After decades of research, the “KR INDIGO” plunger mute was born as the culmination of the quest for “the ultimate plunger.” “KR” stands for the initials of Kenny Lampton, a longtime member of “Jazz@Lincoln Center,” led by Wynton Marsalis.
Kenny designed this plunger in collaboration with Hirschman Mutes, incorporating feedback from today’s leading trumpet players. It is now the official mute of the Duke Ellington Orchestra and the Count Basie Orchestra, and is trusted by many professional musicians around the world.
Hirschman Mutes (
) A Comprehensive Guide to Plunger and Jazz Mutes for Trumpet and Trombone
“KR INDIGO” MAX / STANDARD Plunger Mutes (for Trumpet)
・Perfect intonation!
From low to high notes, there is likely no other plunger with such stable intonation. Furthermore, since the pitch remains stable when engaging or disengaging the plunger—and the playing feel remains consistent—you’ll never have to worry about the sound “flipping” when you close the plunger!
Additionally, this stable intonation reduces strain on your lips when producing sound, improving your endurance during performances.
・Kenny Penny™ Bent System
Some players prefer to drill a hole in the bottom of the plunger, while others do not. In fact, some players even carry two plungers in their case because they need both configurations.
The Kenny Penny Bent System features a single 1-penny coin placed inside the plunger.Turning the outer coin closes the hole in the inner plunger. Kenny Lampton prefers to keep it closed when playing with a straight mute and open when playing with the plunger alone. There’s no right or wrong way. With the “Kenny Penny,” you’ll be able to find your ideal sound... Yeah, this is definitely worth more than 100 pennies.
・Non-Slip Hand Grip
The large, easy-to-grip handle makes it easy to hold the plunger securely. No more slipping or dropping!
Which should you choose: MAX or STANDARD?
MAX
Height: 88.9mm, Outer Diameter: 130.7mm, Inner Diameter: 106.9mm
The MAX is larger than a standard plunger mute, but it’s designed to fit perfectly on standard bell sizes from brands like Bach and Yamaha.
It allows for a wider range of expression and a more powerful sound, and gives you plenty of room to play when combined with a Pixie mute or a straight mute.
STANDARD
Height: 85.7 mm, Outer Diameter: 122.2 mm, Inner Diameter: 106.9 mm (same as MAX)
The STANDARD is often chosen by younger, smaller players, but it’s also an excellent choice for those seeking a traditional-sized plunger.
PRO EDGE PIXIE PEP Pixie Mute (for trumpet)
If you’re looking for the best pixie mute ever made, there’s only one choice!
Hirschman’s “Pro Edge Pixie” (commonly known as the “PEP” mute) was named in honor of the great Duke Ellington Orchestra, where two trumpets equipped with plunger/pixie mutes and one trombone played beautiful harmonies together. After more than two years of research and development, we can confidently say that we have created the best pixie mute ever made.
・Perfect intonation!
From low to high notes, this is the most intonation-accurate Pixie mute ever made. You no longer have to worry about the low register rising excessively or struggling with notes that are hard to produce. Since you no longer need to adjust the intonation yourself, fatigue is reduced and your playing endurance improves.
・Free-flowing playing feel
With a rich volume capable of filling an entire big band, it makes playing the Pixie Mute more musical and enjoyable than ever before, leading you to success.
・This is the Pixie!
The PEP mute delivers the quintessential “Pixie mute” sound. It never sounds muffled or dull.
・Your Perfect Partner
The PEP Mute works with any plunger mute, but when paired with the KR Indigo, it delivers rich, growling solos and dazzling “PEP Section” performances.
CHICAGO STINGER GEN II+ Buzz Mute (for Trumpet)
It adds a distinctive buzz to your tone and is effective across a wide range of styles, from modern jazz to old-time jazz solos. Co-developed with Kenny Lampton, the world’s best buzz mute has evolved even further. Developed by Hirschman, the “CHICAGO STINGER GEN II+” draws inspiration from classic buzz mutes and has been redesigned from the ground up using custom parts engineered specifically for this purpose. It delivers superior intonation, slot feel, playability, and the signature “buzz” across the entire trumpet range.
・The Ultimate Buzz Sensation
From pianissimo to fortissimo, and from the low to the high registers, it delivers exceptional tone, intonation, and playability. Our proprietary “Hornet Resonators™” provide the ultimate buzz and fuzz sensation.
The best way to experience the sound is to listen to “them” play.
・Designed for the KR Indigo Series Plunger Mutes
While it can certainly be used on its own, playing it in combination with the KR Indigo plunger mute opens up an even wider range of expressive possibilities.
“KR INDIGO” BIG BLUE Plunger Mute (for Trombone)
The “KR INDIGO” Big Blue is the finest plunger mute in every respect—tone, size, intonation, and flexibility. You’ll particularly notice how minimal the change in pitch is when engaging or disengaging the plunger.
If the great trombonist Al Gray were still with us, I would have wanted him to use this mute...!! He once said, “Old-style, tight plungers create backpressure against the airflow, throwing the instrument’s intonation off.” Our mute’s innovative design has mitigated these issues.
