Detail 01
Cup mute
The cup covers the bell mouth, cutting highs. Sound turns soft and distant rather than nasal or piercing.
Product detailSKU #1274115036170
Humes & Berg154 Tenor Trombone Mica Cup Mute
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Cup mute for tenor trombone with a mica shell. For players who need a softened, mellow sound in a big band or pit setting.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Big band trombone sections calling for cup on a chart
- Pit and show work where a written cup part appears
- Practice at a lower volume without full stopping
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Players who need a bright, cutting straight-mute sound
- Bass trombone — this is sized for tenor
- Anyone wanting the tight buzz of a harmon or wah
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
Mica shell
Fiber-composite body, lighter than metal. Warmer and less brittle than an aluminum cup, and it dents less.
Detail 03
Tenor trombone sizing
Fits standard tenor bells. A bass trombone or small-bore jazz horn may seat too loose or too tight.
Detail 04
Cork mounting
Corks hold the mute in the bell and set how deep it sits. Depth changes both pitch and how muffled it sounds.
Detail 05
$37.99
Entry-level end of the cup mute range. Fine for section and student use, not a boutique custom cup.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Check your bell throat size — a loose fit rattles, a tight fit chokes the horn
- 02Corks compress over time; sand or replace them when the fit loosens
- 03No case or bag included — mica shells scuff in a gig bag
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Will this fit my bass trombone?
It is built for tenor trombone bells. A bass trombone bell is larger, so the fit will likely be too shallow or unstable.
02Does a cup mute change my intonation?
Yes. Most muted horns play a bit sharp, and the deeper the mute sits, the more it shifts. Adjust with the tuning slide.
03How is this different from a straight mute?
A straight mute leaves the bell open and stays bright and cutting. The cup covers the bell, so the result is softer and darker.
04Is the mica shell fragile?
It is fiber composite rather than metal. It resists dents better than aluminum but can crack on a hard drop and will scuff.
