In short, all the brands you come to expect in music seem to be missing out on the bell cover craze. Though, it seems KYT Music and Protec have you covered. That said, don’t overlook what other brands like Carbinahome, Bestim Incuk, and ArtJ4U have to offer. Ultimately, whatever choice you make, you won’t be breaking the bank.

Review Criteria

If I’m going to be honest with you, my local community band has been on hiatus since the start of the pandemic. As a result, I’ve had no need for a bell cover. That said, I know other folks do, so I figured I’d simplify the search process for you all.

When I research the best products, I like to leverage the various filtering features of Amazon to limit my search. For instance, I used the following settings to generate this list of the best tenor trombone bell covers:

• Search Terms: Trombone Bell Cover
• Department: Musical Instruments
• Average Customer Review: 4+ Stars

As always, I make sure to sort the products by average customer review, so I know I’m getting the best product first.

5 Best Bell Covers

In this list, we’ll take a look at the five best tenor trombone bell covers that I could find on Amazon. Feel free to share your favorites as well.

#1. KYT Music Instrument Bell Cover – $

Coming in at number one on the list is a very affordable bell cover by KYT Music. According to their product page, this bell cover is 8 inches in diameter, so it should fit snuggly on most tenor trombones. In addition, it’s washable, so you can use it again and again.

Like most bell covers, this one is made of an elastic material, so it should form to the shape of your bell. As an added bonus, the material is double layered and includes a pocket for removable air filters.

All-in-all, this looks like a pretty good bell cover that even promises to limit effects on tone. Likewise, folks seem to be quite pleased with it. Though, there were a few complaints of it not meeting the strictest of safety requirements. As a result, it may be a good idea to use this bell cover in addition to a musicians mask.

#2. Protec Instrument Bell Cover – $

If you’re not a fan of the KYT Music bell cover for whatever reason, Protec makes one that is almost identical. Much like the other bell cover, this one features two layers of fabric which is washable. Likewise, it’s also elastic, so it should fit over a variety of bell sizes.

As far as I can tell, the only difference between Protec’s bell cover and KYT Music’s bell cover is the lack of a pocket for a filter. To me, that seems like a major downgrade. That said, if you don’t need the pocket, then this bell cover will work just fine.

Overall, folks seem to really like Protec’s bell cover. The only complaint I could find was the effect the bell cover has on pitch. In my experience, just about everything from mutes to ambient temperature effects the pitch of a trombone, so I see this as less of a con than a fact about the reality of being a musician. I’d recommend tuning your horn with the cover on.

#3. Carbinahome Instrument Bell Cover – $

Yet another cover in the long list of bell covers comes from Carbinhome. I’ve personally never heard of this brand, but the bell cover seems to be fairly popular.

Of course, like the previous bell covers, this one seems to have all the same features. Specifically, it’s made of an elastic felt, so it’ll stretch over a variety of bell sizes. Likewise, it’s also double layered like the previous two bell covers. In addition, it’s washable, so you can reuse it.

Like Protec’s bell cover, this one seems to lack a pocket for a filter. Again, this would be a major con for me, but you may not care. Given how affordable all of these bell covers are, you wouldn’t be losing any money by going for filter support. That said, it’s totally up to you!

Unlike the previous bell covers, I couldn’t find any negative comments about this one. Though, this manufacturer does sell several variants, so you have to make sure you get the right size (~7-9″ for a tenor trombone). I will say that this cover looks a bit more soft than some of the previous covers, so I would probably pick this one to avoid the possibility of scratches on the bell. That said, I haven’t seen anyway complain about that, but it’s definitely worth considering.

#4. Bestim Incuk Reusable Music Instrument Bell Cover – $$

Up next, we have another brand that I’ve never heard of: Bestim Incuk. My first impressions of this bell cover just from the pictures is that it’s sort of ugly. Unlike the previous bell covers that seem to be completely elastic, this looks like a pair of sweatpants on your bell.

