Shorter sustain on selected notes

DrVenkman · #1 10-21-2010, 04:05 PM

I don't think the thread title is terribly descriptive. And I think the answer is probably really simple and I'm overcomplicating things. Here's what I'm trying to do.

I play with a group that sometimes goes completely accoustic except for me. When we do that, there are some songs we end with a final strum on an accoustic guitar that we let just fade out. The problem is the sustain on my bass (Squier CV Jazz through a GK MB210) is much longer than the accoustic guitar, meaning the strummed chord has died out and whatever final note I plucked is still ringing. What can I do to end the note?

I could do foam by the bridge, but I don't want to change the overall tone/sustain in this case, just a final note.

I could roll off the volume on either the bass or the amp; the bass is wired in standard VVT config so I'd have to hit two knobs there, and the amp is not always easy to reach for something like this.

What I've been doing is just gently laying a finger on the string. That works OK, but I have to be careful to not put it somewhere that accidentally generates a harmonic and not doing it too abruptly so the note cuts off instantly.

As I type this I'm thinking the best approach may still be plucking finger on the string, but right down by the bridge. This would eliminate harmonic concerns and since the string isn't vibrating much at that spot would avoid the problem of abruptly cutting off the note.

What do you think?

BassChuck · #2 10-21-2010, 08:15 PM

When I need to do this I touch a finger lightly on the string, but I do it with my left hand. That way I'm touching way close to the fretting finger, so no harmonics (my dog might disagree).

scott reed · #3 10-21-2010, 08:38 PM

Using a right hand finger at the bridge saddle works for me. I'll slowly slide the finger on the string toward the pickup so I can control the sustain and volume of the pitch.

jefkritz · #4 10-21-2010, 08:43 PM

i like to slowly roll the side of my hand onto the string from the bridge. imagine karate chopping the bridge (minus the violent part) and squeezing a hyper-wide tube of tooth paste from the bottom up onto the strings. it's easier than it sounds when you just do it...

don't press too hard though, or you'll get a clank from hitting the pickups.

Justin Tuskey · #5 10-21-2010, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott reed

Using a right hand finger at the bridge saddle works for me. I'll slowly slide the finger on the string toward the pickup so I can control the sustain and volume of the pitch.

+1 THIS. I personally use my right pinky and slowly roll it from the saddle onto the string. I either add more pressure to deaden the note more, or slowly roll (not slide) it towards the neck until the signal is out. this way there is a good transition that you can control when you need it.

Also another little technique fun. sometimes I end a song with a pre-deadened note. I have my pinky already in the position I want it to deaden the string and play the note with my finger like normal, and then release my pinky immediately following it. it still rings out, but has a cool mellowed initial tone. you can then take that and deaden it as well. practice it

SnakeKappele · #6 10-21-2010, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott reed

Using a right hand finger at the bridge saddle works for me. I'll slowly slide the finger on the string toward the pickup so I can control the sustain and volume of the pitch.

+1

I use the side of my right hand starting at the bridge saddles and slide toward the pickups.

You can also put the side of your right hand just past the saddles and apply pressure to control the fade.

puddin tame · #7 10-21-2010, 08:49 PM

Just turn your volume knob down

SnakeKappele · #8 10-21-2010, 08:53 PM

You could also try putting the pinky side of your right hand across the two volume knobs and turning them down together.

I think the string method is better though.