TromboneChat

I was wondering if I could just use a regular plunger from like Home Depot for a mute or if it has special?
Thanks!

There are some newer design plungers that are difficult if not impossible to use. You need the classic toilet plunger; usually made of dark red rubber and around 6 inches (150 mm) in diameter. I always like to hand the stick back to the store clerk saying "I don't use this" and watch their expression.

You may find the same plunger in the Dollar Store in more interesting colors. Often these are pretty awful for their original purpose, but for a trombone mute they are fine.

We had a thread on the old Trombone Forum about using a pet toy called a Jolly Ball as a plunger mute. The Jolly Ball has to be cut in half in a special way to make the handle work well as a mute. Also, you need the 8 inch (200 mm) ball. Smaller ones may not work as well.