by Josh Cote
As I sat on stage performing Strauss’s Don Quixote with the New World Symphony, I struggled to project my horn part through the straight mute I was using. The muted tones were a bit muffled and out of tune. As a professional horn player, I was frustrated with the limited options for high-quality mutes, especially in the extreme low range as in the famous Pines of Rome excerpt.
After the concert, I couldn't stop thinking about that insufficient mute. I had experienced the same issues with many mutes during my career when playing muted passages in orchestral works like Mahler 1 and 7, Shostakovich 5, Debussy’s La Mer, Daphnis and Chloe, and others. I started researching mute construction and materials, looking for ideas on how to improve intonation and tone quality. When I discovered the capabilities of 3D printing, everything clicked.
With 3D printing, I could design mutes in intricate shapes to specifically control volume and tone color. I could experiment with small design tweaks quickly and cost-effectively through rapid prototyping. Best of all, I found a 3D printing material that mixed wood particles into the plastic, creating a warm, natural sound. This was the perfect material for achieving the refined muted tone I sought.
As I delved into 3D printing, I realized there was also an artistic side to designing mutes. Just like a painter with a blank canvas, I could create unique outer mute shapes and internal structures.
Creating these mutes fused my passions for horn performance and design. But I also had a larger vision of helping horn players everywhere achieve more expressive playing through better equipment. To bring my dream to life, I tapped into Miami's bustling startup community. I found designers, engineers, and business experts to support turning my ideas into a real mute production company.
It wasn't always smooth sailing. Early mute prototypes had issues with fit, durability and consistency of sound. The 3D printing process involved tweaking many settings like temperature, print speed and layer resolution in order to print mutes with the right balance of strength and acoustic properties. After extensive trial-and-error, I honed in on the optimal printing methods.
As news of my mutes spread, I received orders from prominent orchestras including the Philadelphia Orchestra. The mutes have developed a following for particular low horn excerpts because they play in tune throughout the range. It has been incredibly fulfilling to hear my mutes contribute to moving performances across the country.
While my mute designs have continued to advance over the past few years, my core mission remains the same: give all horn players access to equipment that unlocks their peak artistic expression. When I reflect on my journey creating Wynwood Mutes, I'm grateful that one frustrating performance led me to establish a company that brings the beauty of the horn to audiences worldwide. Although the path of designing, testing, and building mutes was challenging, the rewards have been infinitely greater.
I can't wait to see what the next chapter holds for Wynwood Mutes as I develop new mute innovations and help more horn players elevate their performances.
