<html> <body> I stopped using rubber in grands when one of my mutes started leaving a black signature behind.  Felt works great and doesn't stain the strings.  Problem is unisons are so close in uprights it usually doesn't work in them.  But, uprights are left closed so rubber is OK, I did throw away the one that left its signature. Andrew Anderson At 07:40 AM 1/6/2006, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">Whereas I've never tried a large rubber wedge, I have tried the regular rubber mutes in the past that I use on uprights. On grands, I find that the felt mutes are easier to insert, are very stable (stay where you put them), and mute exceptionally well. You can also place them fairly loosely in place and still mute well - I always wondered how jamming those rubber mutes in between strings might be affecting the pitch of a string that was already tuned.   They just seem to work better to me.   And besides, they don't make that screeching noise that a rubber mute can sometimes make!   Terry Farrell <dl> <dd>----- Original Message ----- <dd>  <dd>Any particular reason you prefer the felt mutes to rubber mutes? <dd>  <dd>John Formsma <hr> <div align="center"></div> <dd>From: <a href="mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org">pianotech-bounces@ptg.org</a> [<a href="mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org" eudora="autourl"> mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org</a>] On Behalf Of Farrell <dd>  <dd>Below is a picture of the assortment of felt wedge mutes I use for tuning grand pianos. I get them from Pianotek. The two on the right come as one big wide one and I cut it in half. Also pictured is my key whacker (I mean gently but firm key depressor). (Hey, those old Yamaha hammers are good for something!) <dd>  <dd>I also use the mute on the lower left for wound strings in verticals. <dd>  <dd>Terry Farrell <dd>  </dl></blockquote></body> </html>