TromboneChat

Posted: **Sun Jun 02, 2024 4:47 pm**

Hi
I have always struggled holding a plunger mute and playing successfully. I have managed over the years , but not very good or comfortable. I have used toilet plungers and a Humes & Berg plunger but still have an awkward time holding the trombone ( mostly playing a King 3bf).
If anyone has a mute that they prefer or any helpfuil tips I would appreciate them.

Thanks in advance
Randy

Posted: **Sun Jun 02, 2024 6:26 pm**

I just made one for my bass out of a Dollar Tree food storage container.

https://www.dollartree.com/sure-fresh-r ... 5SEALw_wcB

I put some sound-absorbing shelf liner on the inside bottom and a Velcro adjustable finger strap on the outside bottom. Light weight, indestructible, easy to use, and works great. $1.25. I did paint it so it won't look so much like The Hobo Plunger Mute to an audience, and just used some spray paint (good for plastics) I had on hand for that.

Of course, now I have the lid of the original storage bowl left over.

If I hadn't made this, I probably would have gone for the H&B "Tuxedo" mute (~ $35). That's where I got the Velcro finger strap idea from. But I did want one that was appropriately sized for my 9 1/2" bell.

Posted: **Sun Jun 02, 2024 6:52 pm**

You, my friend, need a watch.

Posted: **Sun Jun 02, 2024 8:57 pm**

ghmerrill wrote: ↑Sun Jun 02, 2024 6:26 pm I just made one for my bass out of a Dollar Tree food storage container.

https://www.dollartree.com/sure-fresh-r ... 5SEALw_wcB

I put some sound-absorbing shelf liner on the inside bottom and a Velcro adjustable finger strap on the outside bottom. Light weight, indestructible, easy to use, and works great. $1.25. I did paint it so it won't look so much like The Hobo Plunger Mute to an audience, and just used some spray paint (good for plastics) I had on hand for that.

Of course, now I have the lid of the original storage bowl left over.

If I hadn't made this, I probably would have gone for the H&B "Tuxedo" mute (~ $35). That's where I got the Velcro finger strap idea from. But I did want one that was appropriately sized for my 9 1/2" bell.

Too much work for me. I got my authentic rubber toilet plunger at Dollar Tree. ($1.00 before the price increase. No discount for not taking the handle. I said I use my hands. Use as is; no modifications required.) HB Tuxedo & Denis Wick plunger too heavy, ungainly, and EXPENSIVE for cheapskate me.

Now if someone could explain to me how to easily insert a plunger and simultaneously operate a valve with my left thumb and the slide with my right hand, I'd be more willing to actually use it when called for!

Posted: **Sun Jun 02, 2024 9:04 pm**

Posaunus wrote: ↑Sun Jun 02, 2024 8:57 pm Now if someone could explain to me how to easily use a plunger and simultaneously operate a valve with my left thumb and the slide with my right hand, I'd be more willing to actually use it when called for!

Can't do that. But I have seen at least one video where the player is manipulating the valve with his right hand while using the plunger The apparently elusive goal is to use all three of: the plunger, one or two valves, and the hand slide. Sometimes you just have to concede the "operational limitations" of your instrument.

Posted: **Sun Jun 02, 2024 9:08 pm**

ghmerrill wrote: ↑Sun Jun 02, 2024 9:04 pm ... I have seen at least one video where the player is manipulating the valve with his right hand while using the plunger The apparently elusive goal is to use all three of: the plunger, one or two valves, and the hand slide. Sometimes you just have to concede the "operational limitations" of your instrument.

Or educate the composers / arrangers about the true dilemmas they are creating.

Posted: **Sun Jun 02, 2024 10:02 pm**

Posaunus wrote: ↑Sun Jun 02, 2024 8:57 pmNow if someone could explain to me how to easily insert a plunger and simultaneously operate a valve with my left thumb and the slide with my right hand, I'd be more willing to actually use it when called for!

