The "KR Indigo" MAX Plunger Mute is the culmination of a decades-long quest for the best sounding, BY FAR most in tune, easiest to play, most comfortable to hold, most expressive trumpet plunger that money can buy. "KR" represents the initials of Kenny Rampton, world-renowned trumpet player and long-standing member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra under the direction of Wynton Marsalis. Kenny co-designed this plunger with Hirschman Mutes, incorporating feedback from some of today's top trumpet players. We are proud to include amongst our official endorsers both the Duke Ellington and Count Basie Orchestra trumpet sections.
From low to high, the most in-tune plunger ever. It also provides consistent pitch when switching between open and closed (tight) plunger, something essential for ensemble passages. Better intonation means less "lipping" of notes, reducing fatigue and increasing endurance.
Some players like to drill a hole through their plungers (where the wooden stick was) and some don't. Others carry two plungers in their bag to have both. The Kenny Penny venting system provides one penny outside the plunger and another inside. Turning the outer penny closes the plunger hole with the inner penny. Kenny Rampton likes it closed for playing over straight mute and open for plunger alone. There's no right or wrong, and the Kenny Penny lets you discover your ideal sound...that's our "two cents."
Our large, comfortable hand grip makes the plunger easy to pick up and hold. No more slips or drops!
The KR Indigo is made of durable silicon and is much less prone to the drying out/cracking that occurs with many rubber hardware store plungers.
An in tune plunger deserves to be played over an in tune straight mute. Use your favorite regular sized straight mute and say goodbye forever to stuffy, out of tune pixie mutes.
With the Kenny Penny in the open position, you can create interesting effects by covering/uncovering the tone hole with a finger.
Inspired by Duke Ellington's Mood Indigo and Snooky Young's/Clark Terry's blue plungers, with a design updated for the 21st century.
Our Chicago Stinger Gen II mute provides buzz/fuzz to your plunger solos
