Harmon mute stem

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Steerpike
Posts: 4
Joined: Mar 31, 2018

by Steerpike »

I need a new stem for an old Harmon mute, 3/4 inch diameter, any ideas?
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BGuttman
Posts: 7368
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by BGuttman »

You need more than the stem. There is also a cup that attaches to the stem. With only the stem, it still won't sound like a proper Harmon.

For what it's worth, you need 3/4" OD brass tube, probably thin wall.

As is, you can use it as a warmup mute or if you can play right into a microphone as a "Miles Mute".
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Doug_Elliott
Posts: 4155
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by Doug_Elliott »

The stem on my Harmon is 1 inch
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Steerpike
Posts: 4
Joined: Mar 31, 2018

by Steerpike »

Thanks for reply. I was thinking of it as one part, but

I actually have the stem, just no cup. I thought I might be able to buy a new stem and cup. Maybe I can just make a new cup.
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Steerpike
Posts: 4
Joined: Mar 31, 2018

by Steerpike »

Thanks for the replies, I have the stem, but no cup, was thinking of them as being the same part. May have to try to make a cup.
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Doug_Elliott
Posts: 4155
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by Doug_Elliott »

Is yours a real Harmon brand or something else, and is it really 3/4" ?

Wondering since mine is 1"
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MalecHeermans
Posts: 141
Joined: Apr 23, 2018

by MalecHeermans »

My Harmon stem is 1".

I think maybe the Jo-Ral ones are smaller.
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timothy42b
Posts: 1812
Joined: Mar 27, 2018

by timothy42b »

3D print it at the library?
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MalecHeermans
Posts: 141
Joined: Apr 23, 2018

by MalecHeermans »

PS The Jo-Ral Bubble mute is a poor substitute for the original Harmon. Soooo if that's what you've got I would put it in the back of the mute drawer, suck it up, and buy a new Harmon mute.

PPS In ten years of playing professionally in NYC I have never needed a Harmon, EXCEPT for a few episodes of Boardwalk Empire where I was an actor ghosting the guys in the Vince Giordano band. I'm not even sure the trombone Harmon existed in the 1930's, but that's what the guy on the session played so I went with it. Actually I bought one with the rationale that I needed it for the part and that I was getting paid pretty nicely.