If you’re a violinist, you know that finding the right mute can be essential to getting the sound you’re looking for. There are a variety of mutes on the market, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best violin mutes available and help you decide which one is right for you.
Violin Mutes Comparison 2023
- Best for All Player: Violin mute Caterpillar
- Best for Musicians: Artino Practice Mute for violin/viola
- Best for Students: Housuner Rubber Violin Practice Mute Combo
- Best for Teachers: Ultra Heavy Rubber Practice Mute for 1/2 - 3/4 Violin
- Best for Instrumentalist: GEWA 409440 Mute Heifetz for Violin 409440
- Made by Silicone. Very durable.It will not cause damage to the violin.
- With it you can practice at all hours without disrupting the neighbors.
- Material: rubbe
- Maintain a quality sound and clear tone
- Great Sound!
- Does not rattle in use
- Lightweight and durable
- Excellent muting effect without affecting the volume, maintain a quality sound
- Great for practicing playing violin when you don't want to disturb your family or friends.
- Very easy to use, just put it on top of the bridge.
- Great for practicing playing violin when you don't want to disturb your family or friends
- Very easy to use, just put it on top of the bridge
- Tonwolf
- Metal with synthetic coating
- 💛【Professional violin accessory】: Great for violin practicing! Professional violin accessory for a violin player, suitable for use at home, concerts, practice rooms, etc.
- 💙【Lower and soften the volume】: It's designed to lower and soften the volume of the violin so that the treble is not so sharp, making the sound of the violin dampened or muted, giving it a smooth sound.
- Easy to use, just put it on top of the bridge
- Excellent muting effect, decreasing the string volume to a minimum
- Maintains the sound quality of your violin
- Easy to place and remove from the bridge
- Mute remains on the instrument
- With built-in magnet and metal clip
- Great for practicing and playing violin when you don't want to disturb your family or friend
- Easy to use, just put it on top of the bridge
- MELLOW SOUND: Still to keep it's pitch when you use this violin practice mute to lower the sound by violin, it would not effect the tone but give the violin a mellow sound
- VIOLIN MUTE: Excellent to practicing the violin when you don't want to disturb your family or neighbourhood. Lightweight and portable, it is easy to be stored in any case or pocket
Violin Mutes Reviews 2023
Best For All Player – Violin mute Caterpillar
- Heavy volume reduction /w good sound quality
- Magnetic feet securely hold the mute in place
I have been using the Catrpilr violin mute for a few weeks now, and I like it! The sound quality is great, and it reduces volume significantly. It’s also lightweight and low profile, which I appreciate because it doesn’t get in the way when I play.
The magnetic feet are a nice touch, too, because they keep mute in place and don’t damage the bridge. Overall, I would definitely recommend this violin mute to anyone looking for a good-quality mute that also reduces volume.
Pros
- Magnetic feet securely hold the mute in place.
- Low profile design allows a clear line of sight to the fingerboard.
- Flexible, soft body fits all full-size violin setups.
- Designed for intermediate to advanced players.
- Promote healthy intonation and bow control.
- Reduce volume while maintaining sound quality.
- Lightweight and easy to use.
Cons
- It might be a little difficult to attach the feet if you’re not used to it, but it’s fine once you get the hang of it.
- It contains a magnet, be careful to prevent kids from swallowing.
Best For Musicians – Artino Practice Mute for violin/viola
- Material: Metal covered with rubber Features: Retains the sound quality and protects the bridge
- The only protective practice mute
This Artino mute is a great purchase for any violinist or violist. The mute is made of metal covered with rubber, making it durable and long-lasting. It also features a soft rubber cover that protects the bridge of the violin or viola. This is an important feature because the bridge can be easily damaged without a mute.
The Artino mute also retains the sound quality of the violin or viola, so there is no sacrifice in tone when using this mute. Highly recommended for any violinist or violist!
Pros
- Made of metal covered with rubber for durability.
- Feature a soft rubber cover to protect the bridge.
- Retain sound quality when used.
Cons
- It may not fit all violin or viola sizes perfectly, but it can be trimmed to fit.
