What Kinds of Mutes are Available for Stringed Instruments?

If you live in an apartment or are worried about sound leakage to your neighbours, you will want to use what’s called a ‘mute’ on your string instrument. Do you know what kind of mutes are available for stringed instruments? In this blog, I will introduce the mutes that are available at Sound House!

Types of String Instrument Mutes

There are two main types of string instrument mutes.

① Silencer

These are used to reduce the resonance and volume of the instrument for practice purposes. It is recommended for people who live in environments where loud sounds are not allowed,such as practising at night or in housing complexes. These items do not eliminate sound completely, but can dampen the volume to a certain extent. There are various types of mutes available, including rubber and metal mutes.

② Dampener

Basically, these are used in orchestras, etc., according to the instructions of the score. It is used not to suppress the volume, but to change the tone. By attaching a muffler, the volume can be slightly reduced, although not as much as with a silencer.

A silencer is recommended if you want to reduce the volume!

If you are a beginner and are looking for a mute, a silencer is recommended! There are a variety of mutes available, including those made of metal or rubber material, and in shapes ranging from compact to those that pinch the entire bridge.
If in doubt, you can choose one based on its appearance; just be careful not to buy a dampener by mistake.

What to Be Careful of When Using a Mute

There is one thing to bear in mind when using a mute (especially a silencer). Although mutes are very useful for nighttime practice, I do not think they actually have a good effect on the instrument itself. Stringed instruments such as violins usually produce sound by transmitting the vibrations of the strings through the bridge to the body. Mutes, both silencers and dampeners, reduce the volume by reducing the vibration of that string instrument. As you can imagine, this is not very good for the instrument, as the mute is suppressing the bridge which is about to vibrate.

For this reason, I recommend that you do not practise for long periods of time with a mute. Use the mute according to your own practice environment.

If possible, I recommend that you sometimes use a practice studio and let your instrument play loudly without a mute. After all, it is said that instruments ‘grow’ by being played loudly.

Recommended String Instrument Mutes!

Here are some mutes for violin and other stringed instruments such as cello! I will introduce two types of mutes: silencer and dampener!

■ Silencer

① Artino Practice Mute Vn Va Practice Mute

The Artino Practice Mute is a standard mute for violin and viola, designed to completely cover the piece and are made of metal and resin. If you don't know what to buy first, this is a good place to start.

Artino Practice Mute Vn Va Practice Mute

② Artino Practice Mute for Cello

Artino practice mute for cello. It is larger in size than the mutes for violin and viola and made of metal and resin. This mute is also the standard for cello.

Artino / Practice Mute for Cello

③ W mutes Practice Mute Bright Vn&VA

Violin and viola mute by W mutes, a Spanish stringed instrument accessories company. Made of metal and available in gold, silver and black. These mutes look shiny and cool.

W mutes / Practice Mute Bright Vn&VA Gold

W mutes / Practice Mute Bright Vn&VA Silver

W mutes / Practice Mute Bright Vn&VA Black

■ Dampener

① Zenon Violin Mute with Two Holes

Zenon mutes are often used for performance. Compared to the one-hole type introduced later, this mute fixes to the bridge more firmly, so the tone can be changed more firmly.

Zenon / Zenon Violin Mute, Two Holes

② Zenon Violin Mute with One Hole

A dampener for violins used for performance. Recommended when you want to produce a quiet and fantastic tone.

Zenon / Zenon Violin Mute, One Hole

③ Zenon Cello Mute, Two Holes

Zenon dampener for cello. It is made of rubber and has two holes, so it can be firmly fixed to the bridge.

Zenon Cello Mute, Two Holes

④ Zenon Cello Mute with One Hole

Zenon cello mute. Recommended when you want to produce the same quiet and fantastic tone as the violin.

Zenon Cello Mute, One Hole

How did you like it? There are many different types of mutes for stringed instruments. We hope that you too can use a mute to change the tone or reduce the sound, and that you understand how to use the mute correctly.