Harmon Mute Comparison and History // Mute Monday Episode 7

[@Travidebla]

I liked the last one the most. Including variability. Thank you for the video.

[@JoshRzepkaMusic]

Thanks!!

[@datGuy0309]

Great video. Which ones do you think would cut through a big band best and which ones do you think would be better for combos/soloing?

[@JoshRzepkaMusic]

Thank you! I would say the model C-A, C-C, or D-A, D-C from harmon would be best for cutting through a big band. It really depends if you're talking about section work or soloing. With a mic I'd use a vintage model B or L. But for section work one of the larger ones will project more and have a more defined articulation. I just posted a new video today with some harmon style mutes by Soulo, that might be something to check out. Two great new options.

[@JonErikKellso]

This is great, extremely helpful in all ways, thank you!! Very informative.

[@JoshRzepkaMusic]

Thanks!! 🙏🙏

[@GaryBadger]

I've been enjoying all of your Mute Monday videos, Josh. Thank you for posting them. Despite your incredibly comprehensive harmon mute review I still feel stuck. I blow my guts out taking solos in a big band with a H&B harmon mute that sounds beautiful but no one can hear it without a mic. And if I push hard to be heard, the back pressure is a killer and wears me out. I have an older Dennis Wick mute that I've tried, but suffer the same fate. I'm ready to trade-in a beautiful sound just to be heard. Which ONE harmon mute would you recommend, that is available on the market today, that is the most free blowing and likely to be heard in a big band? It would be a sweet bonus if it also sounded great... Thank you. 😊

[@GaryBadger]

PS: I like the sound of the Soulo Harmon on your other video. But still looking for the most free-blowing and able-to-be-heard...

[@JoshRzepkaMusic]

Hey Gary, thanks for writing. The Zinger mutes and the Emo really ring loudly. The Soulo also does a great job. I'd say a Zinger Copper is the loudest, but it's also quite heavy. The aluminum is more forgiving, and it really rings well and projects well. The Soulo is lighter than the Zinger, and possibly a bit more versatile ... it's a combo of copper and aluminum, so it's got the lightness and the projection. Emo isn't as open as the other two options, but it's much more buzzy than what you've got.

[@BariRMe]

Hi Josh. Some how, I've managed to get to the age of 73 without actually owning a real Harmon, tho I do have several Harmon-style mutes in my collection. That said, to fill the "need" I just purchased a copper one that was in need of some work. The mouth was very out-of-round and it needed new cork. Once I started down the road of metal work, I also tried to make some of the dents not quite so deep. I decided to give it a new look as well, and gave it a scratched finish, because there was a lot of extra glue that made the tarnish very uneven. Anyway, I wonder if you've been able to pinpoint the period where they switched over from the more pointed seam to round . This one has no label or stamp but is pointed. Do you have an educated guess as to when the change-over happened?

[@JoshRzepkaMusic]

That's a very good question, I'm not totally sure when they changed the way the two pieces are crimped together. I know that all the oldest models have that sharp edge to the crimp, but I believe it continued at least into the 40s, 50s, 60s. I had asked the current owner of Harmon, but I didn't get a solid answer on when that change happened. It seems by the 80s/90s it had changed, but I'm not sure exactly when that occurred. There were some slight changes over the years in materials, dimensions, process, etc.

[@BariRMe]

@@JoshRzepkaMusic BTW, I'm a big fan of Mute Monday. I've viewed the recorking a Harmon several times, once recently. I appreciate that you and a few others have recorded a bunch mutes - some even fairly rare - so we can hear what they sound like. My mute safari continues because just hearing them doesn't go far enough tho. It's also handy to feel the way they play, something you can't get from a video. I brought a Solotone and a Clear Tone to rehearsal tonight so one of the guys could get the experience and make a choice. My collection is approaching 50 mutes! I'm known in my community band as the mute guy, and someone just gave me 4 a couple weeks ago including 3 Shastocks he figures he isn't likely to use again and I'm the only guy he knows that'll appreciate them.

[@FrankTheStud]

My harmon came apart in 3 pieces and it's a new one... I twisted and pulled and it popped right off... Maybe it was after dropping it so much? lol Always thought that the stem could be played with mute without funnel...Thanks for confirming that! Great video!

[@JoshRzepkaMusic]

Wow, nice! Well, now you can use it as originally intended! Thanks for watching!🙏🙏

[@bossness1885]

I know I’m late but I just now tried to pull it off and it works. I’ve never dropped it so I was wondering how it came off so easily. Truth is the cup has a extra piece of metal on the inside and the stem has an indent of the same shape. So really anyone can do it plus the cup still goes back on.

[@qas2762]

I cannot find an A model anywhere

[@JoshRzepkaMusic]

They can be rather challenging to find as they aren't too popular - if you ask a music store directly they may be able to order one direct for you. I got mine directly from Harmon, but a quick google search shows Hickey's music may have them?

[@sergejgajic]

playing is at 11:37

[@SzymonPorekPorowski]

I like original harmon mute model b and jo Ral bobble mute is the best

[@JoshRzepkaMusic]

Can't go wrong with either of those!

[@SamiLB_]

69th like

[@JoshRzepkaMusic]

😂😂

[@IIeTpOc9H4uK]

The video is informative, though I wish I could set the speed to x3. You talk to much, repeat the same things again and again 5 times round.

[@JoshRzepkaMusic]

Thanks for watching, and the feedback. I think you’ll find my latest videos to be a bit more concise and quicker pace. It’s been quite the learning curve from filming/editing/pacing, and putting these together is no easy task (typically takes 8-18 hr per video). Soon I’ll add chapters to this video, so that should help you get to specific points easier.