. Here are some steps to follow:

Step 1: Some players like to remove the mouthpiece before inserting the mute (although this isn’t necessary).

Step 2: Take the mute and insert it into the bell of your trumpet.

Step 3: Make sure the mute is securely placed by gently pressing it down.

Step 4: Replace the mouthpiece if you did take it off and screw it on tightly.

Step 5: You’re ready to play with the muted sound!

It really isn’t complicated!

Choosing the Right Trumpet Mute

When choosing the right trumpet mute, consider a few things. Below are some factors to remember when selecting a mute for your trumpet.

Consider the Music Genre

Different music genres require different types of mutes. For example, if you’re playing jazz music, you may want to consider a bubble or Harmon mute, which can produce a distinctive sound and add character to your playing. On the other hand, if you’re playing classical music, a straight mute may be more appropriate to achieve a more traditional sound.

Consider the Playing Environment

If you’re playing in a small room or a quiet environment, you may want to consider a practice mute, which can help reduce your playing volume. On the other hand, if you’re playing in a large concert hall or an outdoor venue, you may want to consider a louder mute that can project your sound better.

Consider the Sound Quality

Different mutes can produce different tonal qualities, so choosing a mute that can produce the sound you’re looking for is important. For example, if you want a brighter sound, you may want to consider a metal mute, while if you want a warmer sound, you may want to consider a wooden or fibre mute.

Trumpet Mute Types
Summary

I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey of different types of mutes. Throughout the article, we covered:

  • Straight mutes: Known for their nasally sound and versatility in classical and jazz music.
  • Cup mutes: Often used for a muffled, softer tone, which is great for mellow pieces.
  • Harmon mutes: Famous for their distinct, buzzy quality, adding a striking color to solos.
  • Plunger mutes: Offers a wah-wah effect, perfect for expressive jazz performances.

Choosing the right mute can transform your playing style and expand your musical expression. Each mute has its unique sound, and experimenting with them can be incredibly rewarding.

Whether you want to add nuance to a classical piece or some flair to a jazz solo, there’s a mute for every occasion. Feel free to explore and have fun with your trumpet mutes. Happy playing!

Before you go…

Now that you’ve learned the different mutes you can use for your trumpet, check out these 13 Trumpet Accessories to add to your arsenal and take your trumpeting to new heights!

FAQ's

What mute did Miles Davis use?

Miles Davis made the Harmon mute famous and utilized it for most of his career. The silver metallic mute had a cone that tapered to fit inside the bell of his horn, giving him the unmistakable sound that identified him from 1955 to his final performances.

What is the difference between a cup mute and a straight mute trumpet?

A cup mute is a trumpet mute with a cup-shaped chamber, giving the sound a more mellow and rounded tone. On the other hand, a straight mute is a trumpet mute with a conical shape, giving the sound a brighter and more focused tone quality.

What is the quietest trumpet mute?

The Yamaha Silent Brass system is one of the quietest trumpet mutes available.

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  • Cai Isfryn
    Cai Isfryn

    My name’s Cai Isfryn and I’m a trumpet player who’s performed with Public Service Broadcasting and Bastille, appearing numerous times at Glastonbury Festival as well as some of the world’s most famous concert halls such as the Sydney Opera House and The Royal Albert Hall. I studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and am endorsed by Bach (I play a Stradivarius model 37). Aside from the trumpet I enjoy yoga and meditation as well as any endurance sport. I’m currently training for my first Ironman next year.

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↓ Click here to leave a comment ↓
  1. ClarkeQuips says:
    October 24, 2024 at 10:47 am

    Seven mutes and here I was thinking blowing less hard was the way to go quieter. Who knew?

    Reply
  2. SilentNote says:
    October 4, 2024 at 2:30 am

    I’m all about that practice mute life. It’s saved my relationships with my roommates. Never knew there were so many others though, interesting read.

    Reply
  3. T-BoneJazz says:
    August 18, 2024 at 6:03 am

    Gotta say, the cup mute and the plunger have been my go-tos for years. The way you can manipulate sound with a plunger, especially in jazz, is like no other. Totally changes the vibe. Cai Isfryn, great job on highlighting these, not everyone knows the magic of mutes!

    Reply
  4. ElizaJ says:
    July 18, 2024 at 6:40 am

    Really intrigued by the different mute types, especially the Harmon mutes. I’ve only ever used a straight mute. Does anyone have tips on transitioning to Harmon or Plunger mutes?

    Reply
    • JennyT says:
      October 25, 2024 at 12:25 pm

      Also wondering if a beginner can start using Harmon right away?

      Reply
    • BrassMaster82 says:
      September 9, 2024 at 4:28 pm

      Harmon mutes are great for that ‘wow’ factor. Practice with it gently, it’s more about finesse.

      Reply

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