As with the straight mute, the effect is often called ‘nasal’, but it is very different. It has a cork ring that closes off the bell entirely, the sound coming out of a hole in the mute only. The third popular type of mute comes with a host of different names, from harmon mute to wow, wow-wow or wah-wah mute, bubble mute, extending tube, or B.T. Some cup mutes can double as practice mutes: See if you can move the cup right up against the bell. The closer it is to the bell, the more it mutes the sound and the ‘smaller’ the sound becomes. The inside of the cup is often finished with thin, soft material that slightly muffles the sound. The cup mute looks like a straight mute with a cup. It largely closes off the bell, making your instrument sound a little like talking while holding your nose, i.e., slightly nasal and a bit thin or shrill. If a classical piece specifies that you should play can sordino (with mute), you will be required to use this model. The most commonly used type is the straight mute. The exact effect of each of these types can differ from brand to brand, of course. The three best-known types are the straight mute, the cup mute, and the harmon mute. They’re held in place in the bell by a few strips or a ring of cork. Most types of mutes are hollow cones in various sizes and shapes. All other types of mutes are mainly used to create special effects, and timbres that range from razor-sharp to velvety-soft. The only mutes that really mute, so that the sound is muffled almost completely, are the practice mutes discussed in Chapter 3.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |