I'm looking at getting a mute because the music i started playing l8ly requires one. Most people have told me go with a wood mute (ebony) but im wondering whats the difference between a contoured mute and a flat mute like on the lemur music site.
I found the Torte mutes that fit in the strings don't make any difference in the sound. They also wobble around on certain frequencies. The ebony ones make too much noise when you put them on and off (especially if you drop it!!). They are also rather difficult to put on as they do not have any give to them.
I took an Ultra Practice Mute (that's the giant rubber one) and sawed the two ends off so there is just the three prongs in the middle left.
It really changes the sound quality and quantity. Plus there is enought friction, because of the rubber, to hold it securely to the bridge and you can put it on the edge on your stand if you need to put the mute on and off quickly
Tourte mutes are pretty easy to use and seem to be standard. You never can drop them, they reduce the sound slightly, which is the desired effect of a mute, and you never lose them in your case. Mine never rattles at any frequency.
