Harmon Mutes, Jo-Ral

[Tootsall]

Some (most?) of you guys are pros who already know this; however.....

I have tended to prefer Dennis Wick mutes, collecting a straight, adjustable cup, and harmon of that brand. These mutes worked OK with my Bach strad but when I went to a Schilke B1 I found that the harmon especially threw the horn HORRIBLY sharp! I added a ring of cork (cut from a sheet of automotive gasket cork and applied with double-sided tape). It stayed sharp.

I had posted my "complaint" in another forum and someone suggested that Jo-Ral was the way to go. A couple of other folks backed them up so I decided to give it a shot. The Jo-Ral bubble (aluminum) arrived two days ago. IT'S A MIRACLE! Even though it sat too deep in the bell (rim clearance less than 1/8") it was in tune. I added a ring of cork to it so that I wouldn't run as great a risk of bashing the bell with the mute when inserting or removing. That darn thing moves the intonation no more than 5 cent sharp! And it's consistent from top to bottom. Far lower blow resistance (than the DW) and a great sound with or without the stem.

The price is equivalent to the DW so there's no biggie there.

Two thumbs up.

[bnbtrpt]

Great to hear that the jo-ral is working out for you. It is a good mute. I play one myself. I feel that the pitch is really high on these mutes. If I am playing a section part I must pull out unless everyone is in the mute. Then everyone plays a bit high. Sounds good.

FYI Jo-ral "bubble mutes" didn't always have that extention inside that enables it to play the low F#

jd

[Tootsall]

Yes, I was interested to observe that the "inner part" or removable stem is noticeably larger in diameter than that of the DW also. Perhaps this (along with the overall larger dimensions of the mute) has a lot to do with the reduction in back pressure.

[dmb]

I have been using a jo-ral copper harmon bubble mute for a couple months now and it is the best as far as sound and intonation of any I have tried. I originallly got it to match the copper bell on my ZeuS but I continue to use it because it sounds great. A bit heavier but worth the effort. Also, a bit more expensive but worth the price.

Dan Burton