Abstract: A mute for a stringed instrument is provided by the present invention. A mounting plate is pivotally coupled with the framework of the instrument and in turn carries the muting element. The muting element is movable under a force exerted by a player of the instrument to apply a muting pressure to the bridge to mute the tone of the instrument. An arm rigid with the framework underlies the mounting plate and carries a camming plate. A pressure plate is pivotally coupled with the mounting plate and is engageable with the camming plate when moved in one direction to move the muting element away from the bridge and preclude any muting pressure from being applied to the bridge. Movement of the pressure plate in the opposite direction places the muting element in position for application of force to the bridge. A plurality of wedge members are engageable with the strings at a point behind the bridge to stretch the strings during muting of the instrument to compensate for the flatting effect of the muting element.