Abstract: This invention relates to a foot-operated Bowden type cable mechanism which is operatively associated with a padded damping plate whose incidence with the underside of a timpano membrane, for example, terminates its vibration. If the device of the invention is actuated prior to the delivery of an exciting blow, operation is as a muffler or mute.In an alternate embodiment, an electromechanical actuator is mounted so as to allow the silent and hand-free muffling or silencing of a timpano. Typically, the actuator is a direct current energized solenoid mounted internally to the drum. This solenoid is of the push type, the magnetically nonsusceptible plunger-extension being directed upwards and conveying to the underside of the timpano membrane the camping plate with overlying padding whose incidence with the membrane mutes or terminates its vibration. A foot switch permits hands-free operation.