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Homemade violin mute! Cloths pins!
I have tried it...
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AndrewH
Sacramento, California
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May 2, 2025 - 10:59 pm
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Ah, one of the two classic improvised mutes. The clothespin would be the classic improvised practice mute. The improvised performance mute, which I've actually used in a concert when I took the mute off my viola at home and forgot to put it back on, is the "$1 mute":

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AndrewH
Sacramento, California
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May 2, 2025 - 11:47 pm
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You can, but... if you're already at the concert venue, the dollar bill may be the only suitably-sized paper that's close at hand.

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Strabo
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May 3, 2025 - 5:30 am
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I like the clothes pin better than the other mutes that I have tried. It quiets things down but does not seem to change the tone as much as the others. I keep it clipped to one of the tuning pegs when I’m not using it. 

Also, it was inexpensive. I stole it from my wife.

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stringy
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May 3, 2025 - 5:45 am
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I made my own clothes pin, so it was even cheaper, did have to use re cycled plastic though to keep the cost down.

Cant beat a sunny day

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Gordon Shumway
London, England
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May 3, 2025 - 11:53 am
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Actually those Polly viola mutes are so expensive, it may be worth experimenting with a rolled-up pound note.

Andrew

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stringy
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May 3, 2025 - 12:20 pm
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Gordon I have actually on occasion used my tongue which is very long, I let it hang down from the corner of my mouth, over the chin rest and onto the bridge, the moisture dampens the sound.

Cant beat a sunny day

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Gordon Shumway
London, England
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May 3, 2025 - 12:31 pm
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Bugger, pound notes don't exist any more. Fivers are a bit too valuable for that kind of thing.

Andrew

Verified human - the ignominy!

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