Recommendations for Plunger Mute
Recommendations for Plunger Mute
Looking for recommendations for a good plunger mute. Looking for something lighter than a rubber plumber's plunger.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Dave
Antoine Courtois AC280BO with Christian Lindberg 5CL
Yamaha 421G Bass with Christian Lindberg 2CL / Bach 1 1/2G
Getzen 351 Tenor with Yamaha 48
1967 Olds Ambassador with 10CL
Jean Baptiste EUPCOMS with Wedge 5G
Antoine Courtois AC280BO with Christian Lindberg 5CL
Yamaha 421G Bass with Christian Lindberg 2CL / Bach 1 1/2G
Getzen 351 Tenor with Yamaha 48
1967 Olds Ambassador with 10CL
Jean Baptiste EUPCOMS with Wedge 5G
- harrisonreed
- Posts: 2158
- Joined: Fri Aug 17, 2018 12:18 pm
- Location: Yokohama, Japan
- Contact:
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
The H&B stonelined one might be marginally lighter. But it's not quite a plunger either.
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
The Tuxedo plunger is not lighter. The swirled rubber one might be, but you can buy an awful lot of conventional plungers for what they charge for it.harrisonreed wrote: ↑Sun Mar 01, 2020 4:25 pmThe H&B stonelined one might be marginally lighter. But it's not quite a plunger either.
Some of the cheaper "dollar store" plungers tend to be lighter than many. Makes for a lousy toiled unclogger, but would meet your requirement.
My plunger isn't too heavy, though. Why do you need something lighter?
Bruce Guttman
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
"Almost Professional"
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
"Almost Professional"
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
Whatever you get, smell it first. Some rubber has an awful organic stink to it, and it takes a long time to dissipate. Months.
If you intend to become a plunger artist, choose one that is flexible, as the best users manipulate the thing like a pair of lips, pouts and smirks included.
If you just want something light, a styrofoam soup bowl may work.
If you intend to become a plunger artist, choose one that is flexible, as the best users manipulate the thing like a pair of lips, pouts and smirks included.
If you just want something light, a styrofoam soup bowl may work.
- dukesboneman
- Posts: 336
- Joined: Mon Apr 02, 2018 4:40 pm
- Location: Sarasota, Florida
- Contact:
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
I do a lot of plunger playing (with the Pixie)
The Humes & Berg Plunger is the worst I`ve ever played. Clumsy and heavy.
The regular Basic Bb toilet plunger (the Brown ones) are still the best. Getting harder and harder to find.
The Humes & Berg Plunger is the worst I`ve ever played. Clumsy and heavy.
The regular Basic Bb toilet plunger (the Brown ones) are still the best. Getting harder and harder to find.
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
That's what I've discovered as well. Cheap dollar store plungers are lightweight and flexible. And, probably not at all useful for clearing a clog. But they work well for tenor trombone.
-- Andy in OKC
-
- Posts: 30
- Joined: Sat May 05, 2018 7:10 pm
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
I have discovered a great plunger! It's called the New Orleans style plunger. They play great! It's a bit deeper than a standard rubber plunger. A grip on the outside that makes it easy to hold too. I am sure you can get them in a lot of places. Even amazon carries them!
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
I was looking to see what the New Orleans style looks like when I came across this trumpet plunger on Amazon. It offered to put it on subscribe and save with the most common being one mute every two months! What the heck are trumpet players doing? I mean, I’ve been using the same plunger for over 40 years.
Mutec MHT160 Plunger Mute for Trumpet - Black Rubber https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M8HVXC/re ... BFbM47EQKH
Mutec MHT160 Plunger Mute for Trumpet - Black Rubber https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M8HVXC/re ... BFbM47EQKH
The user formerly known as amichael on TTF.
-
- Posts: 1469
- Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2018 10:12 pm
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
There's also a Mutec trombone plunger that I like.
On the Hickey's website it says it's going under the FAXX name, same item. Witness Protection Program, I guess.
On the Hickey's website it says it's going under the FAXX name, same item. Witness Protection Program, I guess.
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
Is anyone still using Jolly Balls?
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
I went into a pet store recently and they didn't have any.
Bruce Guttman
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
"Almost Professional"
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
"Almost Professional"
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
Looking for a new plunger and found this thread from last year.
Jolly Balls are sold on Amazon.
Next question: how do you use Jolly Balls? Cut them in half and it's a plunger?
Jolly Balls are sold on Amazon.
Next question: how do you use Jolly Balls? Cut them in half and it's a plunger?
My music: https://quiethorn.com
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ0Qym ... cTK4gw16_Q
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ0Qym ... cTK4gw16_Q
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
There was a whole topic on how to prepare a Jolly Ball on TTF. I don't know if it came over when we tried to merge the old Forum.
You have to cut it in half, but the handle is not dead center -- it's off by about 1/3. Doing it that way lets you hold the Jolly Ball with your palm under the bell rim. I don't think an 8 incher is a good size for most trombones (except basses). I think the next size down is 6 inches. That's not too far off from the size of an old toilet plunger. How you cut it is another issue. I think a hack saw was suggested.
