Which trumpet mute is known for producing a softer tone and reducing piercing quality?

The bucket mute is recognized for producing a softer tone and for effectively reducing the piercing quality often associated with trumpet sounds. This mute is designed with a wide, cylindrical shape that helps to create a mellow and warm timbre. Its construction allows for a broad range of sound modifications, making it particularly useful in jazz and orchestral settings where a softer, more blended sound is desired.

In contrast, other mutes have different characteristics. For example, the plunger mute, often used for special effects, creates a more dramatic and variable tone rather than the soft sound characteristic of the bucket mute. The harmon mute offers a unique, focused sound due to its internal stem, which tends to emphasize higher frequencies rather than soften them. The cup mute, while it also offers a muted sound, still doesn’t achieve the same level of softness as the bucket mute and can produce a more direct and somewhat assertive sound. Thus, the bucket mute stands out for its ability to soften the trumpet tone, making it the best choice for achieving a less piercing quality.