Best For Students – Housuner Rubber Violin Practice Mute Combo
- Material: Rubber
- Dimensions: 2.1 x 1 x 0.5 inches (Claw Style),compatible with 4/4 violin; 0.8 x 0.8 x 0.4 inches (Round Tourte Style), suitable for violin and small viola
These violin practice mutes are a great way to reduce the volume of your violin without sacrificing sound quality. This is especially helpful when practising in a shared space or keeping the noise down.
Housuner’s rubber violin practice mute is a great option because it is easy to install and has a great muting effect. It is also lightweight and durable, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
I like the Housuner Rubber Violin Practice Mute Combo because it does an excellent job of muting the violin without affecting the sound quality. I also appreciate how lightweight and easy it is to carry. This is a great option for violinists who need to keep the noise down while practising.
Pros
- Excellent muting effect without affecting the volume.
- Maintain a quality sound.
- Lightweight and durable.
- Easy to change and install.
Cons
- It is only available in black.
- Some violinists may find it too small for their instrument.
Best For Teachers – Ultra Heavy Rubber Practice Mute for 1/2 – 3/4 Violin
- For 1/2 - 3/4 Violin
- Heavy Rubber
This violin mute is perfect for late-night practising! It greatly reduces the volume, and it’s lightweight and safe. 5 prongs make it a snug fit for 1/2 – 3/4 violins. I highly recommend this violin mute for any violinist looking for good quality, affordable mute.
This mute is great for people who want to reduce the volume of their violin playing. It is heavy rubber, so it does a great job of muffling the sound. It is also lightweight and safe, which is a plus.
The 5-prong design makes it easy to attach and remove. Overall, this is a great practice mute for violinists who want to keep the noise down.
Pros
- Reduce volume for apartment and late-night practising.
- Lightweight.
- Safe.
- 5-prong design.
Cons
- It may not be ideal for all violinists because it is made of rubber, and it can cause the violin’s sound to be a bit muffled.
- It may not completely eliminate all sounds.
Best For Instrumentalist – GEWA 409440 Mute Heifetz for Violin 409440
- Mute Heifetz for Violin
- Simply clips onto the bridge
The GEWA 409440 Mute Heifetz for Violin 409440 is a great mute for violin players. It has very good damping properties and is used and recommended by many students and musicians.
It is small and light, making it easy to use and carry around. The Heifetz mute is a great choice for violinists looking for a good-quality mute that will perform well.
Pros
- Very good damping properties.
- Small and lightweight.
- Easy to use and carry around.
- Recommended by many students and musicians.
Cons
- Some violinists may find the Heifetz mute to be a bit too light, but overall it is a great mute that performs well.
Anton Breton VP-50 Violin Practice Mute
- A must-have for all students?allows for practice at all hours without disturbing the neighbors
- Easily attaches to any violin in seconds
The Anton Breton VP-50 violin practice mute is a great tool for any violinist. It easily attaches to the violin in seconds and provides just the right amount of dampening force to effectively mute string volume without sacrificing clarity. This makes it perfect for practicing anywhere without disturbing others.
The heavy brass construction ensures durability, while the nickel-plated finish gives it a beautiful lustre. The VP-50 is a must-have for any violinist looking for convenience and discretion.
Pros
- Easily attaches to the violin.
- Effective muting.
- No sound sacrifice.
- Heavy, durable construction.
- Beautiful finish.
Cons
- None found.
Kettion Violin Mute Violin Silencer for Violin
- High-quality material: the black violin mute is made of high-quality rubber material, which has good elasticity, high durability, long curing time and does not crack or break.
- 【Good Choice】If you want to practice piano, but don't want to disturb your neighbours, this rubber violin mute is a good choice for you.
If you’re looking for a mute to silence your violin playing, the Kettion Violin Mute is a great option. It’s made of high-quality rubber material, so it’s durable and long-lasting. It’s also easy to use and replace – clip it onto the bridge without any binding required.
Plus, it’s very lightweight and easy to carry around. The mute has an excellent effect on volume and sound quality, so you can practice without disturbing your neighbors.
