Detail 01
Cup mute design
The cup over the bell rolls off highs the way a straight mute doesn't. Softer and rounder, less buzzy edge.
Product detailSKU #1274115036116
Humes & Berg102 Trumpet Cup Mute
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A trumpet cup mute from Humes & Berg. The standard sound for muted swing and ballad section writing at an entry-level price.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Big band charts marked cup mute
- Ballads where you want a soft, veiled trumpet sound
- Pit and section work needing a warm muted blend
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Players who need a bright, cutting mute — get a straight mute
- Practice quieting; a cup mute barely reduces volume
- Cornet or flugel bells — this is cut for trumpet
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Cork mounting
Friction fit into the bell. Corks wear and compress, changing seating depth and tone over time.
Detail 03
Fiber body
Light and warm-sounding compared to metal mutes, but it crushes if it takes a hit in the bag.
Detail 04
Fixed cup depth
No adjustable cup. You get one voice — the traditional one — rather than a range from open to closed.
Detail 05
Trumpet bell sizing
Cork placement matches standard trumpet bell throats. Cornets and flugels need their own version.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Cup mutes push pitch sharp; expect to adjust intonation, especially in the low register
- 02No bag included; keep it wrapped so the corks stay clean and the body doesn't dent
- 03Check that all three corks touch the bell — an uneven seat rattles
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01What's the difference between a cup mute and a straight mute?
A straight mute is bright and nasal with a hard edge. A cup mute adds a cup over the bell that absorbs the high end, giving a softer, rounder, more distant sound.
02Will a cup mute make my trumpet quieter?
Only slightly. It changes tone more than volume. If you need quiet practice, you want a dedicated practice mute instead.
03Does it fit a cornet?
No. The corks are placed for a trumpet bell taper. On a cornet it will seat wrong. Humes & Berg makes a cornet-specific version.
04Why does the mute rattle when I play?
Usually one cork isn't making contact, so the mute vibrates against the bell. Reseat it with a slight twist, and check the corks for wear or compression.