・Size matters!
The BIG BLUE is designed to work with both tenor and bass trombones. Bass trombonists Dave Taylor and Earl McIntyre were early testers and provided valuable feedback throughout the design process as our endorsed artists.
・Perfect intonation!
From the lowest to the highest notes, there’s likely no other plunger with such stable intonation. Furthermore, since the pitch remains stable when engaging or disengaging the plunger—and the playing feel remains consistent—you’ll never have to worry about the sound “flipping” when you close the plunger!
Additionally, this stable intonation reduces strain on your lips when producing sound, improving your endurance during performances.
・Kenny Penny™ Bent System
Some players prefer to drill a hole in the bottom of the plunger, while others do not. In fact, some players even carry two plungers in their case because they need both configurations.
The Kenny Penny Bent System uses two penny coins on the plunger.Turning the outer coin closes the hole in the inner plunger. Kenny Lampton prefers to keep it closed when playing with a straight mute and open when playing with the plunger alone. There’s no right or wrong way. With the “Kenny Penny,” you’ll be able to find your ideal sound. ...Yeah, this is definitely worth more than a penny.
・Non-Slip Hand Grip
The large, easy-to-grip handle makes it easy to hold the plunger securely. No more slipping or dropping it!
WG CONE TONE Plunger Mute (for Trombone)
The WG CONE TONE Plunger Mute for Trombone was co-designed with Wycliffe Gordon, one of the world’s leading plunger players.
“The WG Cone Tone Plunger Mute is a signature model plunger mute that I designed in collaboration with Ed Hirschman and Kenny Lampton. I really liked the ‘BIG BLUE,’ but to truly realize the expression I was seeking, I decided to create ‘the ultimate plunger mute for soloists.’” —Wycliffe Gordon
・Traditional Plunger
For those seeking a more traditional, compact sound tailored for soloists.
・Penny Less
Although this model does not feature the Kenny Penny Bent System found in the BIG BLUE and other models, it has a hole in the bottom that provides excellent intonation balance and playing comfort.
・Non-Slip Hand Grip
The large, easy-to-grip handgrip makes it easy to hold the plunger securely. No more slipping or dropping!
Which should you choose: BIG BLUE or WG Cone Tone?
The BIG BLUE features the world’s best intonation balance and our proprietary Kenny Penny Bent System, making it the ideal mute for section playing.
The WG Cone Tone is designed as the ideal “soloist’s mute,” but it’s also popular among players with a shorter reach or those who prefer a more traditional-sized plunger.
CHICAGO STINGER GEN II+ Buzz Mute (for Trombone)
It adds a distinctive buzz to your tone and is effective across a wide range of styles, from modern jazz to old-time jazz solos. Developed by Hirschman, the “CHICAGO STINGER GEN II+” was inspired by vintage buzz mutes and has been redesigned from the ground up using specially engineered parts. It delivers the best intonation, slot feel, playability, and “buzz” across the entire trombone range.
・The Ultimate Buzz Experience
Delivers exceptional tone, intonation, and playability from pianissimo to fortissimo, and across the entire range from low to high registers.Our proprietary “Hornet Resonators™” provide the ultimate buzz and fuzz sensation.
・Designed for use with the KR Indigo Series plunger mutes
While it can be used on its own, playing it in combination with the KR Indigo plunger mute allows for an even wider range of expression.
From pianissimo to fortissimo, and across the entire range of the horn—from low to high registers—it delivers exceptional tone, intonation, and playability. Our proprietary “Hornet Resonators™” provide the ultimate buzz and fuzz, along with exceptional durability.
List of Hirschman Mutes Dealers
●Tokyo
Joy Brass
2nd Floor, 1-3-7 Minami-Kamata, Ota-ku, Tokyo 144-0035
03-5480-2468
●Tokyo
Ikebe Gakki Co., Ltd. Trumpet Station
4F Shibuya Square B, 1-7-4 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043
03-6427-1969
●Osaka Prefecture
Miki Gakki Wind Forest
4F, G Building Shinsaibashi 04A, 3-10-5 Minami-Senba, Chuo-ku, Osaka 542-0081
06-6251-4596
Author: Nakamura (Okubo Gakki)
Biography: As an expert in brass instrument repair, he has a large client base; as a sales representative, he maintains extensive connections with overseas manufacturers and brands. He is also known as Japan’s foremost musical instrument case enthusiast.
He is constantly updating not only the instruments themselves but also accessories such as mouthpieces, and many players visit the store relying on his experience and expertise. He is also an active trumpet player.
Qualifications and Achievements:
・13 years as a musical instrument appraiser
・Head of Wind Instrument Repairs
・Contributor and supervisor for wind instrument specialty publications
▶︎Articles I’ve Written
The Trumpet vol. 16
Things You Think You Know but Actually Don’t!?
Care & Maintenance A to Z
The Trumpet vol. 18
Find the Perfect Model for You!
Trumpet Case Collection
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