Pros
- High-quality material.
- Easy to use and replace.
- Lightweight.
- Durable.
Cons
- N/A.
GEWA 411905 Mute Tonwolf for Violin and Viola
If you’re looking for a violin mute that does its job well, the Gewa, 0-String Mute Tonwolf for Violin and Viola 411905 is a great option. This metal mute has a synthetic coating to help keep the sound dampening, and it’s been recommended by many students and musicians.
It’s small and light, making it easy to use, and it has great damping properties. Overall, this is a great choice for violinists who want a reliable mute that won’t let them down.
Pros
- Damps sound well.
- Light and small for easy portability.
- Recommended by many students and musicians.
Cons
- It may only fit some violin sizes perfectly.
Onwon Rubber 4/4 Violin Practice Mute
- ✔ Rubber violin practice mute is suitable for people who is a beginner. It would help to cut the sound down so the squeak is tolerable. When you don't want to disturb others, it's also a must have for you.
- ✔ Made of good quality rubber, flexible and durable. Compare to the metal violin practice mute, rubber violin practice mute would not scratch your violin and damage the bridge.
If you’re looking for a mute to help reduce the sound of your violin without completely muting the tone, the Onwon Rubber 4/4 Violin Practice Mute is a great option.
This violin mute is made of good quality rubber and is flexible and durable. It’s also compatible with 4/4 violins and has a small and compact design, making it easy to use. Just put it on the bridge, and you’re good to go!
If you’re looking for a violin practice mute that won’t completely muffle your tone but still provides high levels of dampening and preservation like no other variety out there today–the Onwon Rubber 4/4 Violin Practice Mutes might be just what’s needed.
Pros
- Reduce sound without muting tone quality.
- Provide a high level of muting.
- Made of good quality rubber, flexible and durable.
- Small and compact design for easy use.
Cons
- Only for 3/4 and 4/4 violins.
Professional Model Menuhin Shield Type Violin Viola Mute PRO-VIOMUTE-BLK
- Great Sound!
- Does not rattle in use
If you’re looking for a mute that won’t rattle and will give you a perfectly warm sound, the Professional Model Menuhin Shield Type Violin Viola Mute PRO-VIOMUTE-BLK is a great option. This mute is designed for both violin and viola and comes in black.
It’s made by Alpine Mute Co., and it measures 1.57 x 1.3 x 0.35 inches. Weighing in at only 0.02 pounds, this mute is ultra-lightweight and easy to carry wherever you go.
Pros
- Does not rattle when used.
- Great warm sound.
- Perfect fit for both violin and viola.
- Ultra lightweight and easy to carry.
Cons
- None.
GEWA Mute for 3/4 and 1/2 Violin 411913
I’m a violinist, and I’ve been using the PURE GEWA Mute for 3/4 and 1/2 Violin 411913 for a while now. I like it! It has great damping properties – which is really important when you’re playing the violin. It’s also very small and light, which makes it really easy to use. I would definitely recommend this mute to any violinist out there.
Pros
- Damping properties are great.
- Small and light, making it easy to use.
Cons
- Only fit ½ and ¾ violin.
SM SunniMix Mutes for Violin And Viola
- This violin part will take good care of your instrument and reduce wear and tear, extending the life of your violin.
- Turning down the volume and maintaining good quality sound and clear tone.
If you’re a violinist, chances are you know the importance of practicing with a mute. SM SunniMix makes some of the best violin mutes on the market, and their copper construction ensures that your sound is unaffected while volume is reduced.
The installation is a breeze, and these mutes make perfect replacements for lost or damaged originals. Highly recommend it for violinists! Violinists of all skill levels will appreciate the quality and craftsmanship of SM SunniMix violin mutes.
Pros
- Made with high-quality copper.
- Maintain sound quality while reducing volume.
- Easy to install; perfect replacement accessory.
- Perfect replacement for lost or damaged mutes.
- Great for violinists of all skill levels.
- Copper construction.
Cons
- None found.
Alnicov Professional Violin Mute
- Designed for violin
- Easy to install
If you’re looking for a quality violin mute, the Alnicov Professional Violin Mute is a great option. It’s designed to reduce the volume of your violin without sacrificing sound quality, and it’s easy to install. Plus, you can store it conveniently in the accessory pocket of any violin case.
The Alnicov Professional Violin Mute is a great choice for violinists who want to practice without disturbing others. It’s made of quality metal with a protective plastic coating, providing slightly less muting than an uncoated mute.
However, this also means there’s less danger of damaging your instrument if the mute should fall off during use.
Overall, the Alnicov Professional Violin Mute is an excellent choice for violinists who want a quality mute that’s easy to use and store. It’s a great option for practicing without disturbing others and won’t damage your violin if it falls off during use.
Pros
- Small and compact design, easy to carry and use.
- This heavy metal practice mute has a protective plastic coating to keep your instrument in pristine condition.
- You can store it conveniently in the accessory pocket of any violin case.
- The coated mutes will not damage your instrument if they should fall off during use.
Cons
- N/A
MILISTEN 5pcs Rubber Violin Practice Mute
- 💛【Professional violin accessory】: Great for violin practicing! Professional violin accessory for a violin player, suitable for use at home, concerts, practice rooms, etc.
- 💙【Lower and soften the volume】: It's designed to lower and soften the volume of the violin so that the treble is not so sharp, making the sound of the violin dampened or muted, giving it a smooth sound.
A violin mute is a small, cylindrical device that fits over the violin’s bridge. It is used to lower the violin’s volume, making the sound less sharp. MILISTEN 5pcs Rubber Violin Practice Mute is a high-grade rubber material that will not scratch your violin or damage the bridge. It is also wear-resistant, ensuring a long service life.
The soft and anti-skid rubber brings better silencing performance and reduces noise, allowing you to practice effectively without disturbing others. It is easy to use; just place it on top of the bridge.
Overall, the MILISTEN 5pcs Rubber Violin Practice Mute is a great violin accessory for a violin player and is suitable for use at home, concerts, practice rooms, etc.
Pros
- High-grade rubber material will not scratch your violin or damage the bridge.
- Soft and anti-skid rubber brings better silencing performance.
- Reduce noise, allowing you to practice effectively without disturbing others.
- Easy to use; just place it on top of the bridge.
Cons
- It may not fit all violin sizes.
Futheda 2pcs Metal Violin Mute
- Metal Violin Mute Silencer Straight Type
- Non-weakened violin strings of vibration, will not change the pitch
I am always on the lookout for new violin mutes to try, and when I saw the Futheda 2pcs Metal Violin Mute, I was intrigued. These mutes are made of metal, which is a plus, as they are strong and durable. They also reduce volume while maintaining sound quality, which is a great feature.
They are also suitable for most violins in the market, making them a great option for many violinists. Overall, I think that these mutes are a great option for those looking for a quality mute that can reduce volume without sacrificing sound quality.
Pros
- Strong and durable.
- Reduce volume while maintaining sound quality.
- Universal violin fiddle mute sordine silencer.
- Small size, easy storage and carry.
- Effectively reducing the volume of the violin does not change the tone’s violin.
- Suitable for most of the violin.
Cons
- None that I can think of!
Factors To Consider When Choosing Violin Mutes
Below are some tips to help you choose the right violin mutes for your playing style.
Weight
When it comes to buying violin mutes, one of the main things you need to consider is the weight of the mute.
Some violin mutes are heavier than others and can be tiring to hold up for an extended period. Heavier mutes also create more resistance when you bow, which can affect your technique. Choose a mute that is comfortable for you to hold and doesn’t create too much resistance when bowing.
If the mute is too heavy, it can affect your playing ability and even cause pain in your hand or arm. So, when looking for a mute, make sure to find one that is lightweight and comfortable to use.
Sound
When purchasing violin mutes, the sound is one of the most important factors to consider. Different violin mutes will produce different sounds, so it’s important to find the right mute for your instrument and playing style.
In general, however, violin mutes tend to darken the sound of a violin somewhat, which can be desirable or undesirable depending on the situation.
