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bradnott Regular Member
Joined: 13 Nov 2019 Posts: 13
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Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2024 2:38 pm Post subject: Conn Practice Mute (1920s) Queston |
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I bought a Conn 80a that included a Conn practice mute. I'm interested in adding it to my mute collection for working on traditional jazz solos that used the mute half inserted (e.g., King Oliver), and for work with a plunger.
It's missing one of the corks so I will need to re-cork it, and I will have to figure out how deep it should go into the bell.
Also, it looks like someone made a hole in the end of the mute. Images I can find online of this Conn mute show the end of the mute is closed off.
Questions:
1. How deep should this thing go into the bell?
2. Any idea what this odd little cone that goes with it is used for?
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Andy Cooper Heavyweight Member
Joined: 15 Nov 2001 Posts: 1833 Location: Terre Haute, IN USA
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Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2024 5:13 pm Post subject: |
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Quote: | It's missing one of the corks so I will need to re-cork it, and I will have to figure out how deep it should go into the bell. |
As far as corking goes - the thickness of the corks should be determined by the intonation and the way the different registers respond. That will be specific to the instrument you are going to use it with.
Why not experiment with some painter's masking tape on top of the existing cork to change the thickness before you replace the cork.
Here it is in a Conn catalog
https://www.saxophone.org/museum/publications/id/143
Page 75
This is a PDF download - clicking on it will download the file
https://www.brasshistory.net/Conn%20Mutes%20History.pdf
Sort of a history of Conn mutes
Thank you Sax players and Brasshistory.net |
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nieuwguyski Heavyweight Member
Joined: 06 Feb 2002 Posts: 2349 Location: Santa Cruz County, CA
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Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2024 5:49 pm Post subject: |
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There were many different versions of those little Conn mutes. It seems like quite a few versions had a little finial at the end -- maybe the hole on yours is where one was mounted.
I have no idea what that second metal cone might be for. _________________ J. Notso Nieuwguyski |
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HuberMusic Regular Member
Joined: 30 Dec 2021 Posts: 11 Location: Brooklyn, NY
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Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2024 9:00 pm Post subject: |
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Hi Bradnott,
So that straight mute is a Conn brilliant A-P-300. They also made a B-P-300 model straight.
Someone probably drilled a hole in it to change the sound. For the cork I would put some relatively thick cork on and file it down until it fits well and plays in tune, usually when low F# speaks well you can stop filing the cork.
As far as the cone goes....the mutes did come with them...I'm guessing to protect the cork when the mute was in the case. _________________ Huber Music
www.FHuberMusic.com |
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Andy Cooper Heavyweight Member
Joined: 15 Nov 2001 Posts: 1833 Location: Terre Haute, IN USA
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Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2024 9:36 pm Post subject: |
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I've been thinking about the hole in the bottom of the mute - some later competitors had a "button" on the end of the mute. The "buttons" seem too small to hold on to but just about right for a heavy string or cord. Perhaps the previous owner installed a DIY button.
I cobbled up something similar a few years ago when I had quick and repeated mute changes and just tied the mute to my wrist.
Last edited by Andy Cooper on Wed Mar 06, 2024 9:43 pm; edited 2 times in total |
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bradnott Regular Member
Joined: 13 Nov 2019 Posts: 13
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Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2024 9:37 pm Post subject: |
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Andy Cooper wrote: | Quote: | It's missing one of the corks so I will need to re-cork it, and I will have to figure out how deep it should go into the bell. |
As far as corking goes - the thickness of the corks should be determined by the intonation and the way the different registers respond. That will be specific to the instrument you are going to use it with.
Why not experiment with some painter's masking tape on top of the existing cork to change the thickness before you replace the cork.
Here it is in a Conn catalog
https://www.saxophone.org/museum/publications/id/143
Page 75
This is a PDF download - clicking on it will download the file
https://www.brasshistory.net/Conn%20Mutes%20History.pdf
Sort of a history of Conn mutes
Thank you Sax players and Brasshistory.net |
Thanks, those references are very interesting! |
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LittleRusty Heavyweight Member
Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 12664 Location: Gardena, Ca
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Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2024 9:47 pm Post subject: |
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I found this completed sale on ebay that clearly shows the corks. It might help you figure out where to start your cork size.
This thread seems to confirm the cork cover theory. |
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bradnott Regular Member
Joined: 13 Nov 2019 Posts: 13
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Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2024 9:26 am Post subject: |
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LittleRusty wrote: | I found this completed sale on ebay that clearly shows the corks. It might help you figure out where to start your cork size.
This thread seems to confirm the cork cover theory. |
Wow thanks! I love the details like this. I'm a history nerd so I love learning about vintage items like this. |
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Andy Cooper Heavyweight Member
Joined: 15 Nov 2001 Posts: 1833 Location: Terre Haute, IN USA
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Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2024 10:29 am Post subject: |
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For those of you fortunate enough to be in possession of one of these mutes, is there any modern equivalent - in sound - not necessarily in looks?
(I saw some stainless steel water bottles one line that look promising if you stuck some corks on them. Do you think I should get the insulated ones?} |
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