Used Metal Mute

This is a metal plate three-pronged mute which I bought through eBay in 2021, therefore details are unknown. However, from its shape, material, and decorations, it seems old, from the 1980s at least, and to be classic like the ebony mute.

Through the use of the previous owner and aging degradation, it has become very loose. Therefore, it may not be safe to use for performance, especially if the music requires a long line of music on the G string with a certain level of volume, as it easily starts moving and changes its colour, and eventually unmutes itself. Also, when you apply the mute, some focus of attention is needed as the legs of the mute mustn’t touch the strings as this can make a buzzing noise.

It is unclear whether this was designed to be for performance or practice; however, from its suppression of volume, I would be most inclined to use it for practice. You will need somewhere to keep the mute when not in use, as it is difficult to keep it on the instrument without rattling or falling.

This is another mute where the tone is similar to a sawtooth wave or square wave. Compared with other mutes, it gives a slightly colder and thinner impression than the wood mute, but not as much as the metal practice mute.