Harmon mute falling out

Graysen Winters · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 6:26 am Post subject: Harmon mute falling out

Hi,
I'm a middle school trumpet player, and I have a few pieces that require a Harmon mute and my mute keeps falling out. Any tips on how to fix this?
Thanks.

mrhappy · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 6:35 am Post subject: Re: Harmon mute falling out

mrhappy · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 6:40 am Post subject:

Miles Davis's harmon mutes would get so dented up they looked like he played basketball with 'em!!

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jazztrumpetbill · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 6:42 am Post subject:

You can fit a piece of rubber (like a bike tube) around the cork. That works good for me.
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pinstriper · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 8:07 am Post subject:

If the problem is that the cork has just become so dirty that it lacks grip, you could try cleaning with soap and water, with a stiff brush. Beyond that, maybe even scuff up the surface a bit with coarse sandpaper and wash off good.

If the problem is fit, you probably need new cork. A good source is any hobby/craft store where you will find different thicknesses. I have even used dense foam, which compresses easily and grips the bell well.
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benlewis · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 8:13 am Post subject:

This is my advise to all players who use a harmon; run, don't walk, to your nearest craft store and buy some sheets of Funky Foam. It's a sheet of 1/8" dense foam with a self-stick adhesive back, available in a variety of colors. I usually use brown or black. Then download the harmon mute cork template found here:

http://redwingmusicrepair.org/pdf/Harmonwowwowmutecorktemplate.pdf

The foam is very forgiving and can be applied over the existing cork. It makes for a very secure fit. I have never had a harmon slip after using this.

Additionally, you can use Funky Foam to adjust the fitment of mutes in larger belled horns. One of my Bbs is a Xeno 20th Anniversary with the larger bell. I can put a layer or two of foam as needed to fine-tune my mute collection without permanently changing the corks.

HTH

Ben

zaferis · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 8:27 am Post subject:

First of all is the shape of the mute (where it grabs the bell) in good shape? Cork in good condition? If it's out of round and missing some cork then that could be an issue.
Is your bell in good shape? No dents or creases? Clean (ish)?

This is something we deal with often with Harmon's especially.
Try breathing into the bell befor you insert the mute (like fogging up a mirror). Sometimes a little moisture will help.
Then you might try washing the cork with a small drop of dish washing soap (Dawn) rinse off and dry - will clean and moisturize the cork

If none of that works, find an old bicycle inner tube (one that you can destroy). cut a chunk out - roughly the same size as the cork - so that you have a rubber donut- Stretch that over the cork-will take some effort, and you'll want it snug. You're covering the cork with a layer of tube.. works great.

You can also, find sources that will sell you a pre-cut piece of cork or neoprene to replace what is on the mute.

good luck
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cheiden · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 10:27 am Post subject:

My super heavy JoRal first generation copper bubble never falls out. The shape of it and the type of cork seem to get a really good grip on both my old Bach 72 and current 43 bells. I always make a point to fog up the bell with a hot breath before inserting the mute.
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mrhappy · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 10:35 am Post subject:

trickg · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 10:35 am Post subject:

Don Herman rev2 · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 11:13 am Post subject:

Agree with all the above, and Funky Foam is great.

I don't use my Harmon all that often and the cork gets dry. I will sometimes get a little water in my palm (from my water bottle) and wet the cork by spinning it in my palm to dampen the cork before the gig. It's usually good to go, though I still fog the bell and pray all that copper doesn't hit the floor.

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pinstriper · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 5:02 pm Post subject:

Tobylou8 · Veteran Member Joined: 23 Feb 2019 Posts: 157

Aren't you supposed to lick it before you place it in the bell?

trpthrld · Heavyweight Member Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 4808

Mountain bike inner tube.

Cut a 1 1/2" piece. Square off the ends. Wash thoroughly with soap & let it dry.

Pull it over the cork all the way until it's just past the longer edge of the cork.

Trim the top so that it matches the rim.

No glue is needed. Over time it might start sliding up but that will be a slow an noticeable movement. Just pull it back down over the longer edge.

The grip from the rubber will be so strong that it will take only a very slight twist to seat the mute in your bell.

You're welcome.

Now buy a Trumpet Lead Pipe Swab!

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wiemelen · Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2019 1:00 am Post subject:

The funky foam and the bike inner tube solutions do work.
I used the inner tube solution on my Tom Crown.

However, if your finances allow it, I can recommend the Soulo Harmon mute.
They don't use a cork, but some other kind of material.
Combined with the fact that it is a pretty light weight mute, it really sticks in the bell without any need for licking or pushing it hard into the bell ... and it has not yet fallen out

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trpthrld · Heavyweight Member Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 4808

Addendum to the inner tube:

There is no need to lick the rubber or fog up your bell - the rubber grip is quick & solid.
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HornnOOb · Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2019 1:50 am Post subject:

Lick the cork before you put the mute in the horn - and give it a firm insert.
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mrhappy · Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2019 6:45 am Post subject:

Graysen Winters · Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2019 6:57 am Post subject:

Thanks for all the replies! I'll make sure to try some of these.

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

The best method I've found is to apply a very small amount of slide grease to the cork and rub it in. You don't need much and you can reapply as needed to cover the entire cork. I do this to all my mutes. It conditions the cork and causes it to stick better in the bell. It also prevents squeaking caused by dry corks.