The Original Swab Saxophone Mute (Tenor Sax)

Expensive and no mute function existent. I could not hear the difference between this mute attached and detached to the saxophone. Returned since it does not function as described.

Does absolutely nothing! A saxophone is loud, live with it. There is no way to make is quiet. As for improving the intonation, again, it did absolutely nothing.

love it love it

This product is not really a "mute." The ring that some saxophonists put in their bell (as seen here) is to flatten the pitches of low B and B-flat, as those notes are usually sharp. It may decrease the volume of the saxophone very slightly, but this is not the main purpose of the "donut mute," as it is usually called.

Mutes enable you to play softer. I have found that a fatter, softer mutes works the best. If you are using a metal mouthpiece and a stiff reed, which normally is designed for greater volume, you will not get the desired volume reduction. I recommend using a hard rubber mouthpiece and a softer reed. You will find the mute helps tremendously. I've played sax for over 30 years, and I use to make my own when I was a kid. Got the concept from a Larry Teal book. Mutes work. But you have to be realistic and understand there are more factors involved when getting the volume down.