You might want your child to be quiet when theyre practicing but, lets face it, kids love noise. Your email address will not be published. Your situation normal on the violin should be to play without mute. Its a great option for beginners or more advanced players who want to get those practice hours in without making too much noise. At home. This poster will show the exact spots of all notes on the violin and viola! Youll have the comfort of practicing without distracting others or feeling self-conscious. Eastar EAC-002C 4/4 Violin Mute is a very effective simple violin mute. However, always adjust the mute to the thickness of your bridge and make sure that its placed firmly (not too firm). Many violinists use these to play in orchestra or solo repertoire. Because they do not cover the entire bridge, you can still hear many of the overtones. It also does an excellent job of dampening sound. Im working hard to create this blog that helps adult starters to learn to play the violin. Both attach over the bridge but differ in the amount of muting they do. Personally I dont like the sound of these mutes, because it can sound very soft, but shrill. I wonder which one. These larger rubber mutes, called "practice mutes," are meant for sound dampening during practice. In contrast, when violinists finish these musical passages, they can also easily remove their violin mutes and have them readily available for another passage. These unique orchestra mutes are similar in shape to the Tourte or metal ones but are 3D printed. Hi there, Im Julia, founder of Julias Violin Academy and creator of this website, Violinspiration.com! We will keep your email address safe and will create an account for you in our website so that you can join or start a discussion. A normal (acoustic) violin with a heavy mute is just as silent as a silent violin. Free shipping when you spend over $35. It can really mess up your bowing and tone creation. I know that some violinists just prefer metal mutes because either they grew up using them, or their playing is just too damn powerful to be muted by rubber. The eBoot Rubber Violin Practice Mute basically does everything it says on the tin. The downside of this mute is it can squeak when pushing it down on your bridge. However, I love it because it takes away the volume without muting out the resonance and tone of your violin. To combat this issue, manufacturers have been developing practice mutes that use thick rubber or synthetic materials. Okay, this Otto Musica is the solution for those who need a heavy mute but dont want a metal one (me, me, me!). A really good, affordable rubber mute for beginners. The Best Violin Mute for Silent Practice. Since they sit on top of the whole bridge, they are often heavier and pricier but offer you more opportunities for late-night practicing. They are extremely versatile because they can act as both an orchestra mute and a practice mute! As I mentioned, Id usually recommend rubber mutes for beginners. It can fit violins of all sizes from 1/2-4/4. Just kidding Yup, this mute from Alexi strings is made of metal. The mutes design allows it to damp the sound without muffling the violins natural tone. I know how hard it can be to get a kid to put their mute on (or to play without sounding like a squealing pig, but anyway, thats not the issue here). Rubber practice mutes are ideal for anyone who wants to silence their violin for practicing purposes. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. I hope this article answers at least some of your questions and gives you options to start looking and trying mutes. Yay for four prongs! 102 New Orleans, LA 70119. If you want to create more colors or play in an orchestra, you will need a small, orchestra mute. And yes, you need to learn to color your sound so it pleases your ears. As an Amazon Associate, we earn commission from qualifying purchases. For a more advanced repertoire, a violinist likely would want to create more vivid colors; a violin mute allows you to do this by dampening the vibrations of your violin, thus changing the natural sound of your instrument. TERMS OF USE. It alters the tone of the violin by making your strings vibrate less, thus muting the violin to some extent, what depends on the material used the weight of a mute. This list of the very best violin mutes in 2022 will elevate your performance, not just muffle it! Please let me know in the comments below, I always love hearing from you! The truth is, if youre a really advanced player then youll be used to using so much power with your bow that a rubber mute just might not do the job. The material is a quality chrome-plated brass. Violins have many accessories: shoulder rests, rosin, cleaning cloths, but another essential accessory is the mute. The small orchestra mutes change the overtones and overall color, whereas the practice mute really lessens the total output. It is easy to put on the violin, it does not damage the bridge, and it is one-size-fits-all for 4/4 violins. As with every part of a violin, the bridge plays a large role in how the violin produces sound. It either slides onto your bridge or gets moved onto the bridge. Id always recommend taking your mute off at the end of each practice session though, just so you dont get too used to the way your violin sounds with one on. In one of the options that are available, Catrpilr by ViowiessCO, you will find magnets that help the mute to sit properly on the bridge. These mutes are often called for in orchestral music with the marking "con sordina," which means "with mute." This article breaks down the most common types of violin mutes, their uses, and the pros and cons of each type. I also love how light this Glaesel mute is. Be a bit careful. When you want to use a practice mute, you simply need to take the mute and place it on top of the bridge of your violin. They might be stiff initially and require some breaking in. Best for:Beginners who want to teach themselves. Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the products listed above contain affiliate links, meaning NOLA School of Music may receive compensation through products purchased through these links. Musicians have the advantage of heavier weighted metal with protection from the rubber coating to prevent any damage to your instrument in the event the mute shifts or falls off. Practice mutes are heavier and made to study without bothering your neighbours with your playing. Pushing it even a millimeter out of place can really damage the sound of your violin! Another option is this beautiful mute. Plus, it wont damage your bridge (as long as youre careful when putting it on and removing it). They are a small investment for the benefits they provide! 5 secrets to a professional sound on the violin, JOIN MY FREE 40 LESSON VIOLIN BEGINNER COURSE, You don't have to Bow Straight, says Itzhak Perlman. Mutes can look quite intrusive on the body of the violin, but if you have an ebony fingerboard (which most violins do) then it should blend in quite nicely. As you are shopping for a violin mute, you will find many great options for as low as $5 to as much as $20. This Otto Musica Artino Practice Mute combines metal and rubber to give you that really muted sound without the stress of accidentally damaging your bridge. It really turns down the sound of your fiddle without getting rid of its natural tone. For 15 more, you can get yours with an engraving. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. There we are, another five-pronged beauty. Metal practice mutes are a little more unconventional than rubber mutes, but they provide the maximum amount of sound dampening so they are ideal for practicing in an apartmentsetting or anywhere where you are trying not to disturb your neighbors. Metal has a greater potential for scratching your violin or viola. Izaak received a Masters in Violin Performance at the University of Denver, and a Bachelors in Violin Performance from the University of Georgia. While this maysoundlike a great bonusto many violinists who need to practice their violins with mutes, this can actually be a disadvantage, especially for violinists who habitually practice with mutes on their violins. Pros: Prevents mute vibrating or rattling while playing, Cons: May take slightly more time to take your mute on and off, which may be tricky in orchestral passages with quick mute changes, Best For:Violinists who play in orchestras or ensembles. Violins are typically played withinthe 90-decibel range. Most mutes have five prongs, one for between each string and then two for the edges of the bridge. Again, this violin mute is made of rubber, as are most good violin mutes. Violin mutes are devices that attach to the bridge of the instrument to "mute" the instrument, or dampen the sound. The mute is small and light and can stay clipped on even when storing the instrument and transporting your instrument in its case. Just dont accidentally leave it on, whatever you do. It is extremely affordable and sleek. I also know that the perfect mute can give you that beautiful delicate sound without stifling your violins natural tone. The mutes have two rubber slots to attach to the two center strings of the violin in between the bridge and the tailpiece. God, I just got shivers thinking about that, A heavy, metal mute for advanced players who need a little bit more help being quiet. There are two main types of violin mutes; Understanding which type of violin mute you need will help you to purchase the right mute for your violin. Another drawback is that it is a bit tricky to install and remove but this video will help you out: Practice mutes are heavier duty and cover the majority or entire bridge. The con is that it might not do the best job at dampening your instrument based on the shape and small weight. Practice mutes are typically made of brass and are not designed to stay on violins. By placing the mute on the bridge of your violin, you add some weight and block the resonance. On top of that, the prongs are more rounded on the inside (where theyll rest on the bridge), which means the mute isnt actually touching the bridge that much, which is great. It is often used for a change of mood or color in a piece. Remember, we learn from our mistakes so, if youre afraid to make them, it might take you longer to advance as a player. Violin mutes that are designed for performances are mutes that can slide easily on and off of the bridge of a violin while remaining attached to the violin. Its made of metal but covered in rubber. Violin mutes are essential for two reasons: they produce more colors in your playing and also decrease the volume output. If you routinely practicewith a violin mute on the bridge ofyour violin, which will alterthe sound of the violin, your playing style will be adapted to the sound that you create with the violin mute on the violin. Overcome your technical struggles and express yourself in music by doing 15 minutes of specific bowing exercises a day. Give us a call, email or chat with a Fiddlershop Family member. Eno also carries a battery-operated tuner which you can utilize along with your practice mute. Violin mutes are relatively inexpensive accessories for your violin, and you may evenwant to consider purchasing multiple mutes for your violin in case you lose one. The violins bridge almost works like a direct transmitter and transmits the vibrations of a violins strings intothe body of the violin. Practice mutes are used for practice sessions because they mute the sound of a violin immensely, making them optimal for practicing in quiet environments. If you have noticed your standard mute is either falling off your strings, or vibrating or rattling while you play, this mute will solve that problem. Home Violin Blog Violin Basics Product Reviews 10 Best Violin Mutes in 2022: Reviews & Practical Information. Its a win-win, youll have peace and theyll want to practice. All in all, a great, easy-to-use violin mute, all for an affordable price which makes it an easy choice for number one on our list. You want the mute to have enough contact with the bridge to stop it from vibrating, but not too much that it stops the violins natural tone from coming out. Well, I hope Ive made the world of violin mutes a little bit easier to understand. This mute is the best option if you want to dampen the sound as much as possible and play your instrument late at night. If you need the highest level of muting, go for a full metal or brass mute. On narrower bridges, the mute will fit, but may move around or rattle while playing. Are you worried about how much noise your violin practice is making? Designed for intermediate to advanced violin players, the Catrpilr mute is made out of soft synthetic mesh that wont scratch, stain, or damage your instrument. 