does anyone know what a velvet mute is?

Answer 1

A velvet mute is used on saxophones, trumpets, trombones, etc. It will reduce the volume and absorb some of the sharp overtones, giving the tone a more mellow character. This mute will take out the sharpness and allow the notes to play more in tune for beginners, and allow you to control your notes when playing softly for more advanced players. Back in the "30's and 40's" every jazz sax player used a mute to get that dampened jazz tone.