Whilst learing my music for NYWE I have come across a performance direction asking for a "dark tone".
But what does a dark tone sound like - what are it's unique qualities?

Help much appreciated.
Jon

P.S Does anyone know where a Peter Gane Fibre straight mute can be bought - I have checked all the ususal brass suppliers, and also the manufacturer. None have any in stock. They are hand made to order, and they can't get me one in time.

Jon,
There's no official way of defining a 'dark' sound.
Most people would probably agree it as an enveloping, resonant, sustained sound (with their own various terms).
In brass terms, the more conical instruments tend toward darker sounds over their cylindrical counterparts. Likewise bigger, deeper mouthpieces tend toward the dark side...

For a Peter Gane mute if you've spoken to Gerry Birch and he can't help you, you might be out of luck.
If you're on good terms with a local brass band they will usually have sets of mutes.

Best of luck,
E

I'm in the village band, but they only have denis wick, and no fibre mutes at all, however, the championship section regionals piece required a fibre mute - so I am in the process of contacting the nearest championship section band, so hopefully I might get one.