Mutes

celtic_lass · Post by **celtic_lass** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 4:37 pm

I plan on ordering a shoulder rest soon, and I ant to order a mute as well. I was thinking of maybe getting a rubber one, but which one to buy?
http://www.swstrings.com/Store/Shopping ... &Group=M14 (This is the one I'm really thinking about getting.)
http://www.swstrings.com/Store/Shopping ... Group=6223
http://www.swstrings.com/Store/Shopping ... &Group=M5A
http://www.swstrings.com/Store/Shopping ... n&Group=M8
Or perhaps one made of wire.
http://www.swstrings.com/Store/Shopping ... n&Group=M1
Anyone ever tried any of these mutes? I've never had a mute before, so I need some help deciding which mute is right for me.

Tim2723 · Post by **Tim2723** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 5:20 pm

Hi Sara,

There are mutes designed for different purposes, such as practice mutes that dampen the sound significantly so you can play in the wee hours, or mutes that change the basic timbre of the instrument for certain passages during performance (like in the way that brass instruments are muted to give a different sound). What do you wish to accomplish with the mute?

celtic_lass · Post by **celtic_lass** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 5:26 pm

I want a mute to cut down the volume. Right now I'm leaning towards the rubber practice mutes, since I heard that metal ones can do some damage.

Tim2723 · Post by **Tim2723** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 5:43 pm

That's what I use for the purpose. They're not expensive, but if you can try different ones at your music store you can get the one that works best for your particular violin. But I haven't had any real problems. I use them for banjo too.

Tim2723 · Post by **Tim2723** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 5:48 pm

I meant rubber mutes. I don't think I said that very well. Make sure the mute doesn't actually hit one of the strings. It should fit around the strings but add a lot of mass to the bridge to absorb the energy. I don't use the metal ones, although I've heard they're very effective. But I too have heard that metal can scar the wood, so I haven't tried it yet. The rubber ones work fine for me.

The first one on your list would be my choice too. Lots of mass, slips over the whole bridge to dampen the energy. Cheap, reliable.

celtic_lass · Post by **celtic_lass** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 8:13 pm

Just got the practice mute (first one listed above). Thanks guys!

meemtp · Post by **meemtp** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 11:08 pm

I recommend two:

1) 2 hole "Tourte" mute. It's a performance mute but cuts volume well without losing too much response and "feedback" from your fiddle.

2) The "Ultra" a rubber mute that goes over the entire bridge. You can play in your room late at night and most likely no one in the house will hear you. But, you lose a lot of the feedback and feel.

The big metal mutes cut volume even more, but yes, they can damage the top of your fiddle if it falls off the bridge. Easy enough to do with them!

When practicing without a mute, be sure to use some musician's earplugs, or at least one in your left ear. Violin players often have hearing damage in the left ear. I wish I'd caught onto this years ago! I had a hearing test last year and it showed some slight loss in the high frequencies in my left ear. Not super noticeable most of the time, but still a concern...

My left ear used to feel a bit off after having to really dig in in a big loud session.

How are you enjoying your fiddle from Steve? I own two that I got from him...great instruments and setup.