Dark Mute/Dark Tone

Most hornists realize that horn mutes differ from those of other brass instruments, having a bit different tone than say a trumpet or trombone mute. While in a brass quintet you will want a mute that sounds more like a trombone mute than the average horn mute, in an orchestral setting it is very important for a section of muted horns to match well, with a characteristic, “horn mute” sound.

In the existing published literature on horn mutes it is little commented upon but mute color is critical for proper blend within a section. I always suggest to my students a dark mute or one with a darker overall hue (dark blue, walnut, etc.), as it will have a darker tone.

Painting the mute a darker color is an option I have seen a number of students take. It is a viable option, and certainly enhances the impression of using a higher quality mute in an orchestral situation. Perception of quality is an element of this, too, as many of the more expensive mutes are black.

Along the same lines, at a recent Northeast Horn Workshop a performer on an evening concert was using a horn with a dark (black) colored lacquer. The vast majority of makers use clear lacquer on horns; a few use lacquer with a slight tint. Another audience member asked the performer why the black lacquer? The answer was given that the choice related to aesthetics, but I knew the real answer; for a darker tone. It is a topic worth exploring further; there are saxophones and trumpets on the market now with many more colors of lacquer than those available to hornists.

[This is, mostly, an April Fools post, but it still has a few serious points. I did see that black horn at that workshop. And, be honest, how many of you have painted your "red and white" mute black to fool people into thinking you had a more expensive mute?]