That said, I won’t knock this bell cover as it appears to hit all the same boxes as the other bell covers. It’s washable and reusable and doesn’t effect tone according to the manufacturer.

Like the previous bell cover, you can run into some trouble if you’re not careful. It seems these manufacturers group all of the bell covers under one listing, so it’s easy to buy the wrong size. Also, it seems to be lacking a pocket for a filter, but that seems to be expected at this point.

Overall, there isn’t much to say. This bell cover is definitely the most expensive of the bell covers in this list, but it’s still very affordable. If you’re looking for something a bit uglier, this definitely the way to go.

#5. ArtJ4U Music Instrument Bell Cover – $

Last but not least, we have the Bell Cover from ArtJ4U. Up to this point, just about every bell cover has been the same. This one, however, is a bit different.

First, it’s silver! Or at the very least, they offer both silver and black. In addition, it’s the first bell cover we’ve seen in this list that’s not elastic. Instead, the mechanism they use for wrapping the fabric around the bell is a drawstring. I’m not sure why it includes a drawstring given that the entire thing is supposedly elastic, but I guess that gives you more peace of mind as it loses elasticity over time. That said, if there are any dangling plastic parts, I worry they might damage the horn.

Overall, folks seem pleased with this bell cover, and one person even said they used it in conjunction with a foam ball to make their own mute. I don’t know much about making mutes, but you can find all the information you might want to know about trombone mutes here.

Summary

As it turns out, it seems bell covers are all more or less the same. If you’re particularly picky about them, you can keep an eye out for filter pockets and drawstrings. That said, I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the bell covers in this list.

As always, if you find a bell cover you really like and would like me to recommend, feel free to reach out. Otherwise, take care, and remember to always respect the brass.

The post 5 Best Tenor Trombone Bell Covers for Combatting a Pandemic appeared first on Trill Trombone.

• What Is a Mute?
• How Many Types of Mutes Are There?
• How Do I Get a Mute?
• How Much Does a Mute Cost?
• How Do I Learn How to Use a Mute?

As always, these types of articles are meant to provide an overview of the topic. If you want more details about any of the questions in particular, feel free to follow the links provided in those sections.

What Is a Trombone Mute?

Quick answer: it’s a piece of material that goes in, on, or around the trombone bell to alter the tone of the instrument.

More specifically, a mute is a device that you attach to your bell to change how the trombone sounds. Typically, you would own a few different mutes for different occasions. For example, it’s not uncommon for a straight mute to show up in concert band music. Likewise, you’ve probably scene a plunger used once or twice in jazz music. Take a look:

Unfortunately, due to the sheer variety of trombone mutes out there, it’s tough to describe exactly what they are. That said, like most things in music, I find it helpful to just take a listen:

How Many Types of Trombone Mutes Are There?

Quick answer: a lot, but not all of them are practical.

By this point, you’ve probably had a chance to see the various types of mutes there are for trombone, which begs the question: how many types of mutes are there?

This question can be broken up into two parts. First, I would argue there are only a handful of general purpose mutes that you’ll want to have on hand. In my experience, that includes a straight mute and a cup mute. And even then, I’ve gotten away with using a music stand to literally mute the sound of my horn.

That said, there are many, many types of mutes. But outside of the straight and cup, there are only a handful of other mutes that you might be exposed to regularly. These include the plunger and bucket mutes. If you peak at the thumbnail above, there are also several other mutes including pixie, harmon, softone, and buzz. These are significantly more rare.

However, it really depends on the context. As a jazz musician, I might see plungers more regularly than an orchestral musician. Similarly, folks who play in pit orchestras for musicals probably see the widest variety of mutes for various effects.

If you’re interested in seeing what the most common mutes look like, check out my article on the 5 most common trombone mutes.

How Do I Get a Trombone Mute?

Quick answer: head to your local music store, make an online purchase, or hunt for a deal on Craigslist.

Now that you’ve seen some mutes, let’s talk about how to get one. In general, there are two main ways to get a mute: online or in-person at a music store.

