[Dixielandjazz] Small mute with trombone plunger

[Marvin Ipswich]

I've  seen trombonists use a trumpet straight mute for the "Tricky" Sam
Nanton effect - specifically, a trumpet straight mute made by
Buescher-Magosy. And yes it IS a trumpet straight mute.

The effect that Muggsy Spanier did with the plunger was using a Conn
practice mute which has been nicknamed the "doorknob" mute. This is the mute
that King Oliver played "Dippermouth Blues" with. placing the mute partially
in the horn and using the fingers of his left hand for the "wah-wah"
effects. Not, as Wynton Marsalis expounded in the Burns Jazz series, a
plunger mute exclusively.

The Humes and Berg "Pixie" mute is a poor quality imitation of the Conn
practice mute.

A very interesting book, written by Louis Panico (said to be a student of
King Oliver who played with Isham Jones' band), called "The Novelty
Cornetist," illustrates the King Oliver effect with the Conn mute. It can be
seen here :
http://www.2multiples.com/hotdance/novcornetist/index.htm

regards,
Marvin