Are you looking to buy some different trumpet mutes to get a different sound out of your horn? Wondering which ones you need and what the best brands are? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
In this post, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about buying trumpet mutes and talk through all the different types and the pros and cons of different situations. We also review ten of what we think are the best trumpet mutes currently on the market to help you pick which ones to go for. Let’s get started.
Quick Answer: The Best Mutes for Trumpets
The Top Trumpet Mute Reviews
Before we get to our trumpet mute buyers guide, we’re first going to look at some trumpet mute reviews to help you narrow down which ones are the best to go for.
1. Yamaha SB7X2 Silent Practice Trumpet Mute
- Internal Microphone: Electric condenser microphone, Pickup Output Jack: Mini phone jack
- Nominal Level: -25dB to -35dB, Brass Resonance Modeling: Yes
- Power Supply: AA alkaline or nickel-metal hydride batteries x 2 (3V DC) sold separately
If you’re worried about how much noise you’re making while you’re practicing, then the Yamaha SB7X2 takes the top spot on our list for several reasons. Not only is it a suppressive beast, muting even the strongest of players, but it’s also equipped with high-tech features that make it stand out from the rest of the pack.
The first thing you might notice about the SB7X2 Practice Mute is that it comes with an internal microphone. You can listen to yourself play through earbuds, super useful for anyone trying to improve their playing.
Plus, you can be sure that the SB7X2 actually works as a practice mute. It reduces all playing to a nominal level, around 25 to 35 decibels, which will block the sound from penetrating or bouncing off your walls. All in all, a great option for those looking for something to reduce the amount of noise and one we highly recommend for serious trumpet students.
2. Jo Ral TPT-2A Aluminum Trumpet Bubble Mute (Harmon)
- Produces a distinctive sound with a louder "buzz" factor making it especially exciting for jazz musicians
- Create an exciting tonal quality that results in near-perfect intonation
- Crafted from aluminum, for a brighter tone, or from copper for a more mellow sound
Taking our number two spot is the Jo Ral TPT-2A Aluminum Trumpet Bubble Mute. If you aren’t looking for a practice mute but instead want something that will alter your trumpet’s sound, then look no further than this model.
The Jo Ral TPT-2A creates a distinctive buzzing sound that can light up a room. Jazz musicians, in particular, love it because the sound is emblematic of so many legendary jazz trumpeters who came before. Plus, the atonal quality makes it perfect for playing as a band while at the same time standing out from the typical crowd.
In terms of construction quality, the TPT-2A is durable aluminum and features cork to prevent scratching your instrument, a big problem with many of its competitors.
3. Denis Wick DW5526 Practice Trumpet Mute
- Practice in Peace: Our practice mutes are the ideal tool for teaching and learning the trumpet. Offering students an almost silent mute for practice,...
- Hone Your Skill: The mute helps new players improve tone quality and learn the art of breath control through opening the throat. By playing loudly in...
- Brilliant Sound: Each of our products are known for incredible carrying power and amazing intonation. Our practice mutes teach students how to achieve...
Taking the third spot on our ranking of the best trumpet mutes is the Denis Wick DW5526 Practice Mute. This is the second-best practice mute on the market, next to the Yamaha SB7X2.
What makes the DW5526 unique is that it maintains your trumpet’s pitch and tone perfectly. The sound you hear using this mute is nearly identical to what you would hear without a mute over the bell. It uses a vibrating air column that takes up the entire vital capacity without sacrificing tonal quality as you might with other mutes.
Often, mutes resist the player’s attempts to blow into them, tiring you out faster than if you played without a mute. The DW5526 is super easy to play, offering almost no resistance airflow in and out of the mute.
4. ZJTL Bremner SshhMute
- Allows a player to practice almost anywhere
- Small amount of back pressure compared to other practice (silent) mutes
- Remains in tune and faithfully accurate throughout the entire range
Coming in at number four on our list is the ZJTL Bremner SshhMute, an exceptional practice mute with a couple of extra qualities that make it one of the better models on the market.
The ZJTL Bremner SshhMute has a longer construction than other mutes, allowing it to absorb sound waves more efficiently. The cork rim not only keeps it from vibrating but also helps prevent damaging your trumpet bell as you take the mute on and off.
The longer design also reduces the amount of backpressure you might experience when playing. However, there is still a small amount of backpressure, so keep this in mind if you tire quicker when playing with a mute.
5. Denis Wick DW5504 Straight Trumpet Mute
- THE CLASSIC: This mute is our original 1968 design. Perfectly tuned in all registers, the mute has a pleasant feel when you use it that won’t affect...
- LONG-LASTING: Quality materials and construction make a solid product. Whether you’re just starting your musical journey or are a seasoned player...
- CARRY POWER: World-renowned for intonation in all dynamic ranges, our products offer a brilliant sound quality, lightness, and resonance. Beginners...
Rounding off our top five picks for the best trumpet mutes is the Denis Wick DW5504 Straight Mute, the second model we’ve included from Denis Wick.
If you’re looking to get your first concert mute, then the DW5504 Straight Mute might be the perfect option for you. It’s lightweight and durable and has perfect tonal qualities for any trumpet genre.
