Practice mutes are typically heavy chunks of metal that fit over the top of the bridge. This extra weight coupled with its placement reduces the vibrations being sent into the instrument and effectively kills the volume - often at the cost of any other nuances or colorings.
So, what makes the Comosono Silence Mute superior to other practice mutes?
The Comosono Silence Practice Mute is innovative in its placement under the strings as it prevents several issues of traditional practice mutes. Firstly, mutes that are placed over the top of the bridge can affect the length of the strings, thereby altering the tuning of the instrument. The Comosono Silence Mute is unable to alter the string length and so it allows the instrument to resonate fully without affecting the tuning/overtones. Next, the placement of mutes on top of the bridge can rub and damage the segment of the strings which cross over the bridge. The Comosono’s placement completely eliminates this issue as the mute does not come into contact with the strings at all. Finally, having the mute underneath the strings allows the player full access to the playing area - enabling techniques like sul pontecello and a clear sightline down the length of the instrument.
The Comosono Silence Mute uses a ball joint clamp system to affix itself to your instrument. This mechanism prevents yet another danger of traditional practice mutes: the mute vibrating off the bridge during use and hitting the top plate of the instrument. The clamping system uses an adjustable screw that keeps the device firmly in place during intensive playing. The ball joint of the clamp provides mutes’ plate freedom to conform to the triangular shape of the bridge. This extra level of tailoring provides complete contact with the bridge for a superior muting experience.
With all these features working together, the character and quality of your viola/violin is not compromised. It will retain its overtones and produce its warm voice- just at a lower volume.
So if you are traveling and practicing in hotel rooms, living in an apartment with early quiet hours, or wanting to practice with a recording, then consider the Comosono Silence Practice Mute for Violin/Viola!
Written by Sarah Soza