How to shave cork on mutes

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Do you shave the cork flat, or do you shave it to be peaked in the middle?

Flat
3
21%
Peaked
1
7%
Rounded
9
64%
Other (please elaborate)
1
7%
 
Total votes: 14
AndrewMeronek
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How to shave cork on mutes

Post by AndrewMeronek »

I'm thinking specifically here of cork that is applied in strips, not the cork that envelops the mute like on a Harmon.
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harrisonreed
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Re: How to shave cork on mutes

Post by harrisonreed »

Rounded but just slightly
Doubler
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Re: How to shave cork on mutes

Post by Doubler »

Matching the curve of the mute provides the opportunity for maximum contact with the bell and spreads the force over the largest area available. Does how you shave the corks actually make a difference? IDK; I doubt it. What's more important is to adjust (if necessary) mute depth for best intonation.
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Posaunus
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Re: How to shave cork on mutes

Post by Posaunus »

If I had to alter my mute corks, I'd buy an adapter set from Sobieralski Music (S-Mute.com).
These corks work great on my Salt Shaker mute!

https://s-mute.com/products/adapter-set ... 6292309229
AndrewMeronek
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Re: How to shave cork on mutes

Post by AndrewMeronek »

Doubler wrote: Sun Aug 18, 2024 11:34 am Matching the curve of the mute provides the opportunity for maximum contact with the bell and spreads the force over the largest area available.
I don't think we want maximum contact; I think we want 3 points of contact.
“All musicians are subconsciously mathematicians.”

- Thelonious Monk
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NathanSobieralski
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Re: How to shave cork on mutes

Post by NathanSobieralski »

Some visuals on the adapter set Posaunus linked to. The rails attach with double stick adhesive. This works especially well if you want to use the same mute with multiple bell sizes.

Image
Image
Image
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Salt Shaker Mute:
https://s-mute.com/collections/trombone-mutes
Doubler
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Re: How to shave cork on mutes

Post by Doubler »

NathanSobieralski wrote: Tue Aug 20, 2024 8:32 am Some visuals on the adapter set Posaunus linked to. The rails attach with double stick adhesive. This works especially well if you want to use the same mute with multiple bell sizes.

Image

Proper cork curvature duly noted. Thanks for the illustration!
Current instruments:
Olds Studio trombone, 3 trumpets, 1 flugelhorn, 1 cornet, 1 shofar, 1 keyboard

Previous trombones:
Selmer Bundy, Marceau
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