Conn Practice Mute (1920s) Queston

[bradnott]

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?

[Andy Cooper]

[nieuwguyski]

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.
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J. Notso Nieuwguyski

[HuberMusic]

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

[Andy Cooper]

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.

[bradnott]

[LittleRusty]

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.

[bradnott]

[Andy Cooper]

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?}