Best French Horn Mutes of 2025

Joseph Hubbard Avatar
Joseph Hubbard
Last Updated: Jan 2, 2025

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French horn mutes are essential accessories for any horn player. They are designed to alter the sound of the horn, allowing for a variety of tonal colors and effects. Different types of mutes can produce different sounds, from the soft and mellow sound of a straight mute to the metallic and bright sound of a metal mute. French horn mutes are typically made of metal or plastic and are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are easy to use and can be quickly inserted or removed from the horn during a performance. Whether you are a professional musician or a student, a French horn mute is a must-have accessory for any horn player.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Denis Wick Wooden Straight Mute for French Horn Cover #TOP 1
Denis Wick Wooden Straight Mute for French Horn
ftb score rating icon 9.8
PAMPET French Horn Practice Mute Cover #TOP 2
PAMPET French Horn Practice Mute
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Humes & Berg 121 French Horn Mute Cover #TOP 3
Humes & Berg 121 French Horn Mute
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 French Horn Mutes

#TOP 1

Denis Wick Wooden Straight Mute for French Horn

DW5554
Wooden
Denis Wick Wooden Straight Mute for French Horn Cover
Denis Wick Wooden Straight Mute for French Horn | Accessories for Brass Players | Wooden Straight Mute for Earthy Tone Register | Practice Mute for Learning French Horn | 11.42 x 5.51 x 5.51 inches

Enhance your French horn's sound with the Denis Wick French Horn Mute. Made of birch faced plywood sidewalls and marine plywood base, this lightweight wooden straight mute offers you a softer, earthy tone color that complements softer dynamics. It also provides exquisite intonation on every register, allowing you to find the exact tone you want with the adjustable tuning slide. The cork strips on the base provide stability, while the mute's resonant construction helps you achieve the warmest, most natural sound. With the Denis Wick French Horn Mute, you'll have another choice for producing a unique tone that cannot be matched by other materials.

What We Like
Adjustable tuning slide
Soft, earthy tone color
Exquisite intonation
#TOP 2

PAMPET French Horn Practice Mute

PAMPET TIPPER French Horn Mute
Black
PAMPET French Horn Practice Mute Cover
PAMPET TIPPER French Horn Mute Lightweight Practice French Horn Mute (Black)

The PAMPET Horn Mute is a lightweight and affordable practice tool for French horn players. It allows you to practice almost anywhere, ensuring you can hone your skills without disturbing others. The design features a bionic chamber that mimics the natural pressure and resistance of playing, making your practice sessions feel more authentic. Additionally, this mute produces less back pressure compared to other silent mutes, giving you a more comfortable experience while warming up or preparing for a performance. This makes it a perfect choice for music lovers looking to practice quietly at home.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Authentic playing experience
Reduces back pressure
Affordable for all musicians
#TOP 3

Humes & Berg 121 French Horn Mute

Humes & Berg 121 French Horn Mute Cover
Humes & Berg 121 Stonelined French Horn Straight Mute

The Humes & Berg French Horn Mute is a straight mute designed for both solo and ensemble performances. As a non-transposing mute, it allows you to play the same "C" note as on an open horn, ensuring perfect pitch every time. This feature is especially convenient for musicians who want consistency in their sound. Additionally, Stonelined Mutes are known for their excellent tuning and ease of use, making it simple for you to achieve the desired tone without unnecessary effort. Whether you're practicing or performing, this mute enhances your playing experience.

What We Like
Perfect pitch consistency
Easy to blow
Ideal for solos and ensembles
Excellent tuning
#TOP 4

Yamaha SILENT Brass French Horn System

SB3J
Black
Yamaha SILENT Brass French Horn System Cover
Yamaha SILENT Brass System For French Horn- Pickup Mute & Personal Studio Included (SB3J)

The Yamaha SILENT Brass System is designed to enhance your playing experience. With its new USB connectivity, you can easily record your sessions directly to a computer or smart device, making it perfect for practice or sharing your music. Attaching and removing the mute is a breeze, allowing you to switch between playing modes quickly. It fits snugly inside the bell of your horn, ensuring it won’t get in the way while you play. Plus, it's incredibly lightweight, so you might even forget it's there. The specially designed mini microphone captures your sound beautifully, providing a great recording experience.

What We Like
USB connectivity for recording
Easy attachment and removal
Lightweight design
Compact fit inside bell
High-quality microphone
#TOP 5

Stagg Mute MHR-S3A

MHR-S3A
Aluminum
Stagg Mute MHR-S3A Cover
Stagg French Horn Mute (MHR-S3A)

The Stagg French Horn Mute (MHR-S3A) is designed with a combination of aluminum and cork, ensuring a distinct and powerful sound. This feature is particularly beneficial for players in large ensembles, as it helps them stand out while blending harmoniously with the group. Whether you play classical, jazz, or any other genre, this mute adapts well, enhancing your musical expression. You’ll appreciate its versatility, allowing you to explore different styles without compromising sound quality. It’s a great addition to your musical toolkit, making performances more dynamic and engaging.

What We Like
Distinct sound quality
Suitable for large ensembles
Versatile for various genres
Durable materials
#TOP 6

Yamaha French Horn SILENT Brass Mute (PM3X)

PM3X
Black
Yamaha French Horn SILENT Brass Mute (PM3X) Cover
Yamaha French Horn SILENT Brass Mute Only (PM3X)

The Yamaha French Horn SILENT Brass Mute (PM3X) is a high-performance mute equipped with an internal microphone that can pick up sound. The package is lightweight with dimensions of 23.2 H x 13.7 L x 16.0 W (centimeters), making it easy to transport. This mute is made in China and is designed for French horns.