This Denis Wick model is one of the more common mutes you’ll see trumpet players using, and for a good reason. It’s exceptionally well-suited to use across a variety of genres, from orchestral to jazz, and it’s relatively inexpensive as well.
Overall, it is an excellent trumpet mute for those looking to create a buzzing sound for live performances rather than use it as a practice mute.
6. Denis Wick DW5531 Cup Trumpet Mute
- ENHANCED MUSIC: Great sound is made easy by using an adjustable trumpet mute. Ideal for beginners or experts. The cup itself is adjustable, which lets...
- THE NOTES YOU WANT: Your trumpet’s timbre is enhanced with a trumpet mute, offering a rich, warm sound for brass instruments. Whether you’re...
- LONG-LASTING: Each trumpet mute is handmade, finished with all natural cork from Portugal that will not deteriorate over time. With proper care, the...
The third Denis Wick product on our list, the DW5531 Cup Mute, is essential for serious trumpet players.
The best part about the Denis Wick DW5531 is that it’s an adjustable cup mute, meaning you can adjust the mute to fit your needs. For example, if you’re doing solo work, you might want to extend the cup, while concert or orchestral music might require a more closed position. You can adjust the DW5531 Cup Mute to fit the occasion regardless of where or what you’re playing.
Like most Denis Wick models, the DW5531 is made from high-quality spun aluminum. It has the buzzing tonal quality you’re looking for and also provides protection for your instrument, no matter what position you have it in.
7. Bach 1860 Straight Trumpet Mute
- Durable and affordable
- Made of economical polyethylene
- Lightweight
One of our budget picks for the best straight trumpet mutes on the market, the Bach 1860 Straight Mute, is a great little mute that’s ideal for young students or novices.
While the Bach 1860 isn’t as great at suppressing sound as our top picks, it’s still better than most of the alternatives. The polyethylene material mutes it to the ideal level for home practice, and you can also use it in a concert setting.
Another benefit of polyethylene construction, aside from cost and sound suppressing qualities, is that it’s nearly indestructible. Aluminum is the better material for mutes, but it also dents quite easily. With the Bach 1860, you won’t have to worry about a younger learner being careless with their mute.
8. Harmon B Bow Wow (Harmon) Trumpet Mute
- B model Wow-Wow
- All aluminum
- Great for jazz and concert band
If you’re a jazz trumpet player looking for a high-quality and affordable Harmon mute, look no further than the Harmon B Bow Wow. It features an all-aluminum build that has great intonation and suppressive ability, all for a lower price than the competition.
Like other mutes, the Harmon B Bow Wow features a cork rim. Unlike other mutes, though, this rim is a bit smaller, meaning it won’t protect as much of the bell. However, if you’re careful with your mute and instrument, there shouldn’t be much of an issue.
However, it’s important to note that the Harmon B Bow Wow’s aluminum isn’t as high quality as the ones further up this list. While still incredibly resonant, it’s not quite as durable, meaning you’ll have to be more careful with this mute than most.
9. Libretto AC011-6 Cup Trumpet Mute
- Made exclusively by Stage Rokcer
- Well-designed to accommodate all standard types of trumpets
- Well-balanced and free-blowing in any register
Another budget cup mute, the Libretto AC011-6 Cup is a well-designed mute that can fit almost every type of standard trumpet.
While the cork strips on the bottom of the mute serve to protect your instrument from the aluminum, we’d prefer if they went all the way around the mute’s body. However, the strips work perfectly fine to prevent more damage; just be careful when twisting the mute into place as the cork might wear down.
The Libretto AC011-6 Cup is also, like most cup mutes, adjustable. Whether you’re playing solo or as part of a large orchestra, the AC011-6 is a great option, especially if you’re still figuring out which genre you want to play.
10. Pro Tec Liberty Practice ML201 Trumpet Mute
- Free-blowing and allows trumpet player to warm up quietly with accurate intonation
- Well-balanced in all registers
- High-quality spun aluminum
Taking the final spot on our list of the best trumpet mutes is the Pro Tec Liberty Practice ML201, another budget option suited to beginners or players looking to get back into trumpeting after a long hiatus.
The first thing we noticed about the ML201 practice mute is how lightweight it is, only weighing about 0.25 pounds. Plus, the cork wraps all the way around, giving it more protection than some other budget models.
However, this mute is a bit smaller than the competition as well, meaning it isn’t as suppressive as higher-end models. While it’s great for practicing, you might need something a bit more robust if you plan to play in a concert or band.
How to Choose a Trumpet Mute: A Buyer’s Guide
So you’ve decided you want to start experimenting with trumpet mutes but there are so many types.
While these little cone-shaped devices do in fact mute the sound as the name suggests, they also allow trumpeters to produce a huge variety of different sounds.
As a result, there are actually lots of different types of trumpet mutes and it can be a bit confusing to decide which one you need.
In this part of our post, we’re going to guide you through all the different types to help you know which trumpet mute you need for your needs.
Types of Trumpet Mutes
Mutes are not one size fits all. There are a few different types of mutes, each producing a different tone quality used for different purposes.
