How do you put a torte styled mute on a cello?

Question

I was wondering how to put a mute on my cello because i needed it for my orchestra class! Thanx! :)

Answer 1

I'm trying to remember...is a torte mute the rubber black one?

If so, there are two slits on the right and left sides. You slide the mute in parallel to the strings, and let the slits go through the strings. Then you position it so that the little U faces you.

Once it is in, you can leave it on your cello when you're not using it. Just make sure it's snug against the strings, and not up against the bridge - just somewhere between the bridge and the fine tuners.

To put the mute on, you slide it toward you, and the little U goes over the bridge. If your cello sounds muffled and softer than its usual sound, then you know it's working!

When you don't need the mute while you're playing, you just give it a little upward pull and push it off the bridge. With practice, you'll be able to put it on and off quickly. (You'll need to do that if the mute isn't needed throughout the whole piece.) Just keep in mind, be gentle when handling the mute when it's on your cello! The bridge isn't invincible ..

Hope this helps!