Blues1952, I wonder if you are old enough to remember the underrated trumpeter Jonah Jones. He had the smoothest ballad sound I ever heard, on cup mute.

Note to Tobin (hi): I use a harmon (no stem) for an occasional song, but it's much harder to play for longer periods than a cup or certain other mutes. And, if I'm doing the solo chair in a big band, forget it unless I am very close mic'ed. Cup mute is my go-to for ballads.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.