difference between mutes of the same brand/model like horns?

[trumpet_bob_silver]

Not sure where to put this. Mutes are flashy new gadgets.

Picking out a horn... Horns are different. You try several. They aren't quite the same, even when they're the same brand, model, etc. I suppose close serial numbers might be the same, but... They're unique.

Is the same true for mutes? (And is it that important?) If you've got a mute by x brand and you want to replace it with the exact same mute, can you just grab any off the shelf? Or do you need to line up several and try each one out first? Wise to do so, but is it necessary? Is a mute just a mute and not like a horn?

For mouthpieces, I haven't run into anyone trying out each individual mouthpiece. It's just been x vs. y type of mouthpiece.

[irith]

Mutes are relatively consistent in my experience. Pseudoscience leads me to believe that they have a simpler design (and function) that allows for a greater margin of error in construction. Either as a result or just tradition, most sections seem to be a lot more insistent on matching mute brand/model than mouthpieces or even horns.
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Trumpets.
Mouthpieces.
I have some.

[swallin1]

The only thing I've encountered are the trumcor fiber mute, and other similar fiber mutes. A lot of times with non-metal mutes the top isn't a perfect circular top, which means that sound might actually vary, but it really shouldn't be a big issue.