Does Louie Armstrong play the trumpet muted?

Louis Armstrong is known for his unique and distinctive trumpet playing style, which included the use of a mute in certain instances. However, it's important to note that Armstrong's use of the mute was not as extensive or consistent throughout his career as some other trumpet players.

The mute is a device that is inserted into the bell of a trumpet or other brass instrument to alter its sound. It can produce a variety of effects, including softening or muffling the sound, changing the timbre, or creating a wah-wah effect.

Armstrong did occasionally use a mute in his playing, but he was primarily known for his open and bright trumpet sound. He would sometimes use a mute to create specific effects or to blend with other instruments in certain arrangements, but it was not a defining characteristic of his overall style.

Armstrong was widely recognized for his improvisational skills, melodic inventiveness, and virtuoso technique, which transcended any specific technique or use of the mute. He is considered one of the greatest and most influential trumpet players in the history of jazz.