What We Like
Equipped with an internal microphone for sound pickup
Lightweight and easy to transport
Designed specifically for French horns
#TOP 7

Denis Wick DW5530 French Horn Practice Mute

DW5530
Black
Denis Wick DW5530 French Horn Practice Mute Cover
Denis Wick DW5530 French Horn Practice Mute,Black

The Denis Wick DW5530 French Horn Practice Mute is a British-made cup mute with adjustable cup position, known for its sound quality, intonation in all dynamic ranges, and superb craftsmanship. This mute is a painless practice essential for every player and is widely used as an "hotel mute" by professionals.

What We Like
Adjustable cup position
Superb sound quality
Widely used by professionals as a "hotel mute"
#TOP 8

Humes & Berg 121 French Horn Mute

Limited Edition
Humes & Berg 121 French Horn Mute Cover
Humes & Berg 121 Stonelined French Horn Straight Mute (Limited Edition)

The Humes & Berg French Horn Mute is an excellent choice for musicians looking for a reliable straight mute. This non-transposing mute allows you to play in perfect pitch, meaning when you play a "C" on your open horn, you'll achieve the same "C" with the mute in place. It's perfect for both solo performances and ensemble settings, ensuring your sound remains clear and accurate. With this mute, you can practice or perform without disturbing others, making it a convenient option for any setting.

What We Like
Perfect pitch accuracy
Ideal for solo and ensemble
Non-transposing design
Quiet practice option
#TOP 9

Tom Crown 30FH Brass French Horn Mute

TOM CROWN
30FH
Gold
Tom Crown 30FH Brass French Horn Mute Cover
Tom Crown 30FH - Brass French Horn Transposing Mute

The Tom Crown Brass Horn Mute is a top-quality traditional mute designed specifically for French horns. This professional-grade accessory helps you produce a distinctive and beautiful sound, enhancing your musical experience. When using this mute, you will need to transpose down a half step, which can improve your playing accuracy and adaptability. Crafted from lacquered brass, it not only looks appealing but also offers durability and a refined tone. With this mute, you can elevate your performance while enjoying the convenience of a reliable tool.

What We Like
Professional quality
Unique sound production
Durable lacquered brass
Transposition convenience
#TOP 10

Stagg MHR-P3A French Horn Mute

MHR-P3A
Aluminum
Stagg MHR-P3A French Horn Mute Cover
Stagg French Horn Mute (MHR-P3A)

The Stagg French Horn Mute (MHR-P3A) is an excellent tool for your practice sessions. Constructed from aluminum and cork, it offers a durable and lightweight option for sound dampening. The solid cork ring ensures that this mute will last through countless hours of use, making it a reliable choice for musicians. This mute is designed to meet all your practice needs, allowing you to play comfortably without disturbing others. Whether you're at home or in a lesson, this mute helps you focus on perfecting your sound without distractions.

What We Like
Durable aluminum and cork construction
Long-lasting solid cork ring
Ideal for practice sessions
Lightweight and easy to use
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do French horns have mutes?

Yes, French horns can be muted by inserting a horn straight mute into the bell of the instrument. This mute changes the timbre of the sound but does not affect the pitch produced.

2. What are the different types of horn mutes?

There are three types of mutes for French horns - a stopping mute, a straight mute, and a practice mute. Each mute has its own unique effect on the sound produced by the instrument.

3. How do you play French horn quietly?

To play the French horn quietly, you can adjust the lip opening to produce maximum vibrations, avoid mouthpiece pressure, and maintain steady diaphragm pressure while controlling the airflow with the larynx to release a relatively small stream of air.

4. What are the cons of French horn?

Some cons of the French horn include its large and heavy size, making it difficult for small students to manage. It also has limited performance opportunities in advanced groups, as it is not commonly used in orchestras. Additionally, renting a French horn can be expensive compared to other instruments.

5. Why is the French horn so hard to play?

The French horn is considered difficult to play due to its mechanics and history. It requires endurance and the ability to push steady air through long tubing, sometimes up to 30 feet, all from a narrow mouthpiece. Mastering the French horn takes time and practice.

6. What is the difference between a cup mute and a Harmon mute?

A cup mute and a Harmon mute are two different types of trumpet mutes. While a cup mute has a cup-shaped design, a Harmon mute is either cylindrical or bulbous and round. Unlike the cup mute, the Harmon mute completely restricts all airflow from escaping the bell.

7. What is a Harmon mute?

A Harmon mute, also known as a wa-wa, wow-wow, or wah-wah mute, is a type of mute used in jazz for trumpet and trombone. It has a cork that blocks airflow around the mute, creating a unique sound effect.

8. Why is the French horn so loud?

The French horn, as a member of the brass family, produces a loud sound. It is essentially a long series of pipes that the musician blows into through a mouthpiece. The sound is then amplified and projected out of the flared bell at the other end, resulting in its loudness.

Editor's Notes

During our french horn mute research, we found 24 french horn mute products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,879 customer reviews through our big data system to write the french horn mutes list. We found that most customers choose french horn mutes with an average price of $57.90.

The french horn mutes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of french horn mutes, including Denis Wick, PAMPET, Humes & Berg, YAMAHA, Stagg. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 2,383 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Joseph Hubbard Avatar

Joseph Hubbard is a music producer and runs a musical instrument store in Chicago. Joseph is happy to help others choose the instrument that best suits their needs. He loves everything related to music and often publishes articles related to music on key websites.