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Harmon mute stem
Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2018 3:14 pm
by Steerpike
I need a new stem for an old Harmon mute, 3/4 inch diameter, any ideas?
Re: Harmon mute stem
Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2018 3:23 pm
by BGuttman
You need more than the stem. There is also a cup that attaches to the stem. With only the stem, it still won't sound like a proper Harmon.
For what it's worth, you need 3/4" OD brass tube, probably thin wall.
As is, you can use it as a warmup mute or if you can play right into a microphone as a "Miles Mute".
Re: Harmon mute stem
Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2018 10:33 pm
by Doug Elliott
The stem on my Harmon is 1 inch
Re: Harmon mute stem
Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2018 12:14 am
by Steerpike
Thanks for reply. I was thinking of it as one part, but
I actually have the stem, just no cup. I thought I might be able to buy a new stem and cup. Maybe I can just make a new cup.
Re: Harmon mute stem
Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2018 4:40 am
by Steerpike
Thanks for the replies, I have the stem, but no cup, was thinking of them as being the same part. May have to try to make a cup.
Re: Harmon mute stem
Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2018 11:15 pm
by Doug Elliott
Is yours a real Harmon brand or something else, and is it really 3/4" ?
Wondering since mine is 1"
Re: Harmon mute stem
Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2018 9:57 am
by MalecHeermans
My Harmon stem is 1".
I think maybe the Jo-Ral ones are smaller.
Re: Harmon mute stem
Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2018 12:39 pm
by timothy42b
3D print it at the library?
Re: Harmon mute stem
Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2018 1:45 pm
by MalecHeermans
PS The Jo-Ral Bubble mute is a poor substitute for the original Harmon. Soooo if that's what you've got I would put it in the back of the mute drawer, suck it up, and buy a new Harmon mute.
PPS In ten years of playing professionally in NYC I have never needed a Harmon, EXCEPT for a few episodes of Boardwalk Empire where I was an actor ghosting the guys in the Vince Giordano band. I'm not even sure the trombone Harmon existed in the 1930's, but that's what the guy on the session played so I went with it. Actually I bought one with the rationale that I needed it for the part and that I was getting paid pretty nicely.