Different mutes will produce different sounds. Some mutes will deaden the sound of your violin completely, while others will only soften the sound somewhat.
If you need a mute that completely silences your violin, choose one made from dense materials like rubber or felt. If you only need a muted sound for practice or recording purposes, any type of mute made from lightweight materials will work well.
Some violinists prefer a brighter sound, while others prefer a more muted sound. There are many different types of violin mutes available on the market, so it’s important to research and find the right mute for your needs.
If you need help determining which violin mute is right for you, consult a violin teacher or another experienced violinist.
There are also practice mutes available, which are designed to reduce the volume of the violin so that you can practice without disturbing others. Practice mutes are generally more affordable than performance mutes, so they’re a good option if you’re on a budget.
No matter what type of violin mute you’re looking for, try out a few before making your final decision. Each violinist has different preferences, so what sounds good to one person may not sound like something other than good to another. With a little trial and error, you can find the perfect violin mute for your needs.
Size and Shape
Not all violin mutes are created equal in terms of size and shape. Some mutes fit over the entire bridge, while others cover part. Some mutes are cone-shaped, while others are flatter. Choose a size and shape that is comfortable for you to play with and doesn’t interfere with your technique.
When buying violin mutes, it is important to be aware of the different available sizes. This will help ensure you purchase the mute best suited for your needs.
There are 3 common sizes of violin mutes- small, medium, and large. Small violin mutes are typically used by students or those who have a small hand size. Medium violin mutes are most commonly used and fit most hands well. Large violin mutes are designed for those with larger hands or used in louder environments.
Consider the mute size when making your purchase to get the best results.
When looking to buy violin mutes, it is important to be aware of the different shapes that they come in.
The shape of the mute will affect its sound and how well it fits on the violin. Some violin mutes are cone-shaped, while others are more cylindrical. Cone-shaped mutes tend to produce a warmer sound, while cylindrical mutes can create a more brilliant tone.
It is important to try out different shapes of violin mutes to see which one produces the sound that you prefer.
Types Of Violin Mutes
There are different types of violin mutes that you can purchase, and each one has its own unique purpose. Here are 4 the most common types of violin mutes:
– Practice mute
A practice mute is a type of violin mute used to reduce the volume of the violin while you are practicing. This can be helpful if you live in an apartment or have young children trying to sleep.
The practice mute is a simple, lightweight mute that is perfect for practicing at home. It dampens the violin’s sound without completely muting it, so you can still hear what you’re playing.
– Soundpost mute
A soundpost mute is a type of violin mute placed on the violin’s soundpost, located between the top and bottom bouts of the violin. This mute is used to reduce the overall volume of the violin.
– Bridge mute
A bridge mute is a type of violin mute placed on the violin’s bridge. This mute changes the violin’s tone and makes it sound softer.
– Fingerboard mute
A fingerboard mute is a type of violin mute placed on the violin’s fingerboard. This mute is used to reduce the amount of noise that is produced when you play the violin.
– Cup mute
The cup mute fits over the violin’s bridge and creates a very mellow sound. It’s often used in jazz and blues music.
Materials Of Violin Mutes
Different materials will affect the sound and timbre of the violin in different ways. When looking to purchase a violin mute, there are several factors that you will need to consider. The material of the mute is one such factor. In this article, we will look at the different materials that violin mutes are made from and what effects each material has on the sound of the violin.
The most common material that violin mutes are made from is rubber. Rubber violin mutes are popular because they are relatively inexpensive and do a good job of muting the violin without affecting the tone too much.
The rubber mute is designed to reduce the violin’s volume without affecting the tone quality. It’s perfect for performance situations where you need to keep your volume down.
Rubber violin mutes tend to produce a warmer sound than other materials, and they are also very effective at reducing bow noise.
Another popular material for violin mutes is metal. Metal violin mutes are often made from aluminum or brass. Metal violin mutes produce a brighter sound than rubber mutes and are also very effective at muting the violin.
