Gewa Mute Metal Violin

I wanted something to really tone down the volume of my playing because
1) I'm playing in student accommodation in my dorm room, &
2) I'm embarrassed about my horrible playing

and this mute is pretty much your best bet for that! It's really sturdy and solid, and doesn't affect the sound. I've read other reviews that warn against pushing the mute too far down that it marks your bridge, but I find that it doesn't go down all the way anyway, and since I am quite careful when I place it on, it doesn't do any harm to the bridge or strings. It is rather heavy, being made of metal, so it adds to your poor arm's fatigue, but I'm hoping with more practice I will get used to having it there.

I've used this metal mute on my beginner violin and the difference in sound is that when you use this mute the sound will drop about 10 decibels from 60-80 Db to 50-70 depending of your playing style. The sound will become more narrow and less percing but if you are in the next room at home doing nothing you can still hear someone play with a mute ON. almost like the sound of two people talking but with the sound of strings so they still pierce a bit more than any other sound at home.

The sound becomes less vibrant and in a sence more direct and simple but at a slightly lower tone.

If you ad some strings that has quicker bow respons and lower sound you could get a more quiet sound and maybe find something you can practice at home with without disturbing anyone in the house.

If you want maximum muting of your violin, this is the mute to buy.
Just place it lightly but firmly on the bridge of your violin. Do not press down too hard otherwise it will mark your bridge.
The only negative points I can give for this mute is that you can't see the contact point of your bow with the string when mute is in position which may be slightly off-putting. Your right hand may also catch the top of the mute when playing near the grip of the bow if you're not careful.
Also, the V-shape of the mute (where the mute straddles the bridge) will not conform to all bridges properly - if your bridge is too thick or too thin the mute risks marking your bridge or falling off. Be careful when fitting!