24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Mute for the Price, November 7, 2009
This review is from: Denis Wick DW4880-4BL Gold-plated Large Bore Trombone Mouthpiece (Electronics)
This review is coming from an advanced-novice musician. This is an excellent practice mute for beginner/casual trumpet players. Better (and much more expensive) mutes exist, but the Denis Wick DW5526 is likely a good choice for anyone who is a casual enough player to be seeking advice from an Amazon review.
For those confused by the large number/variety of mutes available for purchase, here's a brief simplification:
1. Practice mutes (like this one) have a solid ring of cork around the end. They are designed to quiet the instrument by blocking most of the airflow. This affects the pitch of the instrument (they tend to go sharp, even with the best mutes) and are therefore never used during performance. They are meant for use during practice, to make practice less disturbing to those nearby.
2. Performance mutes have strips of cork rather than a solid ring, allowing for much more airflow. They come in numerous shapes and sizes, each producing a different effect, and do not quiet the instrument as much as practice mutes.
3. Electronic mutes correct for pitch while simultaneously quieting (or even silencing) the instrument. They are very expensive and generally only a worthwhile purchase for serious professionals.
From my experience, Denis Wick products are of a high quality, made in London by people who know what they are doing. There are some less expensive mutes available, but, trust me, the ten or fifteen extra dollars you spend to get the Denis Wick are more than worth it. The cheaper mutes tend to be of poorer quality (often made with cheaper materials). They do not quiet the instrument nearly as much as this one does, and they have a much more negative effect on pitch.
If you're wondering how loud you will be while playing with this mute, I would compare the sound to that of average television-watching volume. Those in neighboring rooms may hear you through the wall, but what they hear will be more of a murmur than the blaring noise of an un-muted trumpet. If you don't like the 'W' decal on the side of this mute, it is a sticker and is easily removed.
In short, the Denis Wick DW5526 is a handsome, high-quality practice mute. It is, in my opinion, the best of the low-to-mid-priced mutes available.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Practice Mute - Denis Wick, June 10, 2010
This review is from: Denis Wick DW4880-4BL Gold-plated Large Bore Trombone Mouthpiece (Electronics)
Very excellent mute. This must offers you what you want and that is to practie without all the noise that could upset the neighbors. I love this mute, as it is made of durable construction and easy to insert and use. Would buy again!
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2.0 out of 5 stars
Muted <<, July 1, 2011
This review is from: Denis Wick DW4880-4BL Gold-plated Large Bore Trombone Mouthpiece (Electronics)
I've been playing the trumpet for almost 15 years and I bought this piece after moving into a 1-bedroom apartment. Gotta keep the chops up. This unit definitely reduces the amount of sound made by the instrument, but it reduces airflow through the instrument to such an extent that you almost have to play in a different way. With the mute on, the instrument requires nearly twice the amount of air to produce a tone at all. It's a tough trade off, and in my opinion, too much to ask.
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