Best Materials to Mute Strings With?

[mikedyermusic]

I'm trying to find the best material to use to mute my strings with. I tried using a sponge recently, just because I didn't have anything else around my apartment, and I wasn't that happy with the sound. Trying to get the classic motown sound. I would love to hear what you guys have found to be the best material to use. If you have any pics or videos of you playing with it please attach!

Here's me using a sponge to mute.
James Jamerson's Bass Line to "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" - Bass Cover - YouTube

[Ric5]

your palm

[Russell L]

Originally Posted by Ric5

your palm

+1.

I used this technique last night on some old tunes, slow and fast, for that very effect. The only thing is, I have to pick with my thumb, which limits the number of notes I can hit sometimes. But, overall, it is a great tool. Plus, by using a part of your body you can control how much muting is going on. The G-string needs less than, say, the E-string.

I tried using some foam once. I cut a piece about an inch square and a little longer than the bridge. Then, I cut slots in it, spaced like the strings. I could push it down over the strings, or if I worked at it, get it under them. But, as said above, it didn't mute evenly like I wanted because each string needed different pressure. I also tried another piece of foam without the slots, but got the same results. So, I just started doing it with my hand. Actually, I use the side of my palm in such a way as to still allow me to pick the strings with the side of my thumb. It really has that upright sound.

[mikedyermusic]

Originally Posted by Russell L

+1.

I used this technique last night on some old tunes, slow and fast, for that very effect. The only thing is, I have to pick with my thumb, which limits the number of notes I can hit sometimes. But, overall, it is a great tool. Plus, by using a part of your body you can control how much muting is going on. The G-string needs less than, say, the E-string.

I tried using some foam once. I cut a piece about an inch square and a little longer than the bridge. Then, I cut slots in it, spaced like the strings. I could push it down over the strings, or if I worked at it, get it under them. But, as said above, it didn't mute evenly like I wanted because each string needed different pressure. I also tried another piece of foam without the slots, but got the same results. So, I just started doing it with my hand. Actually, I use the side of my palm in such a way as to still allow me to pick the strings with the side of my thumb. It really has that upright sound.

Interesting...I'll give this a try!

[Ron G]

What type of strings are you using?

[thunderstation]

I always used my palm to mute as it came naturally. But Igot interested after reading that Jamerson used a foam mute. I tried using foam - (a piece 1" about the same length as the bridge). It worked and with a little eq adjustment i got the muted tone I wanted. But I realized that I didn't want every note muted every time - so I went back to my palm. that way I can retain the sustain when I want and mute the notes i want.

[topo morto]

A sock

[Sparkdog]

If you can make it work for your style, muting with your hand is the most versatile. Using your fretting hand ala Rocco Prestia is cool but hard to do well IME. I mute with the palm of my right hand, and then pluck with my thumb or a pick, depending on the effect I want.

If you want to use a mute (and I do sometimes for real old school thump) the stuff they put inside Pelican cases is ideal. It's easy to cut and shape, and I find it has the perfect amount of dampening on the strings.

It definitely cuts treble out of your tone, which you may or may not like. I often dial in a little more top on the amp's EQ so it doesn't get flabby.

[Jay2U]

I used to use dense foam. To achieve the maximum effect, I put one piece per string. This prevents coupling of the strings through the foam.

[conttador]

Thumb (plucking hand) to mute lower strings, fleshy part of your finger (fretting hand) to mute the higher strings. This can be difficult in the begining but like anything, if you practice it can become second nature.

[Russell L]

btw, I've used the side of my palm for muting using rounds and flats with good results either way. Heh, heh, it's funny, though, sometimes when I hit a note and realize I muted it too much, and it just has a "bump" with no tonality.

[mikedyermusic]

I started practicing using my palm when I only want certain parts of a song muted but if I'm playing some Motown stuff I've been using the foam off of the end of foam paintbrushes. That kind of foam isn't perfect but it will do until I find something better!

[XylemBassGuitar]

I seem to remember reading an article from a few years ago that Tony Levin used disposable diapers to mute his strings. If memory serves (which it doesn't always), he stuffed a diaper under the strings near the bridge.

Although, I don't remember why he needed the mute (it probably wasn't for Motown) and it might have been for a Chapman Stick instead of a bass...

[DownWithTheDown]

I ordered these...they work great, and Lee is a good guy.

Barker Bass Mutes Available!

Barker Vertical Bass - incredible tone from an easy to play upright electric bass

Scroll down to bottom of page

[rtav]

Originally Posted by Ric5

your palm

+1

[basslinejam]

Cut up an old mouse pad. That stuff is perfect.

[jschwalls]

I use both hands to mute.. I learned this from watching a bassist play at Sea World in Orlando back in 2000. He had the smoothest sound I ever heard and I questioned him about his technique when he was done playing. It took me awhile to "master" it but it makes all the difference and total control over the sound of the bass. He explained it incredibly well and as soon as I got home I started practicing it.

[grendle]

Originally Posted by jschwalls

I use both hands to mute.. I learned this from watching a bassist play at Sea World in Orlando back in 2000. He had the smoothest sound I ever heard and I questioned him about his technique when he was done playing. It took me awhile to "master" it but it makes all the difference and total control over the sound of the bass. He explained it incredibly well and as soon as I got home I started practicing it.

+1

[Randyt]

I use the packing foam that came in my pickup case...works great...roll it up ..stick it under strings at bridge...and if you have a set of flats..bingo!!..motown!

[fivestringgecko]

+1 for palm muting. That way you can instantly switch between sounds (palm mute, fingerstyle, slap, etc) if you need to, rather than having to switch basses or pull the [mute] off.

5sg.