I still have my 60 year old plunger from when I was in High School which I still use. Also have a Harmon Triple Play and use the cup part as a plunger.
You have to cut it in half, but the handle is not dead center -- it's off by about 1/3. Doing it that way lets you hold the Jolly Ball with your palm under the bell rim. I don't think an 8 incher is a good size for most trombones (except basses). I think the next size down is 6 inches. That's not too far off from the size of an old toilet plunger. How you cut it is another issue. I think a hack saw was suggested.
I still have my 60 year old plunger from when I was in High School which I still use. Also have a Harmon Triple Play and use the cup part as a plunger.
Bruce Guttman
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
"Almost Professional"
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
"Almost Professional"
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
I did this “jolly ball” plunger thing. It is easy to do and makes a giant mute. Problem is that holding the bass and trying to manipulate the mute is just too much. Also how useful is a wah -wah mute on a bass trombone. I put a cabinet knob on it to hold onto. Still a challenge.
If you are talking about a tenor then a toilet plunger is all you need. No handle of course.
Jolly Ball is real thick so it might be too stiff.
If you are talking about a tenor then a toilet plunger is all you need. No handle of course.

Jolly Ball is real thick so it might be too stiff.
- Attachments
-
- 61D361DB-CA5B-47D9-84F6-C68A4F08CE91.jpeg (4.68 MiB) Viewed 1351 times
-
- 23ED89EE-7F11-4CE8-841D-A03428A2BBB2.jpeg (3.47 MiB) Viewed 1351 times
Steve
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
Many players cut off the inner rim of the regular toilet plunger. It will be considerably lighter and more flexible. Use a utility knife; try not to lose a finger.
Tom Rice
www.superfinecases.com
www.superfinecases.com
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
Hmm.... interesting. Maybe I'll just try some more plungers. The Jolly Ball looks like too much work. I'm having trouble finding something for an 8 1/2" bell. I had one years ago, just something I bought at a dollar store, that was great, had more "bite" than any other I've ever had. But the rubber was cheap and it started falling apart so I had to throw it away.
My music: https://quiethorn.com
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ0Qym ... cTK4gw16_Q
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ0Qym ... cTK4gw16_Q
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
Nothing to stop you from taking an aluminum pie pan and screwing on a drawer knob. That would be lighter. And a 7" pie pan is a good size for the trombone.
Bruce Guttman
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
"Almost Professional"
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
"Almost Professional"
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
Oh that's not a bad idea.
My music: https://quiethorn.com
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ0Qym ... cTK4gw16_Q
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ0Qym ... cTK4gw16_Q
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
Aqua force 5
- dukesboneman
- Posts: 336
- Joined: Mon Apr 02, 2018 4:40 pm
- Location: Sarasota, Florida
- Contact:
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
I don`t know about the rest of the country but... In Florida CVS is the only place I`ve found that still has actual sturdy old-style plungers that are the size needed for Trombone, not the flimsy things I see most other places.
I bought 4 when I saw them right before Christmas, Walked up to the cashier who gave me a really weird look having 4 plungers. I just told her that they make really nice stocking stuffers
I bought 4 when I saw them right before Christmas, Walked up to the cashier who gave me a really weird look having 4 plungers. I just told her that they make really nice stocking stuffers
- jbeatenbough
- Posts: 140
- Joined: Fri Dec 13, 2019 1:57 pm
- Location: Cumming, Georgia
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
I found one at a dollar store after checking everywhere else I could think of.
John
King 2B (1940) Silvertone - DW 12CS
King 2B (1946) - DW 12CS/King M21
Bach 42B (1978) - DW 6BL
Kanstul 1555 (20xx) - DW 12CS
Yamaha 354 (mostly use as a loaner)
Trumpets
King Liberty Silvertone AB (1930) - Schilke M2C
King 600 (1977) - Bach 7C
King 2B (1940) Silvertone - DW 12CS
King 2B (1946) - DW 12CS/King M21
Bach 42B (1978) - DW 6BL
Kanstul 1555 (20xx) - DW 12CS
Yamaha 354 (mostly use as a loaner)
Trumpets
King Liberty Silvertone AB (1930) - Schilke M2C
King 600 (1977) - Bach 7C
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
The great Las Vegas trombonist Curt Miller raved about the Hirschman plungers on Facebook. Website says they are still in prototype phase but should be available "soon":
https://www.hirschmanmutes.com/
https://www.hirschmanmutes.com/
- noordinaryjoe
- Posts: 52
- Joined: Mon Jul 06, 2020 10:01 am
- Location: Northeast PA
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
The 'Kenny Penny' is a clever idea.dembones wrote: ↑Mon Feb 15, 2021 12:36 pmThe great Las Vegas trombonist Curt Miller raved about the Hirschman plungers on Facebook. Website says they are still in prototype phase but should be available "soon":
https://www.hirschmanmutes.com/
Yamaha YBL-612R II
YSL-651
EAMB, Pirate
YSL-651
EAMB, Pirate
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
Here is a question. This Ace plunger is 5" in diameter. Is that big enough for a typical 8" bell-ed jazz horn? I have seen recommendations for a 6" plunger.
https://www.acehardware.com/departments ... rs/4824876
https://www.acehardware.com/departments ... rs/4824876
Tom Rice
www.superfinecases.com
www.superfinecases.com
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
I use a 6" diameter plunger on my 9½"-bell bass trombone. Can't remember where I got it. Does the job; I think it's O.K. [No one complains.] Not sure I could handle anything much larger anyway.