The metal mesh mute gives a very muted sound, making it ideal for use in orchestras or other situations where a very quiet sound is desired. However, metal violin mutes can sometimes produce a harsh sound if they are not used correctly.
Wooden violin mutes are also available but are less common than rubber or metal mutes. Wooden violin mutes tend to produce a very natural sound, and they are also very effective at muting the violin. However, wooden violin mutes can be more expensive than other types of mutes and more difficult to use.
There are also synthetic violin mutes available, which are made from materials such as plastic or fiberglass. Synthetic violin mutes tend to produce a very bright sound, and they are also very effective at muting the violin. However, synthetic violin mutes can be more expensive than other types of mutes, and they can also be more difficult to use.
Price Ranges
When buying violin mutes, it is important to know the price ranges different brands and types of mutes can fall into. Here is a general guide to what you can expect to pay for different types of violin mutes:
– Rubber or cork mute: 5 – 15 dollars.
– Felt mute: 10 – 25 dollars.
– Metal mute: 20 – 50 dollars.
– Practice mute: 30 – 100 dollars.
Of course, the prices of violin mutes can vary depending on the specific brand, style, and materials used. However, this gives you a general idea of what to expect when shopping for violin mutes.
When looking for violin mutes, it is important to remember the type of mute you need and your budget. There is no need to overspend on a violin mute when a more affordable option will suffice. However, if you are looking for a high-quality practice mute that will last for years, it is worth investing in a more expensive model.
No matter what your budget is, there is a violin mute out there that is perfect for you. Be sure to do your research before purchasing so that you can find the best mute for your needs.
FAQs About Violin Mutes
What is a violin mute?
Mutes are often used in orchestral music to create a specific effect or tone. A violin mute is a small, cone-shaped rubber or cloth object inserted into the violin’s neck to change the instrument’s sound. There are many different types of violin mutes, each with its own unique sound. Some mutes make the violin sound mellower, while others make it brighter.
How do violin mutes work?
Violin mutes work by absorbing sound waves and preventing them from entering the violin’s body.
This is why they are generally made out of a dense, heavy material like metal or wood. The mute is placed in the violin’s bell (the flared end of the violin that points outward), and as the violinist plays, the sound waves hit the mute and are absorbed instead of passing through to the violin’s body.
This drastically reduces the volume and resonance of the instrument, which can be helpful when you need to play quietly or don’t want your playing to be too loud.
Do all violin mutes sound the same?
No, violin mutes sound different.
Each mute will give a different sound and colour to your violin. Many different types of violin mutes are available on the market, so it is important to try out a few different ones to see which sounds best with your instrument.
How do I use violin mutes?
There are different types of violin mutes, and each one is used a little differently. The most common type of violin mute is the secundal mute, which is a small, cone-shaped mute that fits over the bridge of the violin.
To use a secundal mute, hold it in your left hand and place it over the bridge. With your right hand, press down gently on the top of the mute to keep it in place. You can also use a rubber band to attach the mute to the violin bridge.
Another type of violin mute is the cup mute.
Hold a cup mute in your left hand and insert it into the cup-shaped hole at the top of the violin. With your right hand, press down gently on top of the mute to keep it in place.
Some violinists also use a straight or Wandel horn mute cone shaped like a funnel with an angled opening at one end inserted into a hole cut into the top plate of stringed instruments. It usually has a leather strap attached so you can hang it around your neck during use. Some people just put them back in their case when not in use.
Hope this helps!
Conclusion
Our best choice is Artino Practice Mute for violin/viola
- Material: Metal covered with rubber Features: Retains the sound quality and protects the bridge
- The only protective practice mute
Overall, the Artino Practice Mute is a great purchase for any violinist or violist. It is made of durable materials and retains sound quality. It also features a soft rubber cover to protect the bridge from damage. Highly recommended for any violinist or violist!
If you’re looking for a way to practise the violin without annoying your neighbours or simply want to play without making too much noise, violin mutes are the perfect solution. They come in various shapes and sizes, so it’s easy to find one that fits your needs. We’ve reviewed some of the best violin mutes on the market, so take a look and decide which one is right for you.