Mute with or without stem?

starkadder · Heavyweight Member Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 535

I got a plunger mute at the hardware store. I know that there are rules about when to use the stem with a Harmon mute, but I've never seen a discussion about when to use a plunger mute with the stem in.

Like with the Harmon mute, it appears most people just throw it away...?

Gonzalez · Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2023 10:29 am Post subject:

I always use mine with the «stem», makes it easy to pick up from the floor when standing!
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Winghorn · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2023 3:20 pm Post subject:

Do plungers purchased at hardware stores have stems?

Halflip · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2023 4:24 pm Post subject:

Winghorn · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2023 6:35 pm Post subject:

Good one! You got me!

Riojazz · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2023 8:06 pm Post subject:

I've seen some hardware store plungers with two-foot wooden handles, and some with six-inch wooden handles. Which are we talking about?
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LittleRusty · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2023 8:10 pm Post subject:

I think it depends on the wood the stem is made from and what the music calls for. For quieter passages I prefer a softwood, like pine, stem that delivers a less edgy sound.

etc-etc · Heavyweight Member Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 6103

A fine balance between the sonority of the wood and the muteness of the rubber is achieved in some, but not all, plunger mutes.

No two plunger mutes are made identical.

When visiting a hardware store, wait for the new batch to come in. Otherwise, all you will get is mutes that had been inspected, and rejected, by plunger professionals and hydraulic specialists.

LittleRusty · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2023 10:32 pm Post subject:

etc-etc · Heavyweight Member Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 6103

Halflip · Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2023 2:07 am Post subject:

jkarnes0661 · Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2023 3:49 am Post subject:

LittleRusty · Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2023 7:29 am Post subject:

starkadder · Heavyweight Member Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 535

I am so pleased with the direction this inquiry has gone. It is exactly the sort of vigorous debate I had hoped for.

However no one had addressed which music styles and periods call for stem-in vs stem-out.

Halflip · Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2023 9:12 am Post subject:

LowerSlower · Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2023 10:05 am Post subject: Stem-less

I like going to the hardware store and buying a plunger. When the cashier asks "Don't you need the stem (stick)?", I reply, "No, I'm hard core, don't need the stem".
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LittleRusty · Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2023 10:28 am Post subject:

I notice that no one has discussed how to develop a nice patina on the plunger. I personally prefer to have a professional plumber add the patina by taking care of a few issues before I use it.

Nothing says I care for my possessions like a proper patina on your raw brass instruments or plunger.

Leatherlip · Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2023 9:48 am Post subject:

I always remove the plunger stem, otherwise my wife finds it and uses it. Makes for a stinky next gig.

On a more serious note, I found a old glass ice cream dish I'm planning on using for Clyde McCoy's Sugar Blues. Rumor has it, that is what he used.

Happy Plunging.