What is the effect of a cup mute on tone?

• A. Softer tone; reduces piercing quality of high notes
• B. Louder; adds brightness
• C. No change
• D. Sharper attack

Answer: (C)

Using a cup mute changes the tone by damping the higher harmonics and softening the overall sound. The result is a softer, darker, more muffled timbre with less projection and a less piercing attack, especially on higher notes. Because the mute is placed in or over the bell, it colors the sound rather than leaving it untouched, so the tone is not unchanged. It also doesn’t make the instrument louder or brighter; it does the opposite by mellowing and damping the tone.