I wanted something to really tone down the volume of my playing because
1) I'm playing in student accommodation in my dorm room, &
2) I'm embarrassed about my horrible playing
and this mute is pretty much your best bet for that! It's really sturdy and solid, and doesn't affect the sound. I've read other reviews that warn against pushing the mute too far down that it marks your bridge, but I find that it doesn't go down all the way anyway, and since I am quite careful when I place it on, it doesn't do any harm to the bridge or strings. It is rather heavy, being made of metal, so it adds to your poor arm's fatigue, but I'm hoping with more practice I will get used to having it there.