So... we all know cup mutes come in many shapes, sizes and sounds.
I was looking for a cup mute that gives a soft tone (along the lines of a Robinson or Humes+Berg Mic-a-Mute) and yet still had an adjustable cup.
I already had 2 adjustable cups, but neither was quite what I wanted:
- Denis Wick... a definite metallic tinge to the tone that doesn't appeal to me.
- Peter Gane.... great soft-toned cup, but verges on too soft and lacks projection as a result.
This Soulo is one I'd seen mentioned on a number of trumpet forums and when Thomann decided to stock them, I took the plunge hoping for a goldilocks cup - one that was adjustable and had a soft, distinctively "cupped" tone but not so soft that it wouldn't project.
Wasn't expecting this to be "the one" mute that I could carry most of the time, but was hoping for a nice alternative that would give me an alternative tone and option.... well I was wrong, this IS the all-rounder I'd hoped for, with a tone that is pretty damned close to what I had in my head, is adaptable and is really nicely built.
Honestly, if I had to recommend one cup to rule them all, this would be it.
Yes, it's not a Wick, and doesn't sound like a Wick (it's much better than that), nor is it a H&B... and you'll still want these two to match other players in your section - but if you want my vote for the most adaptable and best cup out there, I cast it for this one.