Humes and Berg mutes are among the most widely used and recognisable on the market with their distinctive red and white finish. The company began manufacturing in Chicago in the 1930s at the height of the big band era with the encouragement of the greatest bandleaders of the time. Their trademark 'stonelined' construction is based on fibreboard coated with paint and resin.
The bucket mute, also known as the velvet-tone (or velvetone), is like an upturned can filled with sound-absorbent material attached to the outside of the bell. It originated with early jazz trumpeters, and produces a soft, smooth sound. Some, like this one, are clipped to the rim of the bell, but the model manufactured by Jo-Ral Mutes is inserted into the bell, allowing a quicker change.
Also available in the Humes & Berg trombone mute range:
Mute | Instrument | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Tenor | Bass | |||
Straight | Standard | 151 | Regular | 170 |
Large-bore | 198 | |||
Symphonic | 126 | Regular | 175 | |
Copper-bottomed | 175C | |||
Cup | 152 | 171 | ||
199 | ||||
Clear-Tone | 153 | |||
Wah-Wah (ET/Harmon) | 159 | 189 | ||
Velvetone (Bucket) | 8-inch bell | 160A | 9-inch bell | 172A |
8½-inch bell | 160B | 9½-inch bell | 172B | |
10-inch bell | 172D | |||
Trixie (Plunger) | 164 | |||
Practice | 167 |
Manufacturer’s website: humesandberg.com