Used widely in jazz and big-band music, cup mutes are similar to straight mutes, but have an added ‘cup’ at the end which reflects the sound back into the bell of the instrument, producing a softer tone with reduced high and low frequencies. Many cup mutes have adjustable cup sections, allowing the player to slightly vary the sound. Some combination straight/cup mutes are also available. These mutes are available for both trumpet and trombone, and again may be made from metal, plastic or plaster. As with straight mutes, metallic versions produce a brighter timbre.