- harrisonreed
- Posts: 2158
- Joined: Fri Aug 17, 2018 12:18 pm
- Location: Yokohama, Japan
- Contact:
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
Stonelined. The only way to rattle your bell on the Berio.
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
Hmm could be converted to a solotone mute with a little work.harrisonreed wrote: ↑Mon Feb 15, 2021 5:18 pm
Stonelined. The only way to rattle your bell on the Berio.
My music: https://quiethorn.com
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ0Qym ... cTK4gw16_Q
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ0Qym ... cTK4gw16_Q
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
Whatever mute you get, smell it first. Seriously. If it's Chinese rubber, as most all now are, some will off-gas a really noxious odor for months. I've gotten good Chinese mutes, but some of them will make you very unhappy and prolly irritable, too.
- noordinaryjoe
- Posts: 52
- Joined: Mon Jul 06, 2020 10:01 am
- Location: Northeast PA
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
I picked up one of these 6.5" plungers from Amazon last year, big enough for my bass and my 8" bell tenor.greenbean wrote: ↑Mon Feb 15, 2021 2:21 pmHere is a question. This Ace plunger is 5" in diameter. Is that big enough for a typical 8" bell-ed jazz horn? I have seen recommendations for a 6" plunger.
https://www.acehardware.com/departments ... rs/4824876
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XI ... UTF8&psc=1
doesn't seem to be available, but here is another 6.5"
https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Original ... X2WW&psc=1
and one listed as 7"
https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Original ... X2WW&psc=1
They don't seem to have great reviews as a plunger, but my usage is less rigorous!
To use proper TC parlance: that is 6.5" outer rim diameter, 5.5" inner rim and a medium-deep cup depth.
Yamaha YBL-612R II
YSL-651
EAMB, Pirate
YSL-651
EAMB, Pirate
- soseggnchips
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Fri Jan 29, 2021 10:28 am
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
I've been really surprised at how hard it is to track down a decent plunger the last few years. All I want is a basic hardware store cup-on-a-stick, but finding one that's made of actual rubber and not some sort of hard plastic is becoming a real challenge.
Incidentally, a guy in one of the bands I play with claims to have the perfect plunger. He found it, 'used', in a public toilet whilst on a trip to China and brought it back in his luggage.
Incidentally, a guy in one of the bands I play with claims to have the perfect plunger. He found it, 'used', in a public toilet whilst on a trip to China and brought it back in his luggage.

Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
Did he get it tested for COVID?soseggnchips wrote: ↑Tue Feb 16, 2021 10:52 amIncidentally, a guy in one of the bands I play with claims to have the perfect plunger. He found it, 'used', in a public toilet whilst on a trip to China and brought it back in his luggage.![]()

Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
Did he get it tested for fecal material?... << a better questionsoseggnchips wrote: ↑Tue Feb 16, 2021 10:52 amI've been really surprised at how hard it is to track down a decent plunger the last few years. All I want is a basic hardware store cup-on-a-stick, but finding one that's made of actual rubber and not some sort of hard plastic is becoming a real challenge.
Incidentally, a guy in one of the bands I play with claims to have the perfect plunger. He found it, 'used', in a public toilet whilst on a trip to China and brought it back in his luggage.![]()
Tom Rice
www.superfinecases.com
www.superfinecases.com
- soseggnchips
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Fri Jan 29, 2021 10:28 am
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
I think he left it in a bucket of bleach for a couple of weeks... I still don't know if that would be enough for me.greenbean wrote: ↑Fri Feb 19, 2021 6:25 pmDid he get it tested for fecal material?... << a better questionsoseggnchips wrote: ↑Tue Feb 16, 2021 10:52 amI've been really surprised at how hard it is to track down a decent plunger the last few years. All I want is a basic hardware store cup-on-a-stick, but finding one that's made of actual rubber and not some sort of hard plastic is becoming a real challenge.
Incidentally, a guy in one of the bands I play with claims to have the perfect plunger. He found it, 'used', in a public toilet whilst on a trip to China and brought it back in his luggage.![]()
There's something to be said for not being too uptight about equipment, but personally I feel better knowing none of mine has ever been down a public latrine. If that makes me a gear snob then so be it!
Re: Recommendations for Plunger Mute
I did this and then rounded the inner/cut edge w sandpaper. Much more flexible.
I also cemented a German coin in the hole where the stick used to go, bc I'm fancy. Er ... for that Teutonic sound!
