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by Richard Merewether
Copyright© 1978 Richard Merewether
A 'non-transposing' (i.e. normal) mute, as distinct from the metal 'stopping' mute-about which more later-should always be selected with the instrument for which it is intended in view.PAXMAN make mutes in three fittings, and one of these will be found suitable for any standard instrument. Their staff will be pleased to advise as to which is the appropriate fitting (medium, large or extra-large) for a given make of horn . The test of an efficient mute should be in its lowest register .
The Stopping-Mute, as its name implies, is used as a substitute for hand-stopping the bell, which is a different muted effect from the above. By no means all players are equally adept with this technique all over the range, low notes being particularly difficult for those with very thin hands: lucky the plump-handed ones, of whatever size, who can without apparent difficulty hand-stop even the extreme of low range. (See chapter 18.)
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