In this post we’ll be comparing the various brands of harmon mute (also known as a “wah-wah” mute) available for the bass trombone. Although not a massively common mute, it is asked for increasingly often, especially in contemporary music and brass band music. Because of the relative rarity of this mute, it’s worth getting a good one to last the rest of your playing life!
Jo Ral TPT-2A Aluminum Trumpet Bubble Mute
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent production and tone in the low range | The tube can be a little loose |
| Sturdy construction and does not dent easily | It May require the addition of tape to the tube to prevent a rattling sound |
Denis Wick DW5508 Extending Tube Mute
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good characteristic harmon tone | Prone to falling out of the bell |
| Affordable and cost-effective | Made of aluminum and dents rather easily |
Which one to go for?
My personal recommendation would be the Jo-Ral. It has great response and production, especially in the often difficult valve register. In my experience, it is the most reliable at staying put in the bell, and the construction is sturdy enough that a drop is unlikely to dent it much.