Which mute is used with one hand moving over the bell?

• A. Straight mute
• B. Cup mute
• C. Plunger/hat mute
• D. Wah-wah mute

Answer: (C)

Moving a hand over the bell to shape the sound is the plunger/hat mute technique. A plunger or a hat is held near the bell, and the player uses one hand to sweep it in and out, changing the resonance in real time to create the distinctive wah-like effect. This live manipulation distinguishes it from mutes that stay inside the bell and simply dampen the tone, like straight or cup mutes. The plunger/hat mute is specifically tied to that hand-over-the-bell effect.