Mute

MUTE (sordino; sourdine; dämpfer). A contrivance applied to a musical instrument for the purpose of deadening or lessening the sound. In the pianoforte the effect is produced by the dampers or the soft pedal. In instruments of the violin-tribe the mute is a piece of brass so formed as to stick on to the bridge and stand clear of the strings. It adds weight to the bridge and thus checks the vibrations of the body of the instrument. [See Appendix, A contrivance applied to a musical instrument for the purpose of deadening or lessening the sound. In the pianoforte the effect is produced by the dampers or the soft pedal. In instruments of the violin-tribe the mute is a piece of brass so formed as to stick on to the bridge and stand clear of the strings. It adds weight to the bridge and thus checks the vibrations of the body of the instrument. [See Appendix, ...