The next time you go to an orchestra, band, or jazz concert, watch the trumpet players. You will, occasionally, see them put objects into the bells of their instruments. These objects are called mutes. Really, though, they don't do much muting. It's more of a sound effect. The different shaped mutes make different sounds. Trombone and tuba players use mutes too (and horn players), but trumpets are asked to use them more often. Mutes are made from fiberboard, plastic, aluminum, or copper.
The straight mute is one of the more common mutes. Shapes do vary slightly from brand to brand, depending on the maker, but straight mutes basically look like a cone. These mutes give the horn a buzzy sound.
A cup mute is a straight mute with a cup attached to the end. It also makes a buzzy sound, but because the sound is reflected back, it has a richer, more fuzzy-than-buzzy, sound.
Harmons, or wah-wah, mutes are shaped like large soda or vegetable cans. They usually have "stems" on the end that can be pulled out or left in, as additional sound effects. They allow the player make a "wah" sound (hence the wah-wah name).
Plunger mutes are usually literally toilet plungers. Like the red (or black) cup shaped ones from the hardware store (unused, please), except without the stick. Plungers can be used to make a closed to open effect. Buzz-sounds to normal sounds. Plungers are most often heard in jazz. On occasion, even hats can be used as plunger mutes.
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