All Denis Wick aluminum mutes are hand-made using hand-spun aluminum. Unlike machine-spun aluminum, the hand spinning process creates a higher density aluminum that is extra responsive and provides the Denis Wick straight mutes with their signature sound. The purposefully designed shape creates perfect intonation and helps increase projection. All of this is held in the instrument by using the finest all natural cork that is soft to the touch but durable enough to last for years.