Straight
Cone shaped object (metal or wood) with three pieces of cork to hold it in the bell of the trombone.
Notated: mute
(It. con sordina Germ. mit Dämpfer Fr. avec sourdine).
Note: Be sure to instruct the player to remove the mute when no longer required.
Straight mute (metal):
Straight mute (wood):
Bucket
Bucket-shaped mute filled with cloth which clips over the bell of the trombone.
Notated: bucket.
Note: Be sure to instruct the player to remove the mute when no longer required. Allow lots of time to attach a bucket mute!
Bucket mute:
Cup
Cup-shaped cardboard attached to straight mute.
Notated: cup.
Note: Be sure to instruct the player to remove the mute when
no longer required.
Cup mute:
Harmon
Metal mute wrapped in cork and inserted into bell of trombone.
The mute has a stem which is normally fully inserted, but
may be pulled out or removed entirely. A 'waa-waa' effect
may also be achieved by using the hand to cover and uncover
the stem opening.
Notated: harmon
- stem out
- remove stem
- waa-waa (+ = shut, o = open).
Note: It is best to clarify what you mean by 'stem out'
with a note in the score. As with all mutes, allow time
for inserting and removing, and indicate when the player
is required to remove the mute at the end of a muted passage.
The harmon mute makes a quiet sound!
Harmon mute:
Pixie
A straight mute that goes all the way into the bell.
Notated: pixie.
Note: Be sure to instruct the player to remove the mute
when no longer required.
Pixie mute:
Plunger
A plumber's plunger held over the bell of the trombone and
opened or shut.
Notated: plunger.
Note: Be sure to instruct the player to remove the mute
when no longer required.
Plunger mute: