Practice Mutes for Violin

[@MattStormage]

*heavy metal* mute

[@jonnieve2483]

Cause you can't be metal when everybody's asleep

[@yuri_lhr]

palm mute

[@MaugLiTzu]

\m/

[@slateflash]

If you force too hard or play too aggressively with the heavy metal mute, it will vibrate off and drop on your toes which is FAR from fun

[@1stfiddlerman]

This has happened to me too. :( I now tap them down a bit harder. :)

[@JeremiahFernandez]

i never thought i'd see the words _heavy metal_ and _aggressive_ in a comment about violins

[@shinobi1014]

@@JeremiahFernandez look up deathcore violin theres a dude shredding on an electric 7 string violin

[@Gustavo_0107]

this is because the space between the "teeth" of the mute is greater than the thickness of the bridge, I solved this by taking pliers and adjusting the space between the teeth of the mute and it worked perfectly

[@rimbasaputra6098]

@@shinobi1014 so, does it djent?

[@wajang1000]

Mutes definitely serve a useful purpose and maybe it's just me but I find they can present technical problems if I don't practise intelligently or play too long with them. With a mute I can play double stops with force and dynamics that might sound great, but without the mute, that type of bow and right hand finger and arm pressure will be way off the mark and dynamics will be entirely different.

[@QTelectric2012]

Honestly, the dark and mellow sound of the Ultra Practice Mute really got me into it as well as the need to get the Mute so I can practice with ease. I had no problem with it since my family can hear a little bit of sound but it's not too harsh for me since I thankfully can't wake my grandma up when she's sleeping at night. I was really lucky to get the Ultra Practice Mute since it's easier to handle and I didn't want to use the other two mutes in the case of ruining my violin's bridge, the sound from it while I'm practicing was worth it.

[@user-yr8gx3ls9j]

Thank you! Now i know what i need to practice when my parents watching TV or sleep!

[@wannabeserpento99]

sick shredding

[@estrojen3615]

I feel like you just made this to show how awesome you are.

[@dannainan]

And what's wrong with that, exactly? If someone is a great player, he's not going to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Part of being an accomplished musician is showing how awesome one is. It brings pleasure to others, and motivates other musicians to practice harder so they can one day get as good themselves.

[@1stfiddlerman]

The best one, most effect on the violin, is the heavy metal mute. However, there could be some damage done to the bridge. I used it often in hotels and such on my good violin and am still using the same bridge after 15 years but a softer bridge would get some indentations. The biggest problem is when thick bridges and the heavy mute. The problem with the Ultra mute is that it doesn't quiet the violin sufficiently but it's a nice mute to have and helps a bit.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Well, the reason for using that metal mute is for the absolute quietest practice possible. While it doesn't sound great the violin will disturb your neighbors or family less than any other mute. This can come in handy when you can only practice while others are sleeping.

[@Zefurion1988]

The mute tutorial was great but i keep coming back to hear you play. That tune is addictive. Use that skill with care in future videos :D

[@MrLuridan]

I just got both the Artino and metal mutes (from Fiddlershop), and they work really well. Spares my wife from listening to hours of jigs and reels! They also work really well on my Hardanger fiddle, which is very loud when not muted. Thanks for the video!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Glad to hear it. Both for you and your wife. ;) Enjoy!!! Fiddle on!!!

[@doubleJmag]

Your videos are always so helpful! This one was especially helpful to me right now, because I just started learning a few months ago and didn't know there was the option to play in my apartment. Will be purchasing the ultra practice mute!

[@1stfiddlerman]

@Deion6000 - I know. I might just use it on a regular basis to protect my ears. Plus I get a better feeling of the violin's true vibrations. Gives the fiddle a deep mellow tone. The metal mute was by far the most quiet. I think my video recorder actually automatically balanced the volumes though. I noticed a bigger difference when I was testing.

[@irfanhossain1579]

Here I m seeing your videos since last year and wanting a violin so bad. Unfortunately family doesn't approve and worse, I m broke... So best of luck to all those who can. :)

[@1stfiddlerman]

Sorry to hear that. I wish I was able to help out. Maybe compose a real nice plea for donations on a site like www.gofundme.com/ :) Who knows, it may work out for you!!!

[@irfanhossain1579]

That's really supportive man. Thank you. May God help us all

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks for watching the videos!!!

[@alecziimacaronii2290]

I feel you man

[@1stfiddlerman]

Yes it would for sure. That steel mute is great.

[@eskelmoser]

Great video, right on the subject. Different mutes, quick comparison, fast transitions - exactly what ive been looking for. Thank you!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Glad to hear it. I realized after making this video that the settings on my camera normalized the audio. Not a lot dynamic difference. What mute are you interested in?

[@1stfiddlerman]

They are more similar to the tourte mutes. More for an effect and little dampening rather than for a large decrease in sound.

[@inkedoutmiss]

Wow...super jealous of the way you played so fast in the vid...I will be listening to you more often so I can remain motivated and practice everyday...I have only been playing for a month...but I love i...

[@1stfiddlerman]

+inkedoutmiss Hope that I can help. For free advice and to get motivated, join our forum at www.fiddlerman.com/forum

[@1stfiddlerman]

It's not a stupid question at all. The ultra practice mute doesn't have 5 slots for the 5 strings. It would be quite easy to cut 5 slots in the right spot since they are made of rubber and it would definitely dampen the violin.

[@kju88]

In ordered the Artino mute and i just got it today! Works great! Thanks Fiddlerman!

[@1stfiddlerman]

You are very welcome. I'm happy you like it.

[@hoopgirl245]

why did it all still sound loud?

[@1stfiddlerman]

Hope so too. Good luck with your progress.

[@1stfiddlerman]

The heavy steel mute is more quiet. I realize it didn't come out as obvious on the video though. Hope you like the Ultra Practice Mute :-)

[@zakaria9960]

despite shaking your violin when you do vibrato , in my opinion your vibrato is one of the best ones i've heard i'm following in your footsteps shaking my violin like there is no tomorrow and the sound is silk and smooth thanks to your unique technique !! note : i'm starting to hear some hissing sounds when I play the violin specially the G string should I worry about that?

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks Zakaria. It's OK to allow the violin to move/shake as long as it doesn't affect the sound negatively. It's good to be able to stabilize the instrument when needed. Being loose and relaxed is beneficial to your well being. :) Some people worry so much about the hissing sound which in most cases cannot be heard away from the violin. Many times you are the only one hearing it. If it bothers you, try to figure out where the hiss is coming from. Hissing sounds can be tough to locate. If you are super lucky, it could just be the string.

[@zakaria9960]

as long as it doesn't damage the violin i'm alright with it :D thanks for the assistance I really appreciate it man

[@otryma]

Thanks for this. I'm about to move from a house to an apartment and need a mute for my fiddle. You have helped me make my decision.

[@SamLamingWingsuit]

Thanks Fiddlerman. Love your videos and the info you give, and just listening to you play. Nice one!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thank you Sam!!!

[@1stfiddlerman]

@Samlaren - I should have thought about that. I could have played the electric right after. Darn....Maybe I'll do another with the electric included. I'm pretty sure that the electric is quieter. It's solid.

[@1stfiddlerman]

I don't know how much quieter you can get it but dampening the vibrations will make if more quiet. You can test a heavy metal mute.

[@ErikGPL]

I think it's sound even nicer with a mute, nice and soft.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Well, if you feel like the Cecilio is very loud than there won't really be a solution for you. You can probably mute the solid body Cecilio with heavy steel mute but it's already not vibrating that much so I'm not sure you'll be happy with that. My Zeta is about the same volume as the Cecilio when not amplified.

[@MrRamazanLale2]

Thanks Mel

[@1stfiddlerman]

You are not the first person to say that. 😜 I'll take it!!!

[@catlord69]

the ultra practice mute sounds really cool

[@1stfiddlerman]

I'm glad that you like it. 😁

[@stew148]

This was quite helpful. I'm looking to get a practice mute because I'm beginning to get more serious about violin (like probably Lmas in the next year).

[@ramoncitoramos2492]

I wish I had that type of dexterity ........ Amazing you sound awesome Found an old Violin at home ( beginners ) so bought strings bow and rosin to get started im 34 so I know it will take a while to get it but

[@1stfiddlerman]

Join our forum to get advice and great motivation. You'll love the members. Not a bunch of stuck up violinists. fiddlerman.com/forum/

[@1stfiddlerman]

I see. The steel mute would probably work better but I'll have to check on sizes.

[@fiddlefaddle1]

I hear the difference very well. The metal one is really quiet.

[@Vulpes96]

i really struggle to hear any difference >.< My brother HATES music, you wouldn't believe it, if i play the guitar, tin whistle, piano near him, even if i'm playing music with earphones in and he can hear it he hates it and gets mad at me. How good is the best mute? How far away would I have to be for him not to hear me at all? Would the same room, another room, upstairs, outside, be enough to block it completely? and if not completely, to what extent?

[@lewgrill]

Your videos are excellent. Thank you.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Come to think of it, I think I might have had the auto level on cause I don't hear much difference either. :-(

[@j2musicstar]

man u make that violin sound good ...will most def be learning from your videos

[@1stfiddlerman]

@IHSANE1981 - I really can't say. However, a great violin is good for anyone. Why do you say that it is a great violin?

[@1stfiddlerman]

I think it has to do with the setting on my camera to automatically adjust the volume. I will redo this and include an electric silent violin as well. If you want a quite mute be sure to get the thick steel mute. fiddlershop. com/accessories/mutes/gold-plated-brass-practice-mute.html

[@jeaneaton2731]

Holy moly.. you call those mutes? 😯😣 I was hoping to hear next to nothing. thanks for the review.

[@Fiddlershop]

I used a setting that adjusts the level automatically. Check this review out by Michael O'Gieblyn: kzbin.info?o=U&video_id=oK_yrfUSlxM

[@AmandaViolinGirl]

I have the ultra practice rubber mute. I don't want to get the metal one because I already have damaged a violin already when I had an epileptic seizure and would have no idea how much damage a metal mute could have done to my violin if there was a metal mute on it on that day.

[@1stfiddlerman]

This is very true. I've been worried on a few occasions when the metal mute started loosening from the bridge.

[@TaranJHook]

I wish I remembered where I read it, but it was a while back. I read that metal mutes can potentially damage steel strings and sometimes cause a buzzing sound? I opted for a rubber mute when I was at the store today, haven't tried it yet, but may change to a metal mute if I need something softer, and if the string damage/buzzing ordeal with the strings is just something I may have misunderstood.

[@Alexander-iq5yq]

The Artino has a metal core, I believe. A good middle ground.

[@TheTimothy8136]

The metal mute is the best!!

[@1stfiddlerman]

It's absolutely the mute that makes the biggest difference. 😁

[@Anfxyz]

My mute's an Artino rubber with a heavy metal core. Best of all worlds. Except I could still use a quieter one, lol!

[@1stfiddlerman]

@j2musicstar - Thanks :-)

[@1stfiddlerman]

If it's quieter it is just barely. I've played on them and can't recall it being more quiet.

[@evhwolfgang2003]

Fiddlerman said "heavy metal" haha thanks for the tips, brother. I got these weird wooden mutes at the local shop, and I'm afraid to push them down on the bridge. They had the metal ones too, so looks like its time to trade them in. My poor wife's sanity is on the line.

[@pierreholstein534]

Yes, the heavy metal ;) mutes are way more quiet. You may avoid a divorce.

[@bignatec1000]

Hi, I’m a guitarist, finally getting around to learning the violin I have

[@1stfiddlerman]

Nice. Good luck with it.

[@bignatec1000]

Fiddlerman I’ve always wanted to learn. I’ve taught myself instruments before, but it was always a noise issue with violin. I play brass too, and I recently got the Yamaha silent brass mute for my trumpet, so I’ve started playing trumpet again as well.

[@NeciaGamez]

Thank you so much for this!!! Straight to the point, I like that!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Maybe tie a string to them. Maybe paint them with some kind of glow in the dark paint. LOL I don't know...... Great question though. Buy a ton of them from Fiddlershop. com

[@isaiasfranca9431]

Congratulations! You are very objective. Helped me a lot.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thank you so much for letting me know.

[@Benjia777]

Thank you! Sorry for my English, what brand your violin is? I love the tone! Thank! And thanks for all videos you make, is really apreciate!!!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Jan Larsson, Lima Sweden. :)

[@evhwolfgang2003]

Fiddlerman She's pretty :)

[@MusicMike512]

I bought a metal mute (not the one from this website), and it doesn't fit like the rubber one does (I have a rubber one too). In fact it actually slides off very easily. The grooves on the metal mute doesn't seem to be long enough to secure it in place on the bridge. I don't see any size clarifications on the product either. Are there different kinds of metal mutes in terms of sizes? Or is my violin bridge just weird? My violin is a standard full size violin.

[@MusicMike512]

Because it slides off so easily, I actually used clear tape to tape the mute to the sides of the bridge. Will that damage the violin at all, or should I just try to find another metal mute with bigger groove somehow?

[@1stfiddlerman]

I usually tap the steel mutes down a bit harder to get them to stick. They are usually a bit on the narrow side. Your bridge could also be too thick.

[@rebeccamartin1578]

I'm moving into a high-rise and I don't know how thick or thin the walls are. I don't want to disturb my neighbors hardly at all since I practice at odd hours. Which mute would be best? I don't want to risk damaging my bridge.

[@petree]

oh I'm 25 and I know i have to have a full but i have to work with what i have available as me and my sister don't live together i dont have access to hers

[@PWL1371]

I purchased he metal mute with a " plastics " coating . What ever they used worked ! Can play in an adjacent room and no complaints : ). Any interested Ill do a volume test.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Nice. It's a relief to know that you can practice without disturbing others right?

[@satinlover14]

its still amazing I hope I get as good as you.

[@tanjasprenger6616]

Thank you very much!!!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks for watching!

[@Samlaren]

Does and unplugged electric violin go even lower in volume with these, or are there to few vibrations already to dampen?

[@peacemakerao]

Brilliant video, thanks so much. I only heard these things existed last week; I wish I had known about them when I was starting out last year :-s

[@hawkeye454]

Fiddlerman! What is the song you play a few times in this video? Starting at 00:39. Thanks so much and keep up the fantastic work!

[@1stfiddlerman]

It's actually not a piece of any kind, rather a pattern with thirds.... Bunch of chords.....

[@manuelgonzalez1587]

There are diferent sizes Or is just one ? You can use that thing for 4/4,3/4,1/2,?

[@1stfiddlerman]

We only carry one size for 4/4. I tested it on a 3/4 and 1/2 and it fit. However, they probably won't fit all 1/2 size violins. Depends on the spacing of the strings on the bridge. Also, if the bridges are not thin enough, you can't get the heavy metal ones down that far and there is a risk that they fall off and mark the varnish. The big rubber mutes are a better bet for fit. You can always cut a new slit on the big rubber mutes if so desired.

[@littleripper312]

I am just starting the violin and so people in the house really don't want to hear me practice bowing for 45min straight haha. It also kind of stinks because when I get home from work on the weekends it's like 1am (restuarant job) and I can't play. Would the metal mute allow me to play in the basement without waking my parents?

[@gambarohno]

Can the common metal mute be used for 3/4 violin? I want to buy one but I'm afraid it won't fit to my 3/4 violin.

[@fiddlefaddle1]

I can hear the difference completely. Everyone should do what Tampa Bay does each season. "Clean out your Buccaneers"! I wonder how many will not get that pun? :)

[@cr3542]

Thank you so much! I finally chose which mute to buy :)

[@1stfiddlerman]

Glad to hear it. :)

[@1stfiddlerman]

The ones that we sell don't look like they will fit but I'll check. Also we may be able to get 3/4 size Artino's. How old are you? Maybe you need a full size violin. Check the size chart on my site. fiddlerman. com/what-size-violin-should-i-get/

[@tmcg1011]

Hi! Do you have a transcription or video breakdown of the lick you play in the mute video? I think I have the first part and am shooting for accuracy on 2nd half of the lick. Thanks for any help you can provide. Nice video and demonstration of mutes!

[@OceansEnds]

this may be stupid but will a ultra practice mute work on a 5 strringed violin and will only effect 4 strings?

[@marmiambre5655]

what about placing a sock under the strings?

[@1stfiddlerman]

That sounds like it would work too. 😂 I never tried it. You?

[@rorirm]

How long should you play a new violin before you can add the mute?

[@dannainan]

Magnificent playing!!! What piece or song is that?

[@realviolinist2472]

The violin looks like Eddy Chen’s Violin from 2setviolin

[@MattStormage]

I bought an Artino mute but I can't really get it to fit on the bridge, only the middle parts touch the wood. I tried taking out the screws but it doesn't really change anything.

[@1stfiddlerman]

It sounds like the bridge on your violin is too thick. You would benefit from having it thinned out. Or if you dare, to use a plane, scraper or file to thin it out. You can probably find great pictures online or dimensions describing what the optimal bridge looks like. Preferably if you have a local luthier that you can bring it to. Good luck.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Down a bit on this article the guy says that he measures 1.3mm on the top. We at Fiddlershop thin the top by eye but after very much experience. Perhaps 1.3 is on the thicker side but a safe start. :)

[@MattStormage]

@@1stfiddlerman Thank you, I'll see if I can get it done.

[@satinlover14]

Thanks for this informal video. But please, tell me what song were you playing. It was amazing and I must know.

[@Dylllea]

What about a magnetic mute? Does it work about the same as the rubber ones?

[@channelterminatedbyuser]

I want to share something. In October I bought a new violin and suddenly I couldn't use my heavy metal mute because it snared on there. Today I put a piece of tissue handkerchief between bridge and mute and it doesn't snare anymore. ;o)

[@1stfiddlerman]

+The Lady Is a Band Take a picture of the bridge for me. Perhaps the shape is not that good. The cloth perhaps keeps the steel mute from giving it's full effect, otherwise, GREAT!!!

[@channelterminatedbyuser]

Maybe it mutes a wee bit less, but it's still a lot. Yes, the shape of the bridge is not ideal for the mute, but the new OPERA violin is also very much louder than my old STAGG, so there's more vibration going on. 3.bp.blogspot.com/-4vwsp-GH-hY/VnhgL9R1pEI/AAAAAAAAESI/823Go1F8ObQ/s1600/bridge.JPG

[@1stfiddlerman]

+The Lady Is a Band Well I can't really see the thickness or how it was cut from that angle. Maybe if you take it from the side and a little from above.

[@channelterminatedbyuser]

Fiddlerman I now prefer cotton from old underwear, which doesn't effect the sound. Paper tissue also produces a faint snare, although that's better than a snaring metal mute. But that little piece of fabric works great. This also protects the bridge from scratches. Bridge: 2.bp.blogspot.com/-NvxiqRNwtcs/Vnh8EwGwP5I/AAAAAAAAESk/3pPRHOEQkm4/s1600/DSC00143.JPG Muted bridge with cotton: 2.bp.blogspot.com/-lI4afK0tYjI/Vnh9ViQSbgI/AAAAAAAAESs/heapfkYWQQo/s1600/DSC00142.JPG

[@1stfiddlerman]

+The Lady Is a Band It's a bit thick but I think if you pat it down you can get it to stay. If your method works there is no reason to change, I guess. :)

[@tataata]

thanks for demonstration!

[@1stfiddlerman]

You are very welcome. :-)

[@1stfiddlerman]

Join our forum at Fiddlerman. com/forum We have very many members starting as adults, asking and giving advise. Great bunch of people.

[@GryGroven]

I just wondered what the name of the metal mute is?

[@channelterminatedbyuser]

How about covering the f-holes? I did some tinkering last night, involving plywood and felt-there are little wooden dents which exactly fit into the holes of the f. But I didn't know the mutes your showing here, so I could use both.... Shouldn't it also mute if I cover her body with felt, so it can't vibrate? I already did it on the bottom, plus jamming felt under the fingerboard. My f-hole mutes are anyway strapped on via elastic waistband, so I can fix fabric underneath already under those straps. I'm gonna sew her a nice little felt sweater.... Frankly, I had been practicing portato and staccato also at daytime, because of the neighbors. Because if I don't lift the bow she rings way louder. But I realized, that legato helps me more, because it connects the notes, strings and layers and I hear sooner how/where to avoid imprecise intonation. So I really had to mute her. My neighbors did not complain, but I hate to give them headaches. Screechy violin beginners are no fun to neighbors.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Ex Tempore I'm sure that everything you do to dampen the vibrations will work. :) Good ideas!

[@channelterminatedbyuser]

Fiddlerman Under the heavy metal mute it looks like there's still space for two clothespins, which could be great to play at late hours. I play various instruments, violin just since May 2, and I'm delighted how easy it is to mute a violin! Brass practice mutes are a pain because you really feel like blowing into a stuffed tube and this effects the embouchure a lot. The strings of a muted violin respond just as nicely as unmuted. I am really delighted.

[@Fiddlershop]

Ex Tempore Glad you like it. Let me know if the clothespins help damper the violin even more. :)

[@channelterminatedbyuser]

FiddlerShop I'm now there... anno1715.blogspot.com/2015/06/muted-stagg-violin-dominant-strings.html ...with my muting. I just looked at your muted violin again: it seems there is space enough for my modified pin under the heavy metal mute. I will test it out at the big JustMusic store in Berlin. Thanks for bringing up the mute topic in the first place! That's where I started.

[@channelterminatedbyuser]

FiddlerShop Yesterday I tested a violin metal mute in the huge Berliner JustMusic store. The woman who gave it to me said, my clothespin wouldn't have any audible effect because the metal works with weight which stops 80% of the bridge's vibration. (Its brand is "Tonwolf", obviously German, tho I got the American "First Frets" too yesterday.) She was right, I didn't hear any difference if I added a (normal, unmodified wooden) pin to the metal. Although, if I use the pin without the metal, it has a striking effect. But it HAS a striking effect, if I use my self-made f-hole covers together with the heavy metal mute! That was CLEARLY to hear. My modified pin, with more wooden surface attached and felt, will probably be another sound option at daytime. I also tested a plastic mute with metal inside, but the plain metal works way better. I like the sound of the metal mute absolutely, it is very clear-somewhat like music of the spheres. I see zero problems to play violin even after midnight now. Since JustMusic grew so big, they have a lutier there. I was afraid he would scold or laugh at me, because of my self-made baroque bow, but he called me talented as a bow maker. He suggested a left-handed violin, but do people understand how I bond with my instruments? I just play her left handed and we get along fine. Anna is like a baby to me-they can't tell me to emotionally switch to another baby! And why is it a problem she is a 3/4? I'm very deep into baroque dance and maitres de danse had small violins. But I'm not complaining, they were very nice to me. People struggle to understand my kind of creativity, how I create functioning worlds with different rules. I revive 1715 and make it look real. We cannot dream all the time in life, but in music I have a right to live my dreams. ;o)

[@1stfiddlerman]

I got it in Key West. I love that poster. :-)

[@LakanBanwa]

Fiddlerman Hi again! Would these mutes not be usable(exception of ultra practice mute) for 5 string violins? Are their bridges typically the same measurements just different cutouts, or are they different in measurements as well?

[@1stfiddlerman]

Great question. Theoretically they should since the spread between strings is the same and the bridges are usually the same width for the contact to be right at the soundpost and bassbar. I'll have to test it out on Monday when I get back to fiddlershop. :)

[@petree]

quick question. I'm using a 3/4 size violin to learn on because it was my sister's when she was very young but the only time i want to practice is usually after 1am. I just started and dont know much about bridges and what not, so what I'm asking is will the artino mute fit on the bridge for a 3/4 violin? i dont know if the bridges are the same sizes or not.

[@chikadog8065]

So cool

[@1stfiddlerman]

😁

[@monikachandra2487]

It is quite quiet for me.. i would like to have some quiet type strings and this mute..

[@1stfiddlerman]

The D'Addario Pro-Arte strings are pretty soft.

[@hamidmobeen466]

using of mute do you any side effect on violin tune?

[@1stfiddlerman]

The only negative that I have noticed is that you can get used to the mellow sound and feel as playing without is too harsh and become too careful when playing. As long as you play without the mute from time to time you get your violin to vibrate hard and keep it free..... :)

[@punachuck1]

What mute do you recommend for a 5 string fiddle? I've found nothing available commercially.

[@1stfiddlerman]

We ship internationally and yes to your credit card question :-)

[@1stfiddlerman]

@ctsfiddler - Great idea. Maybe I should have shown that too. :-)

[@melissanguyen2413]

I'm interested in purchasing my first violin or viola, but I can't decide whether I should get an electric silent violin/viola or a standard acoustic one and a practice mute. Which is more quiet?

[@1stfiddlerman]

melissa nguyen The solid body electric violin is more quiet but not as fun to play unless you use some fancy effect processors and amplifiers. You can always start on a solid body electric and get an acoustic later. I would recommend starting with a less expensive acoustical violin and buy a heavy steel mute to start.

[@jerseystringer]

Are these mutes suitable for 1/2 or 1/4 size (child size) violins?

[@1stfiddlerman]

Just some scales and chords.

[@zidankay]

Thank you; very useful!

[@Borhaps]

this is a stupid question but what song is he playing when he is testing the mutes

[@simontagle]

Just a group of scales with the respective open string as fundamental note and a selection of double stops which allows to hear the diferent strings altogether. At high speed and with the use of chords with a lot of open strings (like the simplest of g major), it is possible to hear the maximum of resonant volume that is possible. He also tries some natural harmonics, to test the quality of sound (try to investigate, but the timbre of a determinate note is determined by the quantity and volume of the overtones that has that note; a "clean" sound like metalic strings has less overtones than a gut or sinthetic string, which sounds more "complex".