TromboneChat

I’m currently in the market for a new bass straight mute. Not really interested in going somewhere and testing a bunch out, but I might try something like that if it comes to it. What’s your alls favorite bass straight mutes? I currently have a dennis wick. Nothing wrong with it, just want an upgrade.

Tom Crown copper bottom

You're assuming that there's something much better than a Denis Wick bass mute.

I have a Protec all-aluminum bass mute. I can't say it's better or worse than a Wick. It plays OK in the trigger range and will develop a bright buzz if pushed loudly. Its shape superficially resembles an oversize Crown, but not so polished, and the corks are thinner.

I'm liking Ilan Morganstern's mutes a lot: https://www.morningstarmutes.com/trombone-mutes My favorite is the aluminum bottom with the handle.

That said, I have a lot of straight mutes, and I use them in different situations. The Best Brass mute has the best low register and probably the most even response overall (though the Morningstar is VERY close), and the only real downsides are the high price and that fact that its so big it's hard to get in and out of the bell quickly. I put a piece of tread grip tape on it so I have something to hold on to.

Often I match my mute to the colleagues I expect to see and what they usually use. Nothing sounds quite like a Tom Crown copper bottom, so if that's what the principal is playing, that's what I'll play. But if I don't know what to expect the Wick is the go-to.

Posaunus wrote: ↑Wed Nov 27, 2024 9:45 pm You're assuming that there's something much better than a Denis Wick bass mute.

I've tried several bass straight mutes (including a kind of funky Best Brass "mini bass" that's interesting and quite good -- and that I still have), but the Wick just does the job all the way down to the pedals. I suppose there could be a "better" one, but I'm not at all sure that I could tell the difference or justify the cost difference. For me, I'm not even sure what an "upgrade" would be. Maybe just have your Wick bass mute gold plated for enhanced curb appeal.

I suspect that if you start trying a bunch of alternatives you'll be surprised by how good the Wick is in comparison. But sometimes you just have to go through that process.

GabrielRice wrote: ↑Thu Nov 28, 2024 7:36 am I'm liking Ilan Morganstern's mutes a lot: https://www.morningstarmutes.com/trombone-mutes My favorite is the aluminum bottom with the handle.

The Morningstar mutes are amazing! I haven't found anything I like better. The handle is genius.

GabrielRice wrote: ↑Thu Nov 28, 2024 7:36 am I'm liking Ilan Morganstern's mutes a lot: https://www.morningstarmutes.com/trombone-mutes My favorite is the aluminum bottom with the handle.

Hmmm. That bass cup mute does sure look interesting. I like my Wick cup mute -- except it's a bit of a bear to handle, particularly for quick changes. Any improvement to that would be welcome.

GabrielRice wrote: ↑Thu Nov 28, 2024 7:36 am That said, I have a lot of straight mutes, and I use them in different situations. <snip>

Often I match my mute to the colleagues I expect to see and what they usually use. Nothing sounds quite like a Tom Crown copper bottom, so if that's what the principal is playing, that's what I'll play. But if I don't know what to expect the Wick is the go-to.

I've accumulated quite a few mutes of various descriptions over the years, and I also fit the mute to the situation. As to bass straights, I have two Crowns (aluminum and copper) and two Wicks (aluminum and wooden). In a situation where I need a fiber mute (everyone else is using the red-and-white cones) I use the wooden Wick. I really need to pick up a red-and-white fiber mute.

I also opt for the wooden mute if I'm playing muted behind a vocalist (i.e., in a show pit). If I have a free choice I almost always choose the Crown copper bottom. As you note, nothing else sounds like it, and it is a sound I happen to like. The Wick aluminum mute plays better in the low register, but I'll struggle with the Crown for the sound. I would not want it as my only bass straight, though.

I'm not a Bass Trombonist, but plus one for the Morningstar mutes. Great response, sound and tuning. The neoprene "corks" are connected with a strong velcro, so you can move them to fit your particular bell better, so you can find where the low range improves, or fit it to different horns.

Jim Scott

Well, I'm good with my current straight mutes, but after some quick email exchanges with Ilan I just ordered one of the Morningstar bass cup mutes (fiber bottom).

What do you guys think of the Joral copper bottom bass mute? I generally like their mutes for tenor. They have a decent sound and play in tune across the registers. I also like the ring around the top of the mute that prevents clanging when inserting the mute. Anyone ever try one of these bass mutes?

Jo-Ral mutes are good too. Sonically somewhere between Wick and Crown.

tbdana wrote: ↑Thu Nov 28, 2024 11:45 am I also like the ring around the top of the mute that prevents clanging when inserting the mute.

Best Brass has this feature as well. However, it appears that currently their prices are about 100% more than Jo-Ral.

I use an all aluminum Tom Crown that really sounds amazing most of the time, and a Morningstar with an aluminum bottom when I need notes in the dead zone.

Burgerbob wrote: ↑Thu Nov 28, 2024 1:23 pm I use an all aluminum Tom Crown that really sounds amazing most of the time, and a Morningstar with an aluminum bottom when I need notes in the dead zone.

Where's the dead zone?

On most of mine, around low C# to somewhere in the pedals.