Adjustable Cup mutes

softcase · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 11:53 am Post subject:

I've found myself using cup mutes more often recently for solo playing. I haven't been able to find something that gives me a wide array of colours to work with, though. I have a Wick, but I find that I can't get as velvety a lyrical sound as I would like.

What are some other good adjustable cups? Any thoughts on the TrumCor cup?

BigBadWolf · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 12:11 pm Post subject:

As far as cups, I actually have a Tom Crown cup mute that I bought back in high school and never thought that I would use. But now, having to use cups for some solo works, I have found that it sound nice. It doesn't work well for a normal cup though and I wouldn't use it in the context of an ensemble.

Kevin

bdev · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 12:13 pm Post subject:

It's not adjustable but I'd try a Humes & berg cup mute. It's the old standard red & white one. I tried a few different cup mutes over the years and I found this mute to be the sweetest sounding.
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trpt.hick · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 12:19 pm Post subject:

I happen to like the Wick cup because it sounds nice and is adjustable. I highly recommend that you get a set of the foam rings ("Silencers") sold by Tromba (Denver) that can go into the cup or around a straight mute. These will offer many more possibilities for that "velvety" sound you are looking for.

Dave Hickman

trumpetmike · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 12:34 pm Post subject:

I use a Wick and find the sound to be as smooth as I require with the cup closed right against the bell.
I have been known to fill the cup with cotton wool and that made it even smoother.

Whilst at university the examiner for my final year recitals commented upon my muted sound, complimenting the soft tone - a Wick, closed right up.

As for other adjustable cups, I haven't seen any that I would consider, for a Bb trumpet.
I have a Wick for my Eb (new Eb adjustable cup mute - very impressive) and a Marcus Bonna for the piccolo - this is adjustable, but not quickly, it needs setting up in advance. The MB works superbly when filled with cotton wool - even the piccolo becomes mellow!

sparxII · Veteran Member Joined: 09 Oct 2002 Posts: 216

softcase,

Did you notice what kind of cup mutes James Thompson and Jens Lindemann were using on Friday's concert ?
......... they sounded very good.

Ted

CalicchioMan · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 2:17 pm Post subject:

I have two cup mutes...A Yamaha adjustable and a H & B stonelined cup mute (30+ yrs old)

I use the H & B most often

JohnL · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 3:43 pm Post subject:

You can wrap a handkerchief around the inside of a H&B (or any) cup to change the sound.

softcase · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 4:45 pm Post subject:

brad333 · Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 1:36 pm Post subject:

Jens said it was made of carbon-fibre and cost him $200(but he said he overpaid!). Jens swears by that cup mute but says he doesn't expect most people to go out and spend that kind of money. Apparently the mutes are made by a physicist/part time trumpet player in France and there's someone here(Montreal? I can't remember) that knows the guy who makes them and won't tell who it is! I guess he wants the market all to himself!

trumpetdon · Veteran Member Joined: 28 Sep 2003 Posts: 361

The mutes Jens and Jim played sounded fabulous..although I am sure that has more to do with Jim and Jens than the mutes!
Still, I covet thy neighbors mute!
I never got around to asking who at the symposium was online with TH. It would have been nice to put a face and music to our usernames.
FYI, I am Don from Chicago. If you were at the symposium, I played the Ibert Impromtu for Jens and a Russian vocalise for Jim, plus some orch. excerpts in the smaller classes.

Don

softcase · Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 2:59 pm Post subject:

Hey Don! I saw both your masterclass performances, you sounded great! I played the first movement of the Hindemith in the same class as your Ibert, and an excerpt from Prokofiev 6 in the same class as your Vocalise. We went for lunch at Ned's together with Jeff one day. Glad to see that some people can stay in touch through TH, and other things.

Adam

trumpetdon · Veteran Member Joined: 28 Sep 2003 Posts: 361

Hey Adam,
Of course I remember you well, it was your "softcase" username that I did not recognize! Now I will be able to connect your posts to my memories of Toronto.
Thanks for the compliment on my playing. It was a wonderful week of inspiration and renewal. I hope the stardust stays around for a while.
I could go on and on about the brillance of Jens and Jims playing and teaching, and I must add my gratitude for the tremendous generousity and spirit of our host, Jeff Reynolds. Just an awesome guy.
You did a very fine job on the Hindemith and the Prokofiev, bravo! I likely have your Hindemith on DAT. I have only listened back to my sections, and did not have enough tape for the whole week, but since you were first out of the gate, I think I have it if you want it.
Keep up the enthusiasm and hard work. I am sure we will all hear more from you someday.
If you ever learn were to get those cup mutes, count me in! What a sound.

Don Cagen

softcase · Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2004 5:38 am Post subject:

Don,
I'd love it if you could send me that recording! I really got a lot out of working with Jens on that piece.
Thanks!
Adam

ScottA · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 9:28 am Post subject:

I find the Wick cup mute too "metallic" sounding. An excellent alternative is the adjustable cup from TrumCor mutes. It is made of a fiber material and runs about $75. It has a very nice sound. Smooth and mellow. Certainly worth a listen!

Scott

softcase · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 4:10 pm Post subject:

Thanks, ScottA. I've ordered one of the TrumCor mutes and am looking forward to trying it out.

sparxII · Veteran Member Joined: 09 Oct 2002 Posts: 216

Softcase, brad333 & trumpetdon,

I have a 'carbon-fibre' adjustable cup mute on order. The same one we saw at the trumpet symposium ........... I'll keep you posted.

Ted

softcase · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 5:04 pm Post subject:

Really?? Wherever did you find it? My interest is piqued.

nashbop63 · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 5:37 pm Post subject: adjustable cup

One good ( and cheap ) solution is the Humes and Berg "mic-a-mute", which is a non adjustable cup with a flocked lining and a soft rubber ring aorund the top of the cup. A great sound either in or out of a microphone, and probably less than $20.00

swinger_006 · Posted: Thu Sep 16, 2004 6:32 pm Post subject:

Good 'ol humes and berg red+white cup for me. When I want a softer, more distant tone, I just roll up a rag or sock and stuff it inside.
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