John Kowalchuk, Mutes etc.

Here's an example of the Bonzai approach to horn design.

I started with an Olds Ambassador single Bb horn. You imagine an F alto descant and take away everything that doesn't belong.

I included a thumb lever which activates the valve at the far end of the valve cluster. This can be used with a whole-tone slide for stopping, or with longer slides such as a Bb extension which I find useful.