I am a tenor trombone player who is just starting to learn to use mutes. I need a plunger mute and a wah-wah mute for the music i am going to perform. my questions are:

1) what size plunger is appropriate? should i cut a hole in the bottom of the plunger?

2) i saw the list price of a harmon wah-wah mute is $81-- is this reasonable? where can i hunt for a good price?

thank you for any advice you may have.

Not to sure about the rest, but $81 seems ok for a trombone harmon - as a (basic) trumpet harmon is aroung £30 so considering the larger size, and the exchange rate, I think that is ok, but speak to some people who have them, and see what type is best, there are lots of different ones.

Hi Katherine, learning to use mutes can be very exciting and there is so much you can try out.

I am slightly confused as to why you are contemplating cutting a hole in the bottom of your plunger; could you explain a little more please?

As far as what make of plunger is concerned, to trumpet players I recommend using a sink plunger. They're cheaper, more reliable and easier to use.

For trombones therefore I recommend using an umbrella.. Just kidding.

I don't know too much about them but the only trombone plungers I've seen are theones made by Denis Wick. These have a sort of strap across the back of them so you don't have to worry about getting your hand around a whacking great BUCKET. Seems to make them quite useable.

Stephen