Forgive my ignorance, but are there any more cost effective alternatives to forking out £20+ for something I might only use a couple of times (an optimistic estimate!) a year? Especially if the piece in question requires most of the cornet section to have one.
(No condescending replies please!!!!!)
just a regular sink plunger would work fine surely? shouldnt cost more than a few quid each!
Euphonium at RWCMD
Solo Euphonium-
Markham and District Band 2013
Yep... Thats what we use in the Big Band.
My last one was given to me by our seasoned trumpet player who sadly passed away recently.
A Original
Croydex ....
Just Google 'Croydex Plunger'
Nice though the Croydex was, it was starting to perish badly so I invested in a new one from Tesco, which im working in at the moment.
Its all in the wrist
As has been said - regular sink plunger from a hardware shop will work as well (if not better) than the overpriced plunger "mutes" in music shops. The challenge is finding the size that works best for you, with your instrument - some people prefer smaller, some larger.
I have a habit of going into small hardware shops (usually the smaller independent ones have better selections than the larger chain stores) and if they have a good size plunger I will buy all of them, then sell them on to students. You get some very odd looks and questions when you go up to the cashier with 10 sink plungers, lol.
I recommend you remove the handle first before trying.Originally Posted by TomEuphoniumist
just a regular sink plunger would work fine surely? shouldnt cost more than a few quid each!
Jim Yelland
Hinckley
Ah yes, I forgot the best bit about getting a proper sink plunger - you get a free stick to play with as well
The small metal sundae dishes make excellent plungers - a different sound but worth experimenting with
Some people like to drill a small hole in the end of said sink plunger so as not to stop the sound and air so completely when you cover the bell up. I personally haven't bothered.
Whilst "Jamming" with a Blues Band in Goa earlier this year I used a small toy watering can to great effect !!
I have also, recently, seen a top British Jazzer using a Christmas pudding pot (individual NOT family size).
Wine glasses (emptied) or even pint glasses (also emptied) can be used for some interesting results (made even more interesting if you do the emptying yourself immediately prior to playing.
Other things I have seen used include the car red noses - perfect size for trombones and a dustbin lid (used on a tuba!)
... Or something to sell onto the percussion sectionAh yes, I forgot the best bit about getting a proper sink plunger - you get a free stick to play with as well
For many percussionists you throw the stick and say "fetch" - can keep them amused for hours... Or something to sell onto the percussion section
(with apologies to my percussion playing friends who might read this)
Now your being silly. Percussionist and read, as if.
Blow in the little end. Noise comes out the Big end.Simples !
Better to be a Has Been, than a Never Was!
Yoghurt Pots...............
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