"Cambridge Bb Trumpet & Cornet Straight Mute: For Kids Who Love to Play (and Parents Who Love Their Sanity)"Backstory:When I bought the Cambridge Bb Trumpet & Cornet Straight Mute, I wasn’t just investing in my child’s budding musical talent—I was investing in the ability to watch TV without feeling like I was trapped in a brass band gone rogue. Encouraging kids to follow their passions is great, but let’s face it: beginner trumpet sessions can sound less like Louis Armstrong and more like a goose with opinions.Enter this mute: a lightweight, precision-tuned lifesaver that transforms trumpet practice from ear-splitting chaos into something almost serene. Almost.The Encounter:The mute arrived in pristine condition, sleek and professional-looking enough to convince my kid they were holding a “real musician’s tool.” Sliding it into the bell of the trumpet was easy (thankfully, since I’d already Googled “how to mute a trumpet” three times). The fit was snug but not tight, and the transformation was instant: from blaring honks to muted, mellow notes that didn’t drown out the evening news.Even better? My child thought it made them sound “fancy.” They practiced with enthusiasm, and I sipped my tea without wincing. A win-win.Review:Pros:Volume Control: Dramatically reduces the sound level without compromising tone, making it perfect for practice sessions in shared spaces.Lightweight and Durable: Easy for kids to handle, but sturdy enough to survive the occasional “oops” moment.Precision-Tuned: Maintains a clear, consistent sound, so kids feel like they’re still playing properly.Encourages Practice: Kids love how “professional” it looks and sounds, and parents love how quiet it is.Budget-Friendly: Affordable enough that you don’t have to choose between encouraging creativity and keeping the peace.Cons:Doesn’t Completely Silence: It’s a mute, not a miracle worker—there’s still sound, but it’s manageable.Mild Learning Curve: Beginners may need a few tries to adjust to the different airflow, but they’ll get the hang of it quickly.Not for Concerts: Obviously, this is for practice, not performances—unless you’re going for a “low-key jazz” vibe.Unexpected Adventures:The first muted practice session was almost surreal. My child played scales, attempted Hot Cross Buns, and even tried improvising, all while I caught up on my favorite show. At one point, I thought the mute had stopped working because the dog fell asleep—an unheard-of phenomenon during trumpet practice.The real magic happened during a family Zoom call. My child demonstrated their trumpet skills, mute in place, and even the grandparents could hear without flinching. “Sounds professional!” Grandpa declared, blissfully unaware of the device working its magic.Final Thoughts:The Cambridge Bb Trumpet & Cornet Straight Mute is a must-have for any family balancing musical ambition with household harmony. It lets kids practice enthusiastically while keeping the noise level parent-approved. Whether you’re dealing with a future jazz star or a beginner experimenting with brass, this mute makes everyone a little happier.Would I recommend it? Absolutely. 5 stars—for preserving eardrums, encouraging practice, and letting me watch TV in peace. Bonus tip: Pair it with headphones and a metronome for the ultimate quiet practice session. 🎺📺✨

As a long term user of several Hawkins mutes ( Bb London straight and adjustable cup, Eb straight and adjustable cup) I was very keen to try the new Cambridge mute. I was not disappointed! Tonally it slots in nicely between my H &M stone lined straight (warm, mellow) and Wallace all Copper (very bright!), being most similar to my (very old!) Alessi/Vacchiano aluminium mute. However it is the most free blowing of all those (more free blowing than the Hawkins London IMO) and the intonation is superb. I believe in having a wide selection of mutes for all possible needs, but if you were to buy only one straight mute this could well be the one. Build quality is superb, they are very light, excellent value for money!

I love this mute. It's so easy to play with, really free-blowing over the whole range, easy to "centre" notes and they are not out of tune or distorted in any register or at any volume. And it's such good value, too, so brilliant for my pupils. I was surprised to find something so good at this price, though I had heard good things about Hawkins Mutes and I can now happily recommend them myself.

I ordered the Hawkins Straight Mute for my son, I play too and I am already the owner of one of the Hawkins London Straight Mutes, but when I saw there was a cheaper, lighter version available I thought this would be perfect for my son who is learning.I have tried this mute and the tuning is superb across the range, for the price this is a great mute with a unique sound so a good accompaniment to other straight mutes already in your bag.The design is also so unique, it looks really cool and my son absolutely loves it!Would highly recommend!

Used last night on a big band gig, the mute fits easily and securely into the trumpet. Not only does the whole range of mutes look great but the sound of the ‘Cambridge’ is a rounded focused sound, piercing projection and accurate when played delicately. The sound is great across the full range and as responsive as my other Hawkins mutes. Highly recommended to anyone serious about professional level trumpet/cornet playing - Lol Warburton