I've had some success with putting the plunger on a stand and shifting the horn to move the plunger in and out of the bell. It's not ideal, but you can get a credible plunger effect that works for most music.

Posted: **Sun Jun 02, 2024 10:38 pm**

JohnL wrote: ↑Sun Jun 02, 2024 10:02 pm
Posaunus wrote: ↑Sun Jun 02, 2024 8:57 pmNow if someone could explain to me how to easily insert a plunger and simultaneously operate a valve with my left thumb and the slide with my right hand, I'd be more willing to actually use it when called for!
I've had some success with putting the plunger on a stand and shifting the horn to move the plunger in and out of the bell. It's not ideal, but you can get a credible plunger effect that works for most music.

Not even close to the same effect. And completely missing the visual impact of inserting and removing a plunger. (Some of the best big band photo highlights!) Please, arrangers, don't call for plungers on valve notes!

Posted: **Mon Jun 03, 2024 6:30 am**

What goes around, comes around -- especially if you've got a search engine:
viewtopic.php?t=10418

Posted: **Mon Jun 03, 2024 7:00 am**

But for real, I don't know what all this talk is about making plungers and playing notes with the f attachment, when the OP is just about how to hold onto the trombone with a plunger

.

If you need to do a lot of plunger work, wear a watch with a leather wrist band. The bell will rest on the band and not go anywhere. Learned this trick decades ago, working on Berio.

It also helps to have a really fast slide and to hold the horn downwards a bit when you use the plunger.

'the buckle will scratch the finish!' yep, so will rattling the bell with a hard plunger. Always borrow a trombone if you're going to work on the Sequenza.

Posted: **Mon Jun 03, 2024 7:14 am**

harrisonreed wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2024 7:00 am But for real, I don't know what all this talk is about making plungers and playing notes with the f attachment, when the OP is just about how to hold onto the trombone with a plunger .

"If anyone has a mute that they prefer or any helpfuil tips I would appreciate them."

Seems to pretty broad and includes a request for plunger suggestions and tips for playing with one. Also includes how to hold onto one. Room for everybody -- even suggestions about getting a wrist watch, which I personally appreciate since it also solves the problem of seeing how long the rehearsal is dragging on without fumbling with your cell phone.

Some years ago I bought an inexpensive wrist watch, took the band off it, and Velcro'd it to my band book. That won't work with the multiple ginormous binders my current big band uses. So I'm going on Amazon RIGHT NOW and finding a wrist band for it! Thanks.

Posted: **Mon Jun 03, 2024 7:40 am**

Target or Walmart sell nylon watch wrist bands. Wear the buckle on top with no watch. If the band won’t snag the bell sew a piece of Velcro to it. Or wear a long sleeve shirt over your favorite watch of choice. Al Grey advocated cutting the center (~0.500 inch diameter) out of the toilet plunger. That makes it easier to deform. Plunger with valve passages are a communication opportunity with the person waving their arms. I ask whether they want the note as inked (and bury the bell into the music stand) or suitable substitute with plunger. As Mick Jagger said, “You can’t always get what you want . . . But if you try sometimes, you can get what you need.”

Posted: **Mon Jun 03, 2024 7:44 am**

OneTon wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2024 7:40 am Target or Walmart sell nylon watch wrist bands. Wear the buckle on top with no watch.

Or ... this is an opportunity to start wearing that ostentatious bracelet you always wanted to: "Oh, this? Well, I have to use it for my plunger notes. You know ... part of my art."

Posted: **Mon Jun 03, 2024 10:19 am**

ghmerrill wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2024 7:44 am
OneTon wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2024 7:40 am Target or Walmart sell nylon watch wrist bands. Wear the buckle on top with no watch.
Or ... this is an opportunity to start wearing that ostentatious bracelet you always wanted to: "Oh, this? Well, I have to use it for my plunger notes. You know ... part of my art."

Posted: **Mon Jun 03, 2024 11:16 am**

Handle bought on Etsy.

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