mute

Glass mute for a trumpet in jelly-mould shape, with leather binding around the rim. Label reads: BOOSEY & Co. LTD./295 REGENT STREET/LONDON/W1. Bought by the Horniman Museum as part of a set with the Clippertone trumpet.

Until the 20th century, the only brass mute in common use was the straight mute. In the early years of jazz, many players began experimenting with the sound qualities that could be produced by muffling or muting the instrument with a variety of objects. Beer glasses and water glasses had been a popular choice with early jazz players such as Joe 'King' Oliver and the trombonist Jack Teagarden. This mute was aimed at British jazz players, who were keen to imitate the effect.

Collection Information

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