Keeping cork on a practice mute and not in the bell stem

[CuriousKen]

Well, after over 40 years of playing I experienced a new one. Because of my day job travel and time spent in hotel rooms, I travel with my horn and use a Dennis Wick practice mute in hotel rooms. Last week the cork from my Wick mute came off the mute and stuck inside the bell stem. I was able to get the cork out of the bell, but now I have a corkless practice mute.

Thoughts on reattaching the cork in a manner that won't come off in the bell stem?

[Bonearzt]

Weldwood contact cement is what I use to attach cork.

Clean the area with acetone or alcohol, spread a thin layer on both surfaces and allow to dry, then press the cork onto the mute.

Slightly rough up the exterior of the cork to remove any glazing that may cause it to stick like it did.

[baileyman]

Someone will report the permanent installation of corks in the bell, and removal from all mutes, making changes easier. Then will report the increase in core of the open horn. Then a debate about where and how the corks should be stuck for the best sound.

[OneTon]

If the cork were to be getting hard, I would consider replacing it. The cork is available for purchase. No offense, but I attempt to wet the corks before inserting the mute with the slide water atomizer. I do it at the beginning of rehearsal and often immediately before actual use. The last gig was outside. The cork dried out very quickly. When the corks let go, they have never been stuck in the bell. From an engineering perspective, permanent mounting of corks in bells is a great way to initiate corrosion that isn’t easily inspected until it does damage.

[CuriousKen]

Thanks for all the help everyone. Because I typically am in one location for a week at a time, I had been playing the horn, then setting it down with the mute in it. I did that all week. I didn't notice the cork issue until I was packing the horn up to return home. I have an apartment in the city that I travel to, so I can't deal with the cork and the mute until next time I travel. But, I won't be leaving the mute in the bell anymore when I'm not playing.

[ssking2b]

Just put a thin rag on the corks of your practice mute when you put it away in the bell. Remember to put your hand on it when you take it out of the case next time so the mute doesn't fall on the floor. Problem solved with sticking cork in your bell.

[timothy42b]

The cork on a practice mute has two separate functions: retaining the mute in the bell, and sealing well enough to minimize the sound.

I advocate separating the functions.

[TomInME]

Chapstik or other soft-wax based lip balm will keep the corks squishy and non-stick, and the springy-ness is what holds the mute in the bell. I've never ever had a mute drop out or get stuck when the corks were maintained this way. Squeaks tell me it's time to refresh the wax.

Spraying the corks with water actually dries them out and makes them hard over time. If your bell has moisture/condensation after playing, that may be the root cause.

[timothy42b]

Chapstik or other soft-wax based lip balm will keep the corks squishy and non-stick, and the springy-ness is what holds the mute in the bell.

I tried some rosin once. It works to hold a baseball, why not a mute?

Don't do it. It also works to make a violin string sound, and sure enough the squeak from the bell was horrendous.

[OneTon]

I tried some rosin once. It works to hold a baseball, why not a mute?

Don't do it. It also works to make a violin string sound, and sure enough the squeak from the bell was horrendous.

You weren’t holding the mute at the frog.

[TomInME]

Chapstik or other soft-wax based lip balm will keep the corks squishy and non-stick, and the springy-ness is what holds the mute in the bell.

I tried some rosin once. It works to hold a baseball, why not a mute?

Don't do it. It also works to make a violin string sound, and sure enough the squeak from the bell was horrendous.

Rosin is not soft wax.

[Kbiggs]

Bonearzt is a qualified tech and repair person. I’d go with what he says.

From personal experience: contact glues like Weldwood (or older glues like Barge cement, etc.) can be difficult to work with. Once the glue is dry on both surfaces, you have to have a steady hand to place the cork back in the right place. Once the surfaces touch, they stick just like they should. But it’s (almost) impossible to adjust the pieces once they touch. Make sure you have a steady hand!

*****

FWIW (in case repairing the cork doesn’t work): Some newer practice mutes are quieter, and have improved intonation and less resistance compared to the Denis Wick. I’ve used Wick practice mutes in the past for tenor and bass. However, I now use Rejano mutes. I’ve heard that Tatu, Pampet, Ben van Dyk, Wallace, and a few others are also excellent. To me, it was worth the investment.