The R&S Mute
Adjustment Information Background
The R&S
mute was developed to eliminate the problems involved with traditional tuba and euphonium mutes that stem from the many different bell flares available today. Most tuba and euphonium mutes will only fit a few different types of instruments. The adjusting mechanism developed by the Brasswind (patent pending) gives the R&S
mute a great deal more adaptability.
The material from which the mute is made also allows a great deal more resonance than the common aluminum or fiberboard mutes, enhancing the sound and providing much more clarity. In addition to this, by eliminating the large corks that are a part of other mutes, leading to a smaller "footprint", the instrument
continues to resonate more normally and with the same "feel". The R&S
mute uses neoprene tipped supports that allow only minimal contact with the bell of the instrument, therefore allowing the instrument to vibrate more effectively.
Set-up
"Dialing-in" the R&S
mute is relatively easy and takes little time.
- With the adjusters on the smaller end all the way in, place the mute in the bell of the instrument and set the large end adjusters so that they come into contact with the flare of the bell of the instrument.
To operate the adjusters, loosen the knurled nut and unscrew the adjuster. Once properly positioned, tighten the nut to hold the adjuster in place. A great deal of force is not necessary. We have found that the mute should stick out of the horn only a few inches for the best sound, but your preferences might be different.
- With the mute in place, play the instrument to check the response and tuning. If the instrument is not in tune, set the large end adjusters to either let the mute go further into the instrument or hold it further out of the bell.
- Once you have found the positioning that works best for your instrument and style of playing, adjust the mechanism on the smaller end so that these supports come in contact with the bell. By looking into the mute, you can see if they are all about equally set so that they will center the mute in the bell.
- Play the instrument and see if there are any notes that do not "speak" properly. The white PVC extender that comes with the mute (not needed for the euphonium mute) can be adjusted either in or out to help eliminate any problematic notes you may find, without interfering with the sound quality of the mute. Some
players have reported that they prefer not to use the extender at all, or only use it when working in the lower registers of the instrument.
The key to getting the best fit of mute to horn is to spend some time trying various different combinations with the adjustments of where the mute fits the bell of the horn and where the extender adjustment best facilitates the response of the mute and the instrument.
We are sure that you will be pleased with this product, but should you have any questions, please give us a call at 1-574-288-1080.
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