Trumcor Classical vs Soulo

nonchalant · Regular Member Joined: 09 Feb 2017 Posts: 34

Hey All,

I'm looking for some input on a new cup mute, specifically something a little darker. I have the standard mutes; Dennis Wick adjustable, and the Humes & Berg. But I am looking for something to have some fun with and play solo rep. Adjustable defiantly preferred as I plan to use it with Bb and C.

Trumcor Classical would seem a good fit, but I don't see many people with them. The Soulo mute also seems like a contender.

Any help would be appreciated.

nltrumpet · Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2020 12:19 pm Post subject:

I've never played a Soulo, but I do have the TrumCor classical. As much as I love TrumCor's straight, lyric, harmon, and solotone offerings, I rarely use their classical cup mute. I tend to use my H&B cup when I get the choice, or my Wick cup since that's what Band/Orch sections usually all have. I've tried out their aluminum cup mute too, but I don't remember much about it.

nonchalant · Regular Member Joined: 09 Feb 2017 Posts: 34

Yeah I don't see much love towards the Trumcor Classical Cup, but on the surface it seems like a great concept from a company that makes great mutes.

Anyone have a comparison of Soulo vs Trumcor?

adagiotrumpet · Heavyweight Member Joined: 31 May 2006 Posts: 906

Although is is not either of the ones to OP inquired about, one of the best sounding cup mutes I have ever played is the Clary adjustable cup mute.

Tpt_Guy · Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2020 5:55 pm Post subject:

I noodled around on a Trumcor Classical Cup some years ago. To me it sounded kind of dead, but what really struck me was how lightweight the mute was and fragile it seemed. I opted not to purchase it.

I haven't played a Soulo.

Josh Rzepka has done several videos on various cups. Here are a few:

Wick, Soulo, Humes & Berg, Ray Robinson:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HMruy_uiaWE

Soulo Cup review:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5726zGKi6oU

Most recent Mute Monday with various TrumCor, including the metal cup:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zUC2k_S2rbk
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JoshRzepka · Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2020 6:50 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the shout-out, Tpt_Guy!

The classical cup and the adjustable aluminum will both give you a more distinct sound than the Soulo cup for solo work. The Soulo is much closer to a "traditional" cup sound, and is quite a bit brighter (IMO) than the classical cup. The aluminum one can get bright if you lean into them (especially with the articulation), but they can also be very wide and full.
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zaferis · Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2020 8:52 pm Post subject:

I like my Soulo Cup mute quite a bit.. well in tune, and with the adjustable mute is flexible in fit. I like the size of the cup-it covers more of the bell than others.

I've also lined the cup portion with felt (thin sheet felt, sticky on one side, from a hobby store), which to my ear gives a somewhat more vintage sound.
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wiemelen · Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2020 1:12 am Post subject:

I have the Soulo and it is indeed a nice mute.
Light and plays in tune.
But if you really want to have a nice mute with a unique color for solo work, try Facet wooden mutes.
Don't know if they still exist (can't seem to find them online anymore).
Alternative is Warburton woody mutes
http://www.warburton-usa.com/index.php/woody-mutes
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AJCarter · Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2020 6:41 am Post subject:

Always wanted to swap the corks on the TrumCor classical cup for the ones they put on the lyric mute. I feel like it doesn't sit quite far enough in.
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benlewis · Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2020 8:44 am Post subject:

I have a lot of cup mutes, including the two discussed here. I use a Soulo cup quite a bit. However, I have taken self-adhesive felt and lined the movable cup portion. I think this makes the mute sound more like a Ray Robinson cup, which to me is pretty much the gold standard. I have an original Ray Robinson, but rarely use it. The other mute I use a lot is the Roger Ingram MuteMeister Cup, which I like a lot. It is not adjustable, however.

You may also be interested in Tom Clary's WoodMutes:

https://www.woodmutes.com

HTH

Ben

nonchalant · Regular Member Joined: 09 Feb 2017 Posts: 34

Josh's recent video was what made me post actually. The trumcor classical sounded great, but I don't see many others playing or talking about it so I was curious as to what others are saying about it. Any mute I would get would have to be ordered in, so no real testing, especially side by side.

Everyone says great things about the Soulo. Josh's comments here about the Trumcor make it seem like what I might be looking for. However Tpt_Guy saying it felt/sounded dead is a little concerning too.