string mutes/silencers/thingys- need info.

[gnergaard]

Howdy.
I'm not even sure what the proper term for this is. I'm looking to tame a string that is just a bit too loud on my bass. I've heard of, but never used, small weights or plastic sleeves that attempt to do this installed on the string inbetween the tailpiece and the bridge. Can anyone help me with this?
I am using Spiro Mittels and really digging them, but the 'd' string is just a bit louder than the rest and has an overpowering fundimental. Same thing with weichs on my bass. Not always a bad thing I guess but I think that the bass could sound a little more even, string to string. This volume difference is exaggerated through a full-circle pick up, too, so I'd like some advice on addressing it.
Thanks!

[shostkontrabass]

Originally Posted by gnergaard

I've heard of, but never used, small weights or plastic sleeves that attempt to do this installed on the string inbetween the tailpiece and the bridge. Can anyone help me with this?

I believe you are talking about a wolf-tone modifier. http://shop1.mailordercentral.com/le...p?number=A1396

I use this one on my A string. It does a really good job at making my tone smoother and allowing my harmonics to speak more clearly. While I don't have a problem with any of my strings being abnormally loud, it does seem like it would work well for quieting the string down a little bit if the volume was overbearing.

[gnergaard]

...what about something smaller? I think, but again I'm not sure, that Spiro strings used to come with a small piece of plastic that fit the 'd' string. I always assumed that it was meant to reduce friction on the strings where they cross in the peg box, but the tomastik literature said something about using it to clam the d string down on some basses.
Anyone know more about what I'm referring to?
thanks

[gnergaard]

There's an old thread in the newbies section about this piece of plastic but it doesn't really go into the specifics of how or where on the string to install it.
"Plastic on Thomastik D:"
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/archiv...p/t-23771.html

[reedo35]

Originally Posted by gnergaard

Anyone know more about what I'm referring to?
thanks

Yes, the little piece of plastic tubing that slips over the string. It is placed on the string where it meets the bridge. If you don't have it,
you can use a little piece of shrink wrap tubing, available at radio shack in different gauges.

[Francois Blais]

You'd get a more efficient result with a Pirastro G string rubber filter.

Pirastro Rubber thingy

[reedo35]

I was looking for that one, too. How do you get the filter without buying the strings, though?

[Francois Blais]

Just email Pirastro and they'll send you a few ones!

Regards,
François

[gnergaard]

You guys are the best.

[stz]

I did send them an email and got this back.

Dear Mr ..,

Thank you for your mail...today we will send out some rubber tone
filters for your bass. Hopefully after installing you will get a
wonderful sound...but certainly only with an Original Pirastro string!

Best regards
Pirastro GmbH
Adrian Mueller
Technical Director

info@pirastro.com
http://www.pirastro.com

Wow!