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The banjo reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!
7233 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: From Mike at mikesbanjomute.com
Living in Europe, I was at first reluctant to buy a mute overseas (shipping, waiting time), so I tried the locally available options: the Deering Banjo Mute, Gold Tone Ultimate, and Gold Iucci. The Deering mute and the Ultimate seem to be essentially the same product, just with different label and sold at a different price. Neither of them satisfied me. They all shed velcro fibers on the head, which made me wonder how long it would take until it is worn off, and putting them on the banjo moved my bridge at several occasions. The Iucci was better and also quiter than the other two, but I didn't like the muddy sound too much.
Eventually I went ahead and ordered Mike's Banjo Mute that I had read so much good things about here. Mike processed my order on the same day and the shipment was picked up on a Saturday morning. Seven days later (five business days), the Mute arived here in Germany, about a week or two before I expected it. Pleasant surprise. The first impression was how well made it looked. Good craftsmanship, hefty feel, and made to last. It took me a moment to figure out how to put it on the banjo, which turned out to be straight forward, easy and fast. But the real test was the sound.
Out of the four mutes I tested, Mike's Banjo Mute reduces the sound more than others and distorts it the least. It does add sustain and the banjo gains a bit of a harp-like sound, but it is not dull or muddy sounding. A pleasant sound, actually, on my banjo. The volume is reduced by a perceived 80%. An accurate percentage is difficult to estimate, but it was not louder than my voice during a normal, relaxed conversation. I doubt the sound can be heard through most walls, and this is the only mute where I feel I could practice at 3:00 AM at night and not bother the neighbors. I can also watch a movie or listen to an audio book without having to crank up the volume.
I have nothing bad to say about Mike's Banjo Mute. It works exceptionally well, is priced affordably (and a real steal compared to the Gold Tone and Deering offerings if you take craftsmanship, material and design into account), and it is easy to use. It just takes a few seconds to put it on or off without risk of moving or damaging the bridge. It came in a small velvet bag and two replacement screws, though I doubt I'll need these for many years, if ever. This is a very solid product and the good reputation it has is justified. I should have gotten it right from the start. It's the best banjo mute I know.
Overall Rating: 10
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