Help! Bubble mutes keeps falling out

wiemelen

Hi all,
I use a Tom Crown copper bubble mute, but it keeps falling out.
So now when I use it, I have to play with 1 hand and hold it with the other.
I used to have a similar issue with my Denis Wick bubble mute, but that usually stayed in I was carefull. Probably because the Denis Wick was much lighter.

So far I have tried to reduced the cork a bit with sandpaper, but with no result. The only thing that seems to work is putting the cork into water for about 10-15 minutes. Then the mute stays in. But unfortunately, that's not always an option and even if I do this, the cork will probably dry up before the end of a concert.

Does anyone have another solution for my problem?

Thanks,
Kurt
_________________
Trumpet : Yamaha YTR-9335CHS + Yamaha YTR-6335H
Trumpet mouthpieces : Lotus 2L (main) + Lotus 2L2
Flugelhorn : Kanstul 1525 with Curry 1,5FL
Cornet : Conn 80a (1919) with Curry 1,5 BBC + Curry 1,5 VC + GR L66,9 #6

VetPsychWars · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 3:44 am Post subject:

The Humes and Berg bubble mute has rubber in the cork. That might work better for you.

Tom
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zaferis · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 4:01 am Post subject: dropping out

a common issue with some mutes - and not limited to cork; rubber and foam also. (my experience is that cork last the longest-by far)

try breathing onto the bell, surface that comes in contact with the corks, just before you put the mute in. Like you're trying to fog up a mirror, one big "Hah".... This will put a small of moisture on the bell, this helps grab the cork.

cork will, over time, pick up oils from the trumpet and your hands becoming slick, quick work with a piece of medium grit sand paper will fix this (but sounds like you did this already)
then keep the cork dry.

good luck
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trpthrld · Heavyweight Member Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 4806

Get a piece of bicycle inner tube from a mountain / trail bike. 1 3/4" is the size you want to go for. A street / road bike tube will be too small in diameter (although I did use that size for my piccolo Harmon mute).

Cut a section that is about 1 1/2 inches long. Wash it out (it will probably have powder on the inside), let it dry.

Now for the hard part - spread it open & work it over the cork on your mute. This is easiest done with the mute set on a sturdy, flat, non-skid surface. You might need to work it down with your fingers. It will fit properly when the tube wraps around the edge of the cork (where the cork is at its widest).

It's important to leave the cork on the mute. This will not only provide a surface and edge for the tube to grip onto, but it will also keep the mute a proper distance from the bell.

Trim any excess tube from the mute hole.

I don't use any kind of adhesive. I find the natural grip from the rubber trying to get back to its original size more than enough to keep it in place. On the rare occasions where it starts to slip off, I just work it back into place. It has never "snapped" off.

The rubber provides a solid grip in the bell, and it's also easier to remove when you're going to "open."

I have done this to all my Harmon & Bubble mutes, and in the last 3 years, they have fallen out maybe 2 or 3 times total for all.

I've also done an A/B test with a mute just cork & mute cork with inner tube. To my ears and the ears of others who were listening, there was no change in sound. We were a bit surprised, as you'd think rubber would dampen the sound. But to our ears, that proved not to be true.

If you don't have a bike or friends who do, inner tubes are very inexpensive and will give you more than enough material to do all your personal mutes, the mutes of your section mates, the mutes of complete strangers...

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trumpaholic · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 4:57 am Post subject:

Tim is right on, this is what it will look like!

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j56/trumpaholic/100_2794.jpg
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byarranton · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 5:00 am Post subject:

It might be gross - but I stick the cork in my mouth right before I put it. Has always worked. Just don't share mutes!!!

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VetPsychWars · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 5:15 am Post subject: Re: dropping out

trpthrld · Heavyweight Member Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 4806

oxleyk · Heavyweight Member Joined: 12 Apr 2006 Posts: 4180

I put a thin film of Selmer cork and slide grease on my corks then rub it in. This makes them grip better and they don't squeak like dry corks do.

You don't mention what kind of trumpet play. I have a friend who has trouble with Harmon-type mutes in his Schilke B1 with its larger bell flare.

Kent

trpthrld · Heavyweight Member Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 4806

Another plus to the inner tube - no cork squeak.
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Craig Swartz · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 7:23 am Post subject:

Thanks, Tim, I'll have to try that. This is the reason I don't use my Jo-Ral copper, just keep using the old Harmon. It never fell out. Seems dumb to spend the money and just leave the damn thing sitting around.

wiemelen · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 7:42 am Post subject:

trpthrld · Heavyweight Member Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 4806

I have heard of guys removing the cork & then replacing it with two-sided tape, then applying a powder (maybe baby powder) to the exposed side. I have not tried this yet, but I suppose the powder decreases the grip strength of the tape yet leaves enough to help it attain a solid hold.

The powder would also probably lessen the chance of cork squeak.
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Tim Wendt

www.trumpetherald.com/marketplace.php?task=detail&id=146827&s=The-Best-Trumpet-Lead-Pipe-Swab-EVER--

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPWAJqghk24&feature=youtu.be

Craig Swartz · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 3:21 pm Post subject:

Blame the cork squeak on a woodwind player in front of you...

Craig Swartz · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 3:22 pm Post subject:

Blame the cork squeak on a woodwind player...

christiwans · Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2013 3:13 pm Post subject:

Similar to the "breathing on the bell" idea:

My undergrad professor once told me to lick the cork on the mute before I inserted it into the bell - it holds better than breathing (which is my usual MO). I have only done this when my life depends on the mute not falling out (competition/exposed solo/etc) and I don't have time in the music to stick it in really well.

It's gross, and it tastes bad, but it's been effective 100% of the time for me. I haven't tried the bike rubber idea.
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lh · Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 6:34 am Post subject:

Tim's advice piqued my interest. I finally got over to our local bike shop and gave a £1 donation to the owner's local charity box, and he gave me a leaky 16" x 1.5" tube from a child's bike he had just repaired.

I just finished installing slices as described on an aluminium Harmon, a Copper JoRal, and a Don Maslet practise mute.... all of which have an affinity for falling out at inopportune times. Now? Absolutely perfect!

One recommendation... I think I pulled all the skin off my fingers. I suggest not washing the rubber surface until completely installed, or it will grab everything. A light wipe will do the inside, and you get to keep your fingerprints where they belong.

Thanks Tim!

PS... keep two extra slices in your case if you play Warburtons or other two-piece mouthpieces. You can easily get them apart.... easier than with surgical tubing! (We should really consider a TH Pinterest page for trumpet household hints)

Dave
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trpthrld · Heavyweight Member Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 4806

wiemelen · Posted: Mon May 20, 2013 7:17 am Post subject:

So I finally came around to putting an inner tube around the cork.
And YES ... the mute stays in and fits great

.
The inner tube came from a childrens bike or wheelbarrow.
Don't know exactly, I got to try some old ones at my local bicycle dealer and he let me have it for free

It did make a squeeking noise (a loud one) at first, but I solved that by putting just a little bit of slide grease on it.

Thanks again for the great tip!

Kurt
_________________
Trumpet : Yamaha YTR-9335CHS + Yamaha YTR-6335H
Trumpet mouthpieces : Lotus 2L (main) + Lotus 2L2
Flugelhorn : Kanstul 1525 with Curry 1,5FL
Cornet : Conn 80a (1919) with Curry 1,5 BBC + Curry 1,5 VC + GR L66,9 #6

Crazy Finn · Posted: Mon May 20, 2013 8:48 am Post subject: Re: dropping out