Mute Clarification?

[barliman2001]

Now normally, I am the guy advising others about mutes and stuff. But sometimes, fate throws things across your feet where you are stumped...

I am to play 2nd trumpet in Wood Notes by Willam Grant Still; very interesting composer, very interesting piece.

And several times, the composer calls for "soft hat mute"... now, how is that to be done? I'm not going to wave a trilby before the trumpet, that's for sure!

[Dale Proctor]

I’d guess it means to play into a hat mute, but if you don’t have one, playing into the stand will do,

[Newell Post]

@barliman2001 You could try one of these.....

[J. Jericho]

My interpretation would be an actual derby/bowler instead of a derby mute; it seems to suit the piece reasonably well. It's stiff enough and round enough to suit its purpose as a mute.

[barliman2001]

@j-jericho As I do have a derby mute, but no derby hat, I think I'll settle for the mute...

[ROWUK]

@barliman2001 said in Mute Clarification?:

@j-jericho As I do have a derby mute, but no derby hat, I think I'll settle for the mute...

Playing into a "soft" mute of any kind means that there is enough damping to kill overtones. A normal "hat" or derby mute is OK but putting some additional damping material performs the conversion. Kill the overtones on a trumpet, and it sounds more flute like.