Comment by Mike Moss on November 10, 2012 at 14:07

Yes, I saw one of these for sale! Someone mentioned that 25 cents was an exorbitant price to pay at the time for such a simple mute. How does it work?

Comment by Richard William Ineson on November 10, 2012 at 17:12

I agree that the price is quite steep but perfection never comes cheap. If you look at the other photo you will see that the mute is made from two wedge shaped pieces of wood which are joined together by a loosely fitting piece of wire, the two wedges are able to slide against each other, but are held together by the wire. The mute is placed between the perch pole and the vellum and the wedges slid apart until they fit tightly beneath the vellum thus eliminating most of the noise. My wife bought me this contraption many years ago, and I have never used it and have no intention of using this or any other kind of mute. Banjos were designed to be loud, all of the banjo makers spent years making their banjos louder than any other, why would anyone wish, after paying thousands of pounds/dollars for a loud banjo, to make it quieter? If it really is necessary, just don't pull on the strings so hard, no knee mutes necessary - these can be lethal in any case, I have seen at least two vellums/plastic heads, put through by the over enthusiastic application of one of these.

Comment by Mike Moss on November 10, 2012 at 17:19

Verily I say unto thee, I must acquire one of these marvellous mutes forthwith and start a new production line. According to the Inflation Calculator 0.25 US dollars at the time was the equivalent of a fiver nowadays! I'll be rich in no time.

I agree re: the loudness aspect, my claim to loudness is amply confirmed by the wrath of the local populace towards me and the deadly looks I get from the neighbors. A mute does, however, allow for clever alterations of tone which can make interesting effects in some solos.

Comment by Richard William Ineson on November 10, 2012 at 17:35

Ah! The folly of youth! Having had experience of the banjo world over many years, I must tell you that many, believing that a route to fame and fortune lay in providing for the needs of the banjo community, lost everything including their sanity, and became disillusioned, impoverished, alcoholic wrecks in a very short time. Do not do it.

Comment by Mike Moss on November 10, 2012 at 18:20

I bow to your experience, and to the vision of ruined would-be banjo entrepreneurs throwing themselves off Beachy Head in despair.

If I survived the fall, though, could I use my banjo as a paddle?

Comment by thereallyniceman on November 10, 2012 at 19:19

Only if you have a plastic vellum!

Comment by Joel Hooks on November 10, 2012 at 22:27

Mike, if you make one, I'll buy one.  My "early banjo" is so loud that it rattles the window panes.

Comment by Joel Hooks on November 10, 2012 at 22:32

Here is the patent...

http://www.google.com/patents/US520439?pg

Comment by Mike Moss on November 10, 2012 at 23:03

I can't promise anything, but I've got a big block of mahogany lying around so if I ever get down to making some of these mutes I'll send you one free of charge (ditto for anyone else who's interested). The patent document should come in handy. Thanks!

Comment by Richard William Ineson on November 11, 2012 at 8:58

Thanks for finding the Patent Joel, very interesting.

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