An item offered at a lower than normal price after failing the manufacturer's stringent quality inspection, usually as a result of a minor cosmetic fault that does not affect its function. Items sold as 'seconds' will be inspected before dispatch to ensure they remain fully fit for their intended purpose.
Manufacturer’s description:
‘The Denis Wick trombone travel mute has been developed to provide a free-blowing but extremely quiet mute suitable for pre-performance warm-ups, practising in hotels and quiet home practice. It is fitted with an internal cork damper and has thick neoprene pads to help create a very soft sound. An ideal compact practice mute which fits most modern tenor trombones.’
Watch on YouTube: Steven Mead talks about Denis Wick travel mutes
Practice mutes have a similar conical design to straight mutes but with a solid bell seal to block off the sound. Air flow is greatly reduced and escapes almost silently through a small hole in the body of the mute. They are used for warming up and practising without disturbing the peace.
Manufacturer’s website: deniswick.com