Unlike trombones, mutes are significantly more affordable. As a result, you’re less likely going to want to try-before-you-buy. That said, if you decide to purchase a mute online, I recommend reading a lot of reviews:

• 5 Best Straight Mutes for Tenor Trombones

Worst case scenario: you send it back and buy a different one. If you’re looking to save some money, I’m sure there are folks willing to part with their used mutes on eBay and Craigslist. And since mutes are so rarely used, this might be a good option.

In my case, I don’t think I started buying mutes until high school or even college. In fact, according to Amazon, I last purchased a mute in 2013. At that point, I was using straight and cup mutes more regularly in concert band, and if I ever needed something else, I was usually able to borrow one. And since I used the mutes so infrequently, I went sort of cheap with the old reliable Humes & Berg brand.

If online shopping isn’t your thing, you can always try to find mutes at your local music store. I believe I’ve seen then at larger chains like Guitar Center. Alternatively, if you’re in an ensemble, you can try to see if they have mutes that you can borrow.

All that said, be very careful when you pick out a mute. Trombones aren’t the only instruments that support mutes. For instance, you can buy straight mutes for all sorts of brass instruments including trumpets, French horns, and euphoniums.

How Much Does a Trombone Mute Cost?

Quick answer: trombone mutes are relatively inexpensive with prices ranging from $10 to $100, depending on brand and materials.

Now that you know where to look for a mute, it’s time to talk about how much you’ll be spending. If you’re like me and don’t mind being a little cheap, you can pick up a stonelined mute, which is effectively a very durable cardboard, for around $20. Alternatively, I’ve seen some plastic varieties for around the same price, though I cannot really comment on their quality or tone.

If you want something that is a bit more professional, you’ll have to shell out a little bit more cash. For instance, I’ve seen some nice aluminum mutes in the $30 to $50 range.

As always, the type of mute also impacts the cost. For instance, straight mutes seem to be the most affordable which I’ve seen as low as $10. In fact, I’ve written a nice list of straight mutes, if you’re in the market for one.

Alternatively, cup mutes seem to be about twice the price on average (i.e, $50 – $100), though this makes sense considering they require a bit more material. Likewise, I’ve often seen cup mutes feature removable cups (i.e., a 2-in-1 cup and straight mute). However, those can be a bit annoying to use if you have to switch back and forth often.

Some of the more rare mutes seem to be quite affordable as well. For example, the Harmon mute has a comparable cost to a cup mute. I suspect this is due to the lack of demand, but who knows.

All that said, I am sure there are professional mutes made of fancy materials like rose gold which skyrocket the price. That said, for everyday use, you can get a mute for a very affordable price. That said, be careful not to buy too many. They’re somewhat difficult to store.

How Do I Learn How to Use a Trombone Mute?

Quick answer: pick up a songbook, join a community band, find a private instructor, or watch some YouTube videos.

In my experience, there is not much you need to learn to be able to use a mute, though most of my experience is with cup and straight mutes. In general, those just twist right into the bell. From there, it’s a matter of practicing to get the right tone.

For some of the more intricate mutes like the plunger and Harmon mutes, there are definitely techniques that go beyond blowing into the horn. For instance, here are some techniques for learning how to use a plunger mute:

All that said, mutes typically require context to be effective, so you’ll want to grab some sheet music that includes muted parts. Or, you can always listen to you favorite musician and try to mock their sound.

Ultimately, the best way to learn is with others, so you’ll either want to pick up an instructor or join a community band. That’ll help you get up to speed quickly!

Get Started Today!

If you came here because you knew nothing about mutes, now you have plenty of knowledge to get started. As always, thanks for taking the time to check out the site. As always, respect the brass!

The post Everything You Need to Know About Trombone Mutes appeared first on Trill Trombone.

List of Trombone Mutes

Without further ado, here’s the list of trombone mutes:

1. Plunger
2. Straight
3. Cup
4. Bucket
5. Harmon

In the following subsections, we’ll take a look at each mute, what it sounds like, and how it’s notated in music.