Since all mutes fit into the bell of the instrument, it is important to make sure you purchase a mute that fits your type of trumpet.
For example, a Bb trumpet mute will likely not fit a pocket trumpet. Although both instruments play in the key of Bb, their bell sizes typically differ.
Straight
The straight mute is the most commonly used type and is typically the first mute a trumpeter will experiment with.
Straight mutes produce a muted nasal tone that is used to make the sound quieter, softer, and less brassy.
Most straight mutes fit nicely into any trumpet bell and are playable at most registers.
Cup
The cup mute looks like a straight mute but with a cup on the end of it. In fact, in some models, the cup is adjustable and can be removed entirely to become a straight mute.
The cup construction produces a softer muted sound similar to that of the straight mute, but without the nasal quality.
In the adjustable variety, the closer the cup is to the bell of the trumpet, the softer and less nasal the sound becomes. This allows you to experiment with the cup’s position to get different sounds.
Harmon
Another common mute is the Harmon mute which is a short, wide cylindrical mute with a narrow tube at the base.
This mute is also known as the “Wah-Wah” mute, as covering and removing it can produce a fun “wah-wah” sound effect used predominantly in early jazz music.
Plunger
The plunger mute is named as such because it works by creating a suction similar to a toilet plunger.
By covering and uncovering the bell to make the plunger motion, it creates an even louder and more dramatic “wah-wah” sound than the Harmon mute.
Many trumpeters combine the plunger mute with a flutter tongue technique to create a loud fluttering sound used commonly in jazz music.
You can buy specifically made plunger mutes for the trumpet or you can visit a local hardware shop and buy an actual plunger which will work just as well.
Derby
The derby mute is named so because it resembles a derby hat.
The derby mute produces an effect that the sound of the trumpet is coming from further away than it actually is. This is great for creating a dramatic effect.
Practice
And lastly, practice mutes do not change the tone quality of the trumpet like the other mutes.
It simply makes the trumpet much quieter so that you can practice in a wide variety of settings without disturbing other people or sacrificing the quality of your embouchure or airflow.
These mutes are never normally used in a performance setting and are only used when practicing.
Materials
Different mutes are made of different materials for specific reasons. What they all have in common is that they must be lightweight so as not to impact playability. Mutes are therefore sensitive pieces of equipment that must be stored and treated with care.
Aluminum is a common material for straight, cup, and some derby mutes, as aluminum reflects and produces a brighter, louder sound.
Compressed fiber, which feels like the midpoint between wood and cardboard, absorbs sound. Therefore, it is also used for these three kinds of mutes when the player wants them to produce a bit softer sound, and it is also used for practice mutes.
ASB plastic is a cheaper and more durable alternative for all of these mutes, although the sound quality it produces is not as bright.
Plunger mutes are actually made of rubber, like toilet plungers, which helps it create that similar effect.
Most trumpet mutes will also have some cork at the end that is placed in the bell to avoid damaging or scratching the bell.
Best Brands
Whether you are a novice player in search of your first mute, or a seasoned professional looking to enhance your accessory collection, there is a brand for you.
Even if you are on a budget or hesitant to drop big money until you try out a few mutes, you can find quality mutes at affordable prices. These three brands of mutes offer you the most bang for your buck.
Bach is one of the most popular mute brands as well as one of the most popular trumpet brands. Pairing a Bach mute with a Bach trumpet is a great way to ensure a seamless fit and compatibility. Bach mutes come in a range of quality and therefore prices, making them good fits for intermediate through professional trumpeters.
Dennis Wick is another popular advanced and professional-level mute manufacturer. While a more pricey option, you get what you pay for in handcrafted quality for an incredible tone quality. These are great investment mutes for those who play solos and frequently play diverse pieces that all for mute-induced sound effects.
Yamaha is another solid brand of mute that is also making quality trumpet mutes. Having been around for many years, Yamaha has evolved to offer mutes for novices through professionals. They offer options made of inexpensive through more delicate materials, at corresponding price and quality ranges.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
That about wraps up our guide to choosing trumpet mutes, we hope it helped make a bit more sense of them all.
Once you get to grips with the basics on the trumpet, we’d highly recommend experimenting with the different sounds you can get from all the mutes covered above.
Not only is it great fun, but it can also help develop your ear and musicality as you learn to blend the different sounds and use your trumpet in different ways.
If you’re still on the fence about which one to go for, despite every trumpet mute on our list being worth the money, we recommend checking Yamaha SB7X2 Silent Practice Mute for those of you looking for the best mute for quiet practicing.
Not only does it have more than enough suppressive power for even the strongest player, but it also has some cool construction quirks that give it an edge over the competition.
However, another trumpet mute might be a better fit for your needs. No matter which one you choose, the mutes from this list won’t disappoint!
- Internal Microphone: Electric condenser microphone, Pickup Output Jack: Mini phone jack
- Nominal Level: -25dB to -35dB, Brass Resonance Modeling: Yes
- Power Supply: AA alkaline or nickel-metal hydride batteries x 2 (3V DC) sold separately
