The mute

 

The mute

            Trombone with a straight mute. This is the most commonly used mute for brass instruments

Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons

                                    Trombone with a cup mute

Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons

A mute is used on musical instruments to change the quality or tone of the music produced. It can be used to allow a player to practise more quietly, hence the saying, ‘Good mutes make good neighbours.’

 Hat mute for trumpet
Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Perhaps the mutes most familiar to onlookers are the plunger mute or the harmon mute that create the ‘wah-wah’ sound.

                                 Harmon wah wah mute for trumpet
                                        Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Gilbert doesn’t play a musical instrument, though he has some squeaky toys. He does use mutes, though.

 

On this occasion, the mute was a yoghourt pot. 

At other times, it’s a ball or a toy.

Arthur favours the double mute method!