4. In this post, weve reviewed 6 of the best violin mutes currently on the market in 2022 to help you choose the right one for you. Before we get on to our violin mute buying guide, weve reviewed 6 of our favorite violin mutes to help you narrow down which one to buy. easy to place and remove from the bridge. My Heart Will Go On Easy Violin Tutorial, Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 9 mm / 0.8 x 0.8 x 0.4 inches, Material: metal, gold color or nickel-plating, Dimensions: 50 x 25 x 12.5 mm / 1.9 x 0.98 x 0.49 in, Impact on the sound: dampens the sound the most, Material: brass plated with gold, ruthenium or silver, Impact on the sound: medium dampening, very rich sound, Impact on the sound: little to medium depending on the version used. Im just kidding, five-prongs are generally better for muting out more sound. So, whether youre a beginner whos afraid to make too much noise, or just want to make practicing less of a disturbance, Ive got you covered. To practice without disturbing others, you can put a metal practice mute on your violin. Heavy Practice Mute for Violin or Viola - Metal, Eastar EAC-002C 4/4 Violin Practice Mute Set Rubber Full Size,4 Pcs,4 Color (Black+Red+Blue+Yellow), Violin Sizes Find Out What The Perfect Size Violin For You Or Your Child. Whether you need a rubber mute thats easy to use or a more heavy-duty one, theres an affordable mute out there for everyone! Its great if you just want to try out playing with a mute and it doesnt mute too heavy. Maintains the sound quality of your violin. If you're interested in experimenting more with different sounds and timbres, though there are many more unique types of mutes out there, such as. Some are squeaky when you put them on the bridge or some fit in a way that might not work under a time constraint. Violin mutes are tools that violinists can use during their practice sessions, performances, and under a variety of circumstances. Phew, were anyone elses hands shaking at the thought of a metal mute? You might need to fiddle around and tap it to get it to evenly cover your bridge. As a violinist, when you practice your violinyou begin to develop patterns and playing habits to producecertain sounds with your violin. However, this little violin mute only has four. Eastar EAC-002C Practice Mute Set Review, Final Thoughts on the eBoot Rubber Violin Practice Mute, Final Thoughts on the Eno Music Rubber Violin Practice Mute, Final Thoughts on the Tamir Rubber Practice Mute, Final thoughts on the Glaesel GL3834 Violin Ultra Practice Mute, Final Thoughts on the Alexi Strings Heavy Practice Mute, Final Thoughts on the Otto Musica Artino Practice Mute, Final Thoughts on the Eastar EAC-002C Practice Mute Set, Glaesel GL3834 Violin Ultra Practice Mute. This mute is designed to fit both violins and violas so its a great option if you play both instruments. A heavy-duty mute, perfect for getting those practice hours in without damaging your bridge. We all know that at some point your child will try to put the mute in his/her mouth, so lets not beat around the bush. So, the fact that they can put a cool little blue decoration on their violin will probably help get them to quiet down. Required fields are marked *. If you are ever in need of a violin mute but dont have one on hand, you can mute your violin with a safe device that will dampen the vibrations of your violins bridge. Any violinist who plays in an orchestra or ensemble will need one of these mutes. There isn't a question too big or too small. It doesnt stick like rubber. They cover the entirety of your bridge. At 3 inches long, 2 inches wide, and 1 inch high, this mute sits high on the bridge leaving some space, but still works to mute the strings with a small amount of pressure. We know that shopping online can be tricky. Well, the key is in the name. This is a heavy mute, but youll still have a realistic sound from your violin, so you can use it very well to practice. This slide-on mute is a great option if you want to experiment a little more with the change in tone. You can try and return within 45 days for a full refund. Rubber is flexible enough to slot onto your bridge without damaging the wood or accidentally moving it, yet its strong enough to really mute down the sound of your violin. You can easily put your violin down without stressing about your bridge moving. A bit of a warning here: it makes the sound of your violin quite different, so dont get used to this sound by practicing enough without the mute. Plus, if youre forgetful like me, then you can rest assured that if you accidentally leave it on, your bridge will survive phew! We happily provide free shipping on all orders over $35 within the contiguous United States. It really just depends on personal preference! These are some of the the most common mute types that will suit most violinists' needs. It is a couple of dollars more expensive than the eBoot one but its definitely worth it. It is extremely lightweight and affordable. This magnetic mute is a unique twist on a standard (torte-style) mute. Synthetic mutes are great alternatives to the traditional brass practice mutes because synthetic mutes are less harmful to violins. A very commonly used orchestra mute is the rubber round-shaped violin/viola mute. Rubber mutes are a great choice for beginners, being flexible but still strong. These small rubber mutes, called tourte mutes, are the most common type of violin mute. When shes not working, shes either playing the ukulele or finding another instrument to add to her collection. The unique design and flexible material will help you while protecting your instrument. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Whether you play violin or viola, the Otto Musica Artino practice mute may be an ideal choice for you.