Leather Mute

In terms of the general shape of mutes there are several different types; this leather mute by Wiessmeyer Violins is bridge-shaped with a unique slot and notch design which enables it to have two different muting positions with different effects. It can either slot in over the bridge like general practice mutes (referred to as "full sord."), or be pushed against the bridge like general sliding mutes (referred to as "mezzo sord.").

Although there are a number of benefits from this design, such as not staining the bridge, full sord. may cause a problem when played on the G string at certain volume. The vibration can make the mute start to move around, float, and eventually fall off certain violins and in certain situations. Also, it is not easy to keep the mute on the violin when not in use, and it seems safer to find another place to keep it during performance.

Between the two different applications, in general, full sord. provides more roundness within a more restricted width and depth, whereas the mezzo sord. is rather rich in width and depth but with some piercing sharpness in certain sounds. All these features are marked in comparison to the non-muted sound. Full sord.'s character can be described as warmer than general performance mutes but with a stronger core in the sound, whereas mezzo sord. is more opened out but with notable focused core in the high register.

However, the strongest advantage of this mute is that it provides two distinctive choices of sound that can be easily achieved. In this respect, the Heifetz mute can give you a wider range of muting effects, but struggles to adjust for particular colour Therefore, this leather mute could be used for works which require multiple personalities or musical roles within a sordino environment.