Opus Lightweight Aluminium Wow Wow Trumpet Mute

Opus Lightweight Aluminium Wow Wow Trumpet Mute

A trumpet "wow-wow" mute, often called a Harmon mute, is a type of mute used on a trumpet to create a distinctive buzzing or "wah-wah" sound. It's characterized by a movable stem in the center that allows the player to control the amount of air escaping, thus altering the tone quality and producing the characteristic "wah-wah" effect. This mute is particularly popular in jazz music, especially for creating a smoky, buzzy sound, and is often associated with legendary trumpeters like Miles Davis.

How it works:

• Stem in: When the stem is inserted, the mute creates a closed chamber that forces air to vibrate, producing a distinct "wah-wah" sound as the player manipulates the stem's position.
• Stem out: Removing the stem provides a more open, brighter sound, often used for a "distant" or "be-bop" effect.

Popularity and Usage:

• Jazz: The Harmon mute is a staple in jazz music, particularly in swing and bebop styles.
• Other genres: While common in jazz, the mute can also be used in other genres like Broadway musicals and orchestral settings.
• Miles Davis: The "wah-wah" sound of the Harmon mute is closely associated with Miles Davis's iconic style.

Tips for Use:

• Fit: Ensure the mute fits snugly into the trumpet bell.
• Intonation: When using the mute, it may cause the pitch to be sharp, so it's often recommended to pull out the tuning slide slightly.
• Variety: Experiment with the stem's position to explore the wide range of sounds this mute can produce.