With all the advances in trumpet materials and design, you would think someone would do something to improve our valve springs. There is one thing that you can do yourself to possibly improve the performance of your instrument. And the answer is inside your valve casings. Valves are made to go up and down when we perform and in most situations, they work well. Sometimes they stick and in most cases a good cleaning will solve that problem. But if a nice warm bath and cleaning has not improved your valve action you might consider changing your valve springs. After…

Obviously most people know the “When” and “How” use of the common sewer plunger but many trumpet players are not familiar with its use as a trumpet mute. Commercial plungers are available in most well equipped music stores and the offerings on line are numerous. Examples and instruction of the plungers use is available on YouTube as well. The design and cost of such plungers can be confusing and to help you decide on which one to buy or upgrade to is the purpose of this post. The common sewer plunger (small size) is the most widely used. The cost…

For those who occasionally pick up a plunger to entertain the masses, you may be interested in my new choice. This is available at Lowes for the modest price of $2.24 and with about two minutes to alter the original, you can have the best plunger I have ever used. Modifying your new mute- 1. Place on table and with a hack saw, cut off handle to match included picture. 2. Sand smooth if need be. 3. Pick up in left hand. 4. Place in bell. 5. Play a note as you move the mute around. ………any questions? If you…