String Instrument Mutes - Differences and Characteristics

Everything you need to know about mutes -- when you should use them, what type you should use and what to expect them to do to your sound. Features another brand new apprentice, Zack Rosenthal. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any further questions!

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Violin
• viola
• cello
• string
• instrument
• mute
• quiet
• loud
• volume
• shar
• music
• practice
• orchestra
• performance

[osirisprotocol]

Does the metal mute stay in place once its on? I love the muting power it has but I'm worried that in a case of absentmindedness I may lean my violin to the side causing the mute to fall off and damage the violin's varnish.

[SharMusicTV]

@osirisprotocol It does stay put fairly well, but if you're uncomfortable about it, we'd recommend the Artino heavy mute. It mutes just as well and the rubber coating provides a little more security...

[moonlightandlove]

I am about to play blue grass in a band, should I get a orchestral mute for this purpose , or play without?

[SharMusicTV]

@moonlightandlove Unless your music or band specifically asks for it, I'd expect you'll be fine without. That said, I always think it's a good idea to have one sitting on your strings below the bridge just in case. For 99 cents, it's not a big investment :)

[mq9demo]

I need a stronger mute than any of those here... I cannot find a stronger one...

[SharMusicTV]

@mq9demo I'm not aware of stronger bridge mounted mutes -- you might want to look into silent practice violins. Basically they are electric violins with a headphone jack and no hollow body. With those, the only sound you'll hear is the sound of the string vibrating.

[NJBlacka]

Im sorry, but this just bothered me during the video. Don't get me wrong, it's a great video! But I am a violinist so it bothered me a little. When doing videos that require you to play instruments like the violin and viola demonstrated here, make sure they are perfectly in tune. Its just a suggestion. But i have already ordered a mute from you guys after trying one out. Thanks!

[rlusher3]

THOSE INSTRUMENTS ARE SO OUT OF TUNE AHH

[1940270]

where can i buy one string mute golferrichie40@bmail.com

[fantela01]

thanku! this video is exactly what I needed!

[jorgepeterbarton]

@sir9integra9jr ah yes i have one now and its strange it can dampen it by just sitting on the bridge..

on guitar or bass some occasional vintage models have a mute that is designed for the muted guitar or double-bass like sound and they sit on the string to decrease sustain. like putting your hand on the string.

[SallyAura]

Do the holes in an orchestral mute make any difference on their efficiency???

[sir9integra9jr]

@leontd I certainly do! The Tourte mute is clearer and the practice mutes are far more effective in dampening the sound (not to mention that they don't fall over, and they look nicer) ;)

[sir9integra9jr]

@jorgepeterbarton They don't actually change the length of the string. They sit on the bridge and hover just above the string, so the intonation is exactly the same. :)

[jorgepeterbarton]

won't some of those practice mutes affect the intonation of the cello?

as its infront of the bridge and shortening the string?

staying in tune is big part of practicing so i'm just wondering whether they will through me off.

[dwaynedibbly]

@pmbazman15 well i got my grandma to sit on the bridge while I play which provided slightly better muting,.