Long established sliding mute which stays on the instrument. Fit by squeezing together the A&D strings and then push the mute down. The 2 strings when released will engage in the mute wires to secure it.
Beginner
3
out of
3
found the following review helpful
Pros: It works as expected and doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. I have one on each of my violins. The muting is, to my ear, similar to that provided by the legendary leather mute and is necessary when my wife, who can't stand violin music, is within earshot. I can't personally testify as to its qualities as a performance mute, but there is at least one YouTube video of David Oistrakh using one of these, in the 60s, while playing Claire de Lune.
Cons: Blank. See? It can be blank.
Other: Not for practice late at night or in rooms with thin walls. The only mute that works for me under such circumstances is the heavy metal one.
Keen Amateur
3
out of
4
found the following review helpful
Pros: Very adaptable mute that can be used on different strings and at different distances behind the bridge for various effects from subtle to dramatic. Allows almost instant change of tone/volume which is useful when playing with a mixture of other instruments. Might also damp wolf tones, if you have any, by just keeping it on the after-length (I do this on one instrument).
Cons: The wire tends to wear the string covering behind the bridge, although this depends on how frequently you move the mute and isn't much of a problem if you replace strings regularly. Also the three brass weights don't fill the tube, so they tend to move around and can even rattle against each other, which isn't good. You can put something soft between them (blu-tack?) but I eventually bought two identical mutes and combined the weights so I now have 4 instead of 3 in one mute. That works a lot better because the springiness in the wire now holds them firmly together.
Other: I like these mutes, particularly their adaptability and the fact you can keep one on your instrument permanently, even in its case. However, it does affect instrument tone slightly even when positioned far away from the bridge. Also, I wouldn't be nearly as happy if I'd stuck with the original 3 weights.
Keen Amateur
Keen Amateur
1
out of
1
found the following review helpful
Pros: Works well, a little bit tricky to fit for the first few times. May with constant removal or adjustment degrade the A & D string integrity as metal moving on metal is not ideal. Allows more overtones than the rubber type tourte mutes, however overall sound volume reduction is limited.
Cons: Metal to metal contact.
Grade 8+
1
out of
1
found the following review helpful
Pros: I've always liked the Roth Sihon mute. It's fairly cheap. very easy to apply quickly - useful in some orchestral music - and doesn't make nasty buzzing noises when not in use, as some mutes can if they get into the wrong place.
Cons: Nothing much. Perhaps there are quieter mutes, but this is quiet enough for me.
Keen Amateur
Worth a try but won't suit every instrument
Pros: Quick delivery.
Cons: Didn't suit my violin - strings must be that bit too far apart. Very difficult to fit, and it affected the tone, sounding muted even when only parked. Did not slide easily, so did not help with quick changes in orchestral playing as I'd hoped. Came apart after a fairly short time, probably because I'd forced it in trying to fit it.
Keen Amateur
Grade 8+
1
out of
2
found the following review helpful
Pros: Reasonable sound; does not cause a rattle (stays in a fixed position)
Cons: none
Other: Phoned up for the product late in the day and it arrived the next morning; outstanding service and information from the person I spoke to who must have posted this himself...thank you so much.
Keen Amateur
1
out of
2
found the following review helpful
Pros: Easy to fit and position. Always there when you need it. Reduces volume without destroying tone. Gives a nice mellow tone which is ideal for accompanying song.
Cons: Nothing
Teacher
1
out of
2
found the following review helpful
Pros: It's small and stays on the violin all the time so doesn't get lost or fall off. It is easy to fit.
Cons: It doesn't make the violin quite as soft as the other kind but it is acceptable.