For those who occasionally pick up a plunger to entertain the masses, you may be interested in my new choice.
This is available at Lowes for the modest price of $2.24 and with about two minutes to alter the original, you can have the best plunger I have ever used.
Modifying your new mute-
1. Place on table and with a hack saw, cut off handle to match included picture.
2. Sand smooth if need be.
3. Pick up in left hand.
4. Place in bell.
5. Play a note as you move the mute around.
………any questions?
If you would like to hear how it sounds, just click on MP3 below.
Fancy! I bought a small plunger for the soprano cornet, but left the stick on. Easier to grab for quick mute changes or if you have low back problems, it saves bending over.
You can’t be any older than when we last visited!
How is this any better than the standard plunger mute in your opinion? More nuance ability? Better wah sound? Seems like it would be more awkward to hold than the normal toilet plunger type.
1. the new one has much thinner walls which is less deadening of the sound.
2. The sound plays through the walls when completely closed.
3. With the hole cut where the handle used to be, there is no “breaking” in the harmonics as in the case of the old plunger mute.
4. It is lighter and easier to hole and work.
5. The new mute is longer and more comfortable to use.
6. the old plungers tend to get brittle as they age and I don’t think this new one will.
7. The new one is more versatile in tone quality than the old one.
Good reasons, thanks a lot!
Thanks.
I TOTALLY disagree with most of this post. I have played a LOT of plunger solos over many years, using a bell-size off-the-shelf plunger from the hardware store. Long ago someone advised I cut a hole in it – absolutely ruined it. (Luckily replacement expense isn’t a big issue.)
Please listen to the historic plunger artists – they used the “breaks” as an essential part of the plunger sound.
If you want to play plunger solos, play a plunger.