What size cymbals does this mute fit?

This specific Vic Firth mute is designed to fit cymbals with a diameter between 20 inches and 22 inches. This typically covers the majority of standard ride cymbals and extra-large crash cymbals.

What material is the Vic Firth Cymbal Mute made from?

The mute is manufactured from high-quality, non-slip pure rubber. This material is chosen for its durability and its ability to stay in place during play without sliding off the cymbal surface.

How much does the mute reduce the volume?

It dramatically reduces the volume of the cymbal by dampening the metal's vibrations. It effectively turns a loud, sustaining ring into a soft, percussive thud suitable for home practice.

Does the mute affect the rebound of the drumstick?

Vic Firth has designed the mute to provide 'real action,' meaning the rubber surface offers a rebound that mimics the feel of a real cymbal. This allows drummers to maintain their technique while practicing quietly.

How easy is it to install or remove?

The mute can be easily added or taken off at any point during a session. It does not require any fasteners or adhesive, making it a convenient option for switching between full-volume and quiet practice.

Can I use this on a 21-inch ride cymbal?

Yes, because the mute is rated for the 20" to 22" range, it will fit a 21-inch ride perfectly. It is an ideal companion for cymbals like the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride.

Is the rubber likely to slip off while I am playing?

No, the mute is made from a non-slip rubber that is designed to stay secure throughout playing. Even with more aggressive strokes, the material grips the cymbal surface to remain in position.

How much does this product typically cost?

The Vic Firth Cymbal Mute 20"- 22" generally retails for approximately £13.00. This makes it an affordable alternative to buying dedicated low-volume practice cymbals.

Can I use this 20"- 22" mute on my hi-hats?

This specific model is too large for standard hi-hats like the 13" UFIP Bionic or 14" Paiste Giant Beat. You would need to purchase the appropriately sized Vic Firth hi-hat mutes for those specific instruments.

Will this mute work on a thin crash cymbal?

Yes, it can be applied to thin cymbals such as the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, though if the crash is exactly 19", the fit may be slightly loose compared to its performance on 20"- 22" models.

Does the mute damage the cymbal surface?

The pure rubber construction is non-abrasive and intended to be safe for cymbal finishes. It does not require adhesives that could leave residue on the bronze.

Is this a permanent modification to the cymbal?

No, it is a temporary accessory. You can place it on the cymbal for practice and remove it instantly for live performance or recording, returning the cymbal to its original sound.

Gear article

Vic Firth Cymbal Mute 20"- 22"

The Vic Firth Cymbal Mute 20"- 22" is a percussion accessory designed to provide quiet practice for drummers using standard-sized cymbals. Manufactured from non-slip pure rubber, it facilitates low-volume performance by dampening the vibrations of the instrument while maintaining realistic stick response.

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Overview and Function

The Vic Firth Cymbal Mute is a utility accessory intended for drummers who need to significantly reduce the acoustic output of their kit. This specific model is sized to fit large cymbals ranging from 20 to 22 inches in diameter, which typically includes standard ride cymbals and large crashes.

Constructed from pure rubber, the mute works by absorbing the impact of the drumstick and preventing the metal of the cymbal from vibrating freely. The non-slip nature of the material ensures that the mute remains securely in place during energetic playing, and it can be applied or removed rapidly without the need for tools or permanent adhesives.

Playability and Sound Character

While traditional methods of dampening, such as tape or cloth, can result in an uneven feel or negligible volume reduction, the Vic Firth mute is engineered to provide a consistent 'real action' rebound. The rubber composition allows the stick to bounce in a manner similar to a standard cymbal surface, though the audible tone is reduced to a dull thud. This allows for technical practice—such as working on patterns or independence—without the piercing high frequencies and sustain associated with untreated cymbals. It is particularly effective for those playing at home who wish to avoid disturbing others.

Suitability

This product is primarily suited for student drummers and professionals alike who practice in noise-sensitive environments, such as flats or shared houses. Because it fits standard 20" to 22" cymbals, it is a versatile addition for those who already own high-quality gear and do not wish to invest in a dedicated low-volume cymbal set. It is compatible with a wide range of professional cymbals, providing a temporary quiet solution for items like the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride or large crash cymbals.

Comparison to Alternatives

The Vic Firth Cymbal Mute represents a high-value, temporary solution compared to permanent low-volume alternatives.

Low-Volume Cymbals: Products such as the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack are dedicated instruments with holes drilled into the metal. These offer a more natural sound but are significantly more expensive and require swapping out the entire cymbal set.
Traditional Mutes: Compared to generic foam or DIY solutions, the pure rubber construction of the Vic Firth model offers superior durability and a more predictable stick response.
Hi-Hat Specific Mutes: While this 20"- 22" model handles larger cymbals, players using smaller hi-hats, such as the Paiste Giant Beat 14, UFIP Class Series 14" Light, or UFIP Bionic Series 13", would require smaller, dedicated mutes from the Vic Firth range to ensure a proper fit.

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Frequently asked questions

What size cymbals does this mute fit?: This specific Vic Firth mute is designed to fit cymbals with a diameter between 20 inches and 22 inches. This typically covers the majority of standard ride cymbals and extra-large crash cymbals.
What material is the Vic Firth Cymbal Mute made from?: The mute is manufactured from high-quality, non-slip pure rubber. This material is chosen for its durability and its ability to stay in place during play without sliding off the cymbal surface.
How much does the mute reduce the volume?: It dramatically reduces the volume of the cymbal by dampening the metal's vibrations. It effectively turns a loud, sustaining ring into a soft, percussive thud suitable for home practice.
Does the mute affect the rebound of the drumstick?: Vic Firth has designed the mute to provide 'real action,' meaning the rubber surface offers a rebound that mimics the feel of a real cymbal. This allows drummers to maintain their technique while practicing quietly.
How easy is it to install or remove?: The mute can be easily added or taken off at any point during a session. It does not require any fasteners or adhesive, making it a convenient option for switching between full-volume and quiet practice.
Can I use this on a 21-inch ride cymbal?: Yes, because the mute is rated for the 20" to 22" range, it will fit a 21-inch ride perfectly. It is an ideal companion for cymbals like the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride.
Is the rubber likely to slip off while I am playing?: No, the mute is made from a non-slip rubber that is designed to stay secure throughout playing. Even with more aggressive strokes, the material grips the cymbal surface to remain in position.
How much does this product typically cost?: The Vic Firth Cymbal Mute 20"- 22" generally retails for approximately £13.00. This makes it an affordable alternative to buying dedicated low-volume practice cymbals.
Can I use this 20"- 22" mute on my hi-hats?: This specific model is too large for standard hi-hats like the 13" UFIP Bionic or 14" Paiste Giant Beat. You would need to purchase the appropriately sized Vic Firth hi-hat mutes for those specific instruments.
Will this mute work on a thin crash cymbal?: Yes, it can be applied to thin cymbals such as the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, though if the crash is exactly 19", the fit may be slightly loose compared to its performance on 20"- 22" models.
Does the mute damage the cymbal surface?: The pure rubber construction is non-abrasive and intended to be safe for cymbal finishes. It does not require adhesives that could leave residue on the bronze.
Is this a permanent modification to the cymbal?: No, it is a temporary accessory. You can place it on the cymbal for practice and remove it instantly for live performance or recording, returning the cymbal to its original sound.