DIY bucket mute

[PancakePower]

Hi

Can someone provide the dimensions of an 8 1/2 bucket mute (clip on) want to try and make one

[baileyman]

"Dimensions" may be the wrong question.

This kind of thing is a "made to fit" operation instead of a "made to measure".

I found that something like a 6" wide bucket bottom worked for all size bells, as long as I adjusted the hook brackets to the bell size. I made something like an easybucket using food service buckets, cutting away the sides leaving material to mold for tabs using a heat gun. They sound great, but sadly no one cares what a trombone or section sounds like. Well, nearly no one.

[CharlieB]

The one I have....commercial, not home-made.
Diameter = 6"
Depth= 4.5"
Hook attachment to bell = 3/4" away from bucket rim.
Mute filled with synthetic cotton-like fiber batting (available at a fabric store)
Will fit on an 8.5" bell
Hope his helps.

[ExZacLee]

Buy 1 Kentucky fried chicken bucket.

Buy 1-2 clothes pins.

Buy one bag of cotton balls.

Stuff cotton balls into lower half of bucket.

Attach bucket to manhassett stand using clothespins.

Voila! You now own a bucket mute.

[LarryPrestonRoberson]

Buy 1 Kentucky fried chicken bucket.

Buy 1-2 clothes pins.

Buy one bag of cotton balls.

Stuff cotton balls into lower half of bucket.

Attach bucket to manhassett stand using clothespins.

Voila! You now own a bucket mute.

Unused? If not a bucket that previously contained Original Recipe, or extra crspy?

Maybe you could pitch the idea to KFC to be used, in someway, in the current—somewhat morbid—commercials with various actors portraying the Colonel.

[ExZacLee]

I send students to KFC, tell 'em to buy some chicken and ask for clean buckets. Works better than the real thing - don't even have to think about quick mute changes.

[PancakePower]

lmao it's been a few years. I forgot trombone chat existed!
Thanks for all of the help!

[CalgaryTbone]

Alan Raph once told me a story about making a Bucket Mute using the bottom part of a Chlorox Bleach bottle (the white plastic kind). He had a friend or maybe a student who was playing a Broadway show with a bunch of Bucket Mute sections, and the weight of the standard H&B Bucket was really bothering his wrist. He filled it with cotton like has been suggested previously, and I think he cut strips of plastic that were attached to the cup part and had some sort of clips at the bell area. Very lightweight.

Jim Scott

[BrassedOn]

A “NYC bucket mute” has traditionally been a standard black felt beret. Yeah the hat. No further DIY. Another option is some felt in the cup of an adjustable cup mute, fairly open.

Beret also handy on cold night after the gig. Adjustable cup less so.