Tourte Original Mute for Violin or Viola - Single
The original Tourte mute is the world's most popular orchestra mute! There are many imitations available, but they are made from inferior die-cut synthetic rubber which sacrifices functionality, longevity, and sound quality. The original Tourte orchestra mute’s elastic molded rubber construction allows for ease and speed of application and removal, as well as superior sound by avoiding rattling and contact with the string where imitation mutes don’t. A small pin on the top makes it easy to remove and slide down the string when not in use. Used for chamber music, orchestra and personal practice - light muting level. Original: Not a Copy! Fits 4/4 - 1/8 size.
What Should I Look For in a Mute?
All string players should have at least one mute, and there are three important factors to consider. First and foremost, ease of use. How quickly can the mute be put in place or removed? How important is this to you? Orchestral players sometimes only have one measure to install or remove a mute. Secondly, sound quality. The goal of the mute is to lower the volume only, not dampen the good quality of your instrument. Regarding overall sound quality, the degree to which a mute "rattles" when not in use but still on the strings between the bridge and tailpiece is important as well. Third is aesthetics. Truth be told, many players consider the importance of overall look and feel, trying a variety of mutes to find out what works and looks best on their instrument. Fortunately, mutes are not too expensive, so this is a relatively low cost endeavor.
"A commonly forgotten accessory to the string world is the mute. There are a variety of mutes available with even more varying qualities and prices. For the orchestra setting, I recommend something that can quickly be put on the bridge such as the Tourte, which I use. For practicing at home late at night, I use my ebony mute because it's heavier and dampens the volume more."
- Thomas La Forgia, Cellist & Shar Apprentice
Ratings & Reviews
great mute
"pros: mutes well, good tone when muted, flexible rubber cons: squeaky on/off, sometimes leaves black marks on bridge"
SWEET
my teacher has one ive used it and it works great the slip off when not in use is relly handy
great mute
pros: mutes well, good tone when muted, flexible rubber cons: squeaky on/off, sometimes leaves black marks on bridge
mute
good but it does stain the bridge. very light muting
Cheap
This product is definitely worth its price. It does mute well and is handy, but it has a huge downside: it stains the bridge. My brother had previously used this mute on his violin, and it had left a very, very noticeable stain. I had also tried the same bridge on my new violin, and I noticed it started to stain that as well, so I stopped using it. Otherwise, it gets the job done.
Nice mute - and a little tip for squeaky mutes
This mute was recommended to my by my orchestra director, and I'm really glad I bought it. As the other reviewers mentioned, the mute does stain the bridge black - I guess it never bothered me, but it might bother you; that's just something to keep in mind. I had a problem with my mute a few months ago (after owning it for about 9 months). It started to squeak when I would move it onto the bridge. Not really something you want when you're performing, or practicing, for that matter! So I took a little TINY drop of coconut oil on a butter knife and slid the knife carefully between the "bridge pocket," (or whatever that is called). I rubbed it carefully on the mute and then clipped it back on the violin. It didn't squeak a bit when I moved it to the bridge. If you try this, you could probably use vegetable oil if you don't have coconut oil. Anyway, I just thought I'd share this in case anyone else's mute develops "Mutesqueak."
Okay mute
It's an overall good mute, but it really stained my bridge )don't ask me how( and made the top black.