Jo Ral 2C Trumpet Copper Bubble Mute

I've owned an aluminum Jo-Ral bubble mute for a long time and wanted to replace it as it was pretty beat up. I shopped around for a new harmon trying out the Charles Davis copper and the Jo Ral copper. There was no question in my mind and the minds of the rest of the guys in my big band tpt section that the JR copper was the best sounding when I played the Davis, my old JR aluminum and the new JR copper. The difference in sound to the aluminum version was slightly darker but still much brighter than the Davis. it doesn't get anywhere near the dark "Miles" sound in case the impression is that it's THAT dark. it's not. I'm a lead player and use it in a big band setting as well as for shows. The intonation is very good and you can go down to low F# with ease and play easily around high C because it's not very restrictive.As far as people complaining about the weight, don't listen. Yes, it's heavier but come on, if you can't handle 4 extra ounces then maybe you should hit the gym. It's not like it's in your bell for long periods of time anyway. I also don't understand why people say it falls out of your bell because of the weight either. I use it every time I play and it's never come out once. This must be user issues because it's certainly not the fault of the mute.Anyway, this is a great mute and I'm glad I bought it. I got it mid January 2011 for $51 here on Amazon. You shouldn't have to pay much more than this.

I evaluated the Jo-Ral Copper Bubble mute along side of the Harmon brand Copper Wah-Wah (or harmon mute). I use the mutes in a jazz quartet as well as a larger 7 piece jazz group; playing everything from jump blues, jazz, soul, r & b, and funk.What's the same:Both are heavy copper.Both have a nice traditional harmon mute 'bite' and edge to the sound. I would categorize the Harmon is 'crisp', while the Jo-Ral is 'dark.'Both are made very well.What's the difference:The Jo-Ral plays with better intonation throughout the range of the horn; the Harmon is much more sharp in the lower range.The Jo-Ral plays with much less resistance than the Harmon. This is a major design difference in the mutes--the Jo-Ral is rounded, while the Harmon is more angular. Over the longer gigs, this can make a difference. For me, I'd rather have the equipment work 'for' me than not.The Jo-Ral is bare copper, while the Harmon is clearcoated. Over time, the Jo-Ral will tarnish, while the Harmon holds its lustre. If this is important to you, get a can of Testors Clear Coat and spray it with 1 or 2 light coats to preserve the finish. If you use a heavy layers, it will affect the sound.Summary: Both mutes are made well and have a nice sound. I rate the Jo-Ral higher for better intonation, and less resistance while preserving an authentic feel.If you want a brighter sound #along with less resistance, and good intonation#, go for the aluminum version.VinceHepcat Revival, Trumpet

Yeah, this mute is expensive, and it is also heavy as hell, but if you want that true, rich biting sound you expect from a bubble mute this is the champ! I've had mine for years, it's dented from multiple drops, and it still sounds terrific. If you can possibly afford it, this is the one to buy!Bob DumonHarbour JazzUpdate March, 2014 - When my old mute kept dropping out of the horn, I decided it was time to finally replace it, so I went cheap and got the JoRal aluminum silver model After playing it on one gig I returned it and paid the price for another new copper one. It is SOOOO much better and richer sounding, which is what I had become used to. Bite the bullet and go for the real deal... this copper model. If you've never used this copper model the silver one may be okay for you, but if, like me, you are replacing an old copper model you won't be satisfied with the silver one.

The mute works as expected, and the build quality is great. It fits snug in my 1940s-era trumpet, and the style matches the instrument perfectly. If you need a good Harmon bubble, this one’s probably your best bet. For what you pay, you most definitely get your money’s worth. I ran into a very slight problem with the cork when it arrived, it was a little peeled back, but for the minimal effort it took to lightly push it back into place, it loses no stars. Will be recommending this to friends.

Fantastic sound! This and the aluminum model are the best. Only ones I will ever use for the sound that I want.

This mute has the sound I was looking for, and as other reviewers have testified, it keeps true to pitch throughout the entire range of the horn. It is of very good quality, looks good, was worth the money paid.The first time I placed this mute in the bell of my horn it fell out immediately, hitting a hardwood floor, resulting in a dent. This happened repeatedly, though tried over a soft surface to prevent further denting. The mute would simply not hold in the bell. I looked at a Harmon that I have and noticed that the width of the cork was greater. I have cork, I removed the cork on the mute and re-corked, increasing the width by about 3/8ths of an inch. The mute now stays put.I do like the sound, which is why I did not return the mute in the first place. I am very happy with the quality of the mute, very unhappy that within moments of use I now have a dent due to something which was not my fault. I am a professional jazz musician and have been playing for decades. I cannot imagine that this is the only time this has happened and would hope the company can make a correction.