While the saxophone is an exciting instrument for some musicians, it is freaking loud and very annoying to other people. The relentlessly piercing and penetrating acoustics of the sax is enough to make one the cynosure of hatred. That is why it is essential to have an accessory that will at least, reduce the sound a bit, if not much, so a saxophone player can practice and play his or her instrument.
The saxophone mute: what is it?
Since the majority of saxophone lovers don’t have a soundproof room, a saxophone mute become necessary. Yes, many people don’t even know there is something called a saxophone mute. Well, there is, and it is a form of encasing that you put across your sax’s bell. It looks like a Saxo case, and it only requires you to put your hands in the holes and start playing to the gallery.
What are the Best Saxophone Mutes to Buy?
Do they work for every saxophone?
Well, some of the listed mutes we have come across on many musical instruments sales platform say their sax mutes work on all saxophone types.
But what we need to stress here is that there are sax mutes for alto saxophones, and there are sax mutes for tenor saxophones as well. So if you mistakenly purchase a mute meant for a tenor sax for use with alto sax, don’t blame the brand if you didn’t get the muted sound you wanted. So, make sure you know exactly what type of saxophone mute you are buying for your sax.
Again, if you’re a Soprano or Baritone saxophone player, we are sorry to say that you would have to find other possible means to water down the sound of your sax since the saxophone mutes available in this list are only for Tenor and Alto saxophones.
Are they heavy to go by?
Not really. The majority of the saxophone mutes in the market are highly lightweight and easy to install. That said, you must expect to have additional weight (however little), especially if you have a tenor sax.
What else should I look out for?
When shopping for your saxophone mute, consider the material type. A saxophone bearing an ABS plastic design is always easy to install and is highly lightweight, which will have almost no effect on the overall weight of your horn.
However, a metal aluminum mute has more durability and is less susceptible to damage, but will likely add more weight to your saxophone. However, if you aren’t traveling that much, then you don’t need to worry about that.
Lastly, while shopping for your saxophone mute, it is best to go for a product that has a refund policy. It is no secret that a good number of saxophone mutes are notoriously unreliable. But, when you buy one that has a money money-back guarantee, you will not be throwing money to the winds.
6 Best Saxophone Mute Reviews and the Best Saxophone Mute Brands
1) Ammoon Mute Silence Lightweight ABS for Alto Saxophone
No products found.
Do you have or play an alto saxophone? Unless you’re living in a remote or a secluded area that’s shy of neighbours, playing that sax can get you some mortal enemies for life. The sound is annoyingly loud, and that is why you need something like the Ammoon Mute to silence the noise and allow your neighbours or friends live in peace.
Weighing just 0.6, this sax mute is exceptionally lightweight. The body dimensions measure 2.8 x 1.3 x 1.7 inches in aspects, which are just the perfect size for your alto saxophone.
It is straightforward to install. The body features an ABS plastic design that makes it durable for the purpose. While it is useful for reducing renditions, it may however still need a little room for improvement, especially in making the sound escape through the bell, as against holes currently.
2) Andoer Aluminum Mute Silencer
No products found.
Here is a mute from one of the popular musical instruments and accessory makers in the market. The Andoer sax noise dampener features metal construction that lasts for many years.
The mute offers a simple design that is quick to install. The aluminum grade is good and is sure going to perform. The Andoer is the mute you need to practice your saxophone playing without having to worry about neighbors banging angrily on your door.
The mute features a standard size, measuring 3.7 x 3.7 x 2.2 inches in dimensions, allowing for convenient practice sessions and ease of transport.
However, while it can change the rendition, bear in mind that saxophones are generally loud, and so you may still hear a ‘loud’ sound at the end of the day.
Nevertheless, the Andoer fares well in what it promises to do.
3) Mowind Lightweight Aluminum Mute Silencer Black
If you have been playing the saxophone for quite some time and you feel the need to play more noiselessly, a Mowind mute will do just fine.
Unlike its aluminum sister version, this Mowind mute features a durable ABS plastic material construction. Thus, the mute is very lightweight and easy to install. It reduces the noise effectively, and it’s perfect for experienced sax players.
Now is the right time for all alto saxophone lovers to play their instrument in comfort without worrying about disturbing their neighbors.
The mute measures 2.8 x 1.3 x 1.7 inches in dimensions, and it’s available in black color, with an optional beige to choose.
4) BQLZR Alto Saxophone Mute Sax Sound
No products found.
Here is another excellent mute for all rebellious alto saxophones. Featuring a metal aluminum construction, this mute will stand the test of time while ensuring you continue to enjoy a friendly relationship with your friends, neighbors and family members.
As a saxophone lover, you will need this mute to minimize the loudness of your play. Installing the mute itself is like a breeze, so you shouldn’t worry about that.
The BQZLR is the perfect mute for you to practice your saxophone without annoying others around you. The better part is that it doesn’t put your play out of tune.
However, bear in mind that the color may look different from the one on display, due to the slight aberration.
5) Mowind Lightweight Aluminium Mute Silencer
Yes, you can mute your alto saxophone and play in silence. That’s what the Mowind mute device offers to all alto sax players.
The mute itself features a metal body design. That means it is robust, durable and reliable for long-term use. It is also lightweight, and the player can install it quickly.
The mute measures 2.7 x 2.7 x 1.6 inches in dimension, and once installed, the mute will dampen the sound produced by your saxophone and help maintain a cordial relationship with those around.
However, you may want to consider the size and perfect installation of the mute on your sax’s bell because there is the possibility that the sound might escape through the holes.
Notwithstanding, the Mowind mute does what it is supposed to do.
6) Tenor saxophone Mute By VGEBY
When you see a sax mute that boasts top quality aluminum alloy construction, you know it was serious.
Designed by VGEBY, this tenor mute is for sax players who love to play a tenor saxophone. The mute can reduce the noise of your tenor tone without losing its proper sound. The bottom and top sides of the mute measures 3.7 x 2.2 inches in size, which makes it lightweight and easy to carry about.
The metal body design gives the mute great durability that can be relied on for years to come. So, if you have a tenor sax, this is one of the mutes you can get and play discreetly.
It is even more considerable in the sense that the manufacturer dares your doubt by giving you a 180 days option of unconditional return and refund if you are not satisfied with the mute’s performance.
Choosing the Best Saxophone Mutes
No doubt, wind instruments are capable of making great noises, and the worst of them all is the saxophone.
Since we are living in a world where everyone is entitled to his or her privacy, which includes the right to live in peace in the community, respecting your neighbor’s quiet atmosphere is paramount.
The last thing you want is to open your door in response to a bang on it, only to find the police accompanied by an angry-looking neighbor who is ready to pounce and devour you whole for disturbing his/her sleep while playing your saxophone.
However, with a saxophone mute, you can save yourself the trouble of angering your loved ones or neighborhood. While some of the mutes listed above perform well than others in the list, they all share one common characteristic—to reduce the loud sound of your sax and allow you to play without having to look over shoulders.
Therefore, unless you want to lose your limbs to a reactive neighborhood, you will do well to get yourself some saxophones mutes before this year runs out.