Gear article
Wallace Flugel Horn Cup Mute
The Wallace Flugel Horn Cup Mute is a high-performance brass accessory designed to provide a distinct muffled timbre while maintaining tonal consistency. Manufactured from anodised aluminium, it features unique stage-friendly design elements such as a noise-reducing foam base and a felt-wrapped top to protect the instrument's finish.

Overview
The Wallace Flugel Horn Cup Mute is a professional-grade accessory tailored for flugel horn players seeking a classic 'muffled' sound without sacrificing intonation. Wallace Mutes has established a reputation for precision engineering, utilizing high-quality materials to solve common logistical issues faced by brass players in performance environments. This specific model is noted for its durable aluminium construction and its specific suitability for both stage and studio applications.
Design and Construction
The mute is constructed from fine aluminium, which is then anodised to provide a professional, resilient finish. Two key physical features distinguish this model from standard cup mutes:
- Protective Felt: The top of the mute is wrapped in felt to prevent the metal from scratching the interior bell of instruments such as the Roy Benson FH302 or other silver-plated flugel horns.
- Foam Base: The bottom of the mute is fitted with a specialized foam pad. This is designed to eliminate the 'clatter' or impact noise when a musician places the mute on the floor during a performance, a feature highly valued by studio engineers and orchestral players.
Performance and Sound Character
The primary acoustic function of the Wallace Cup Mute is to produce an even, 'muffled' tone. Unlike some lower-quality mutes that can cause pitch shifts in the extreme registers, the Wallace design is engineered to remain in-tune across the full range of the flugel horn. The aluminium body contributes to a clear but dampened projection, ensuring the characteristic warmth of the flugel horn is preserved while achieving the desired cup-mute effect.
Comparative Context
In the broader market of brass accessories, Wallace Mutes competes with established brands like Denis Wick. While Denis Wick is often noted for its 'Heritage' or 'Classic' mouthpiece series, Wallace focuses heavily on the structural utility of the mute itself. For those seeking silent practice solutions, this cup mute serves a different purpose than electronic systems like the Yamaha Silent Brass (PM3X), as the Wallace mute is intended for performance and tonal shaping rather than total volume reduction.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary material used in the Wallace Flugel Horn Cup Mute?
- The mute is manufactured from high-grade aluminium, which is anodised to create a professional and durable finish.
- How does the mute protect the instrument from scratches?
- The top of the mute is wrapped in felt. This ensures that when the mute is inserted, it does not scratch the metal of the flugel horn bell.
- What is the purpose of the foam pad on the bottom of the mute?
- The foam pad is designed to prevent noise when the musician places the mute on the floor. This makes it a quiet and practical choice for stage and studio settings.
- Does this mute affect the intonation of the flugel horn?
- No, it is specifically designed to produce an even and in-tune tone across all registers of the instrument.
- What kind of sound does this cup mute produce?
- It produces a classic 'muffled' sound that is characteristic of cup mutes, while maintaining high tonal quality.
- Is the Wallace Flugel Horn Cup Mute suitable for recording studios?
- Yes, its design—particularly the noise-reducing foam base—makes it ideal for the sensitive environment of a recording studio.
- What is the typical price for this mute?
- The mute is typically priced at approximately £85.00.
- Can this mute be used with a Roy Benson FH302 Flugel Horn?
- Yes, it is designed for flugel horns and is compatible with standard models like the Roy Benson FH302.
- How does this compare to the Yamaha Silent Brass system?
- While the Yamaha Silent Brass (like the PM3X) is for near-silent practice, the Wallace Cup Mute is for performance, offering a specific 'muffled' timbre for an audience.
- Who is the manufacturer of this mute?
- The mute is manufactured by Wallace Mutes, a brand known for high-quality brass instrument accessories.
- Is the finish on the mute durable?
- Yes, the aluminium is anodised, which provides a professional finish that is resistant to wear and tear.
- Why is a cup mute different from a straight mute?
- A cup mute like the Wallace model provides a more dampened, 'muffled' sound compared to the sharper, more piercing tone of a straight mute.
Sources
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