Mute

Mute, a small instrument used to modify the sound of the violin or violoncello. It is made of hard wood, ivory, or brass, and is attached to the bridge by means of a slit, its three legs standing between, but clear of, the strings. The use of the mute both softens the tone and imparts to it a peculiar muffled and tremulous quality, which is sometimes very effective. Its application is indicated by the letters c. s., or con sordino, and its discontinuance by s. s., or senza sordino. A mute, consisting of a pear-shaped leather pad, is sometimes used for the horn and trumpet. It is inserted into the bell of the instrument, thereby subduing the sound and producing the effect of great distance.