Our Story.

Welcome to my site. Woodstop® Mutes are all 100% wood, they are hand-made, and each mute has gone through extensive play-testing and professional review along its process of development. My background includes playing horn professionally for several years before my career was abruptly ended with focal embouchure dystonia in 2008. During this time I called my good friend and former colleague Karl Hill of Kortesmaki Horns, and as a woodworker, I asked what I might do to stay connected to the professional scene. He started me on my journey with his ideas for the original Woodstop® Stopping Mute for horn. So here it is several years later with hundreds of mutes in various corners of the world, He deserves special recognition in all of this as his input and encouragement has been priceless! The other special person in this business is my Uncle Gary (Warren). He is an engineer and musician himself who has worked tirelessly with me to develop exactly what I wanted in a straight mute and practice mute. He is an amazing woodworker by nature and fastidious in his work. Lastly, I want you to know that I went into this to try to make a difference. For me, I get the satisfaction of remaining connected and the incredible honor of getting to know so many great folks. Thank you! Please browse the site for information on the various mutes and feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.