I play tenor trombone and having been studying music for a little over 7 years. I have a good level of experience with Jazz, Reg. Band, and Orchestral groups. I have run into a lot of music, especially in Orchestras, that requires the skilled use of a straight mute and the ability to produce a full sound with it. This is a problem with many straight mutes because they constrict your range and air flow, and they also do not produce a very desirable sound in many cases. Most of my experience is with "cost efficient" mutes because I can not (at least not willingly) afford a 60 dollar mute. However, I made one of the best decisions of my musical career by buying a Jo Ral Copper Bottom Straight Tenor Trombone Mute! It does Not constrict my range at all! I can hit double low B flats and Screamer Fs with my normal airflow, and to top it all off, it sounds awesome! The full, rich, dark sound which I never comprehended a straight mute could produce is produced with ease by the Jo Ral mute! To me, this is a Godsend. If you ever felt that Straight Mutes could never produce a rich sound on your normal range, think again. The Jo Ral Copper Bottom Straight Tenor Trombone Mute (Big name, Big sound!) is the best straight mute I have ever, and probably will ever play on. 60 dollars is nothing compared to my improved sound and range with a mute, and I consider it one of the best investments I've ever made. Period.