#1. Plunger Mute

As the name suggests, a plunger mute is just that: a plunger. Of course, you can buy a plunger mute, but a regular plunger works fine—just don’t forget to remove the handle!

Of all the trombone mutes, the plunger is the only one that doesn’t attach to the bell. Instead, you hold it directly to the bell with the hand that doesn’t operate the slide. Then, you use your hand to move the plunger toward and away from the bell as notated in your music (+ and o, respectively).

In terms of sound, check out this video by Sergeant First Class Jeff Adams:

As you’ll hear, the plunger has a nice effect when it is moved to and from the bell.

#2. Straight Mute

Following the plunger mute, we have the straight mute which is usually cone shaped and slides directly into the bell. To hold it in place, there are a few slices of cork—file down as necessary.

Of all the trombone mutes, the straight mute is a must-have. It’s used range the full spectrum of musical styles, so you really can’t go wrong with owning one.

In terms of notation, “straight mute” is usually marked in plain English when you are supposed to put the mute in. When it’s time to take the mute out, you’ll see the phrase “open”.

Finally, let’s take a listen:

As you can see, there are different types of straight mutes for different types of tone (i.e. edgy vs. soft). If you’re looking to get a straight mute and you have a tenor trombone, I’ve put together a list of mutes that you might like.

#3. Cup Mute

Like the straight mute, the cup mute also slides right into the bell. However, the design is slightly different. In particular, they have more of an umbrella-like structure which extends over the bell.

Also like the straight mute, the cup mute is very popular. In fact, those are the only two trombone mutes I own, and I’ve even seen combo mutes where the cup can be taken off.

Naturally, cup mutes are notated in plain English much like straight mutes. When the arranger wants you to remove the mute, they’ll let you know with the “open” cue.

Now, let’s listen to how it sounds:

With the additional of the cup, the tone tends to get quite a bit more muffled.

#4. Bucket Mute

Unlike the previous two mutes, the bucket mute doesn’t typically slide into the bell—though I’ve seen some models that do. Instead, they clip around the end of the bell. Inside, you’ll often find some mesh or foam to dampen the sound.

Unfortunately, I haven’t used a bucket mute, so I can’t speak to its notation. In fact, a lot of my Google searches came up empty, so if you any samples, send them along! I’d appreciate it.

At any rate, let’s take a listen:

In this video, they demonstrate the straight mute style of bucket mute I mentioned before, but you get the idea.

#5. Harmon Mute

Of all the mutes in this list, the Harmon mute is probably the least useful for a trombonist. That said, I decided not to leave it out because it’s still worth knowing about. After all, it has moving parts! In particular, the Harmon mute has a stem which can be moved in and out of the mute.

In addition, the Harmon (aka wah-wah) mute features a complete cone of cork which blocks air from exiting around the mute. In other words, all air travels directly into the mute.

Again, I haven’t personally seen a Harmon mute used in trombone music, so I can’t speak to the notation. That said, I would assume the notation would look similar to everything we’ve seen already with some added directives related to the stem.

At any rate, let’s have a listen (video is in Italian):

Honestly, I really like the sound—especially without the stem. It’s sad these mutes aren’t more common.

But Wait! There’s More

As a trombonist, you’re almost certain to run into straight mutes and cup mutes in music. And if you play in pit orchestras or jazz bands, you’ll probably even run into plunger mutes. Beyond that, I wouldn’t expect you to need a bucket or Harmon mute. That said, there even more mutes:

• Solotone
• Derby
• Pixie

Of course, like the Harmon mute, many of these border on the obscure. If you know of any songs where some of these are featured, let me know!

While you’re here, perhaps you’re looking for a laugh or trying to find a budget horn. Either way, I’d appreciate it if you took a look around the site. Your feedback is always welcome.

As always, thanks for your time, and always respect the brass!

The post 5 Most Common Trombone Mutes with Pictures appeared first on Trill Trombone.