Best foam/mute for P Bass

[JamesFoxBass]

So I've been searching for the best sort of foam with which to dampen my P Bass but everything I've tried thus far hasn't been right, it's either over dampened or just don't done very much. So what do TBer's use?

 

[nerkoids]

Depends on what kind of muting you want. What's the sound you're looking for? If you just want to scoop out the overtones, then a light foam with a wide surface should do the trick. Some people use denser foam hugged up to the bridge for something more muted and percussive. Others use a rolled up small shammie. Others use a relatively firm foam, cut some grooves in it and fit it over the strings at the bridge.

If you have a bridge cover, you can stuff some foam on top of the strings too. Top of the strings in my experience is better for picking. Under the strings is better for finger-style.

 

[ptleftybass]

I use Fret Wraps, I know it's not a foam mute but it works well!

http://www.gruvgear.com/fretwraps

 

[two fingers]

.

 

[TC424]

http://www.bestbassgear.com/images/other/pickup-foam_large.jpg

I have piece of this leftover from installing new pick ups and found it be useful. It is a dense foam and I tuck it under the strings right up next to the bridge.

 

[shawshank72]

I use Fret Wraps, I know it's not a foam mute but it works well!

http://www.gruvgear.com/fretwraps

Stupid question.
In the pictures that i see, am i to believe that it makes the entire 1st fret of your bass unplayable?

 

[shawshank72]

http://www.bestbassgear.com/images/other/pickup-foam_large.jpg

I have piece of this leftover from installing new pick ups and found it be useful. It is a dense foam and I tuck it under the strings right up next to the bridge.

Thats what i use now.

 

[mikeswals]

I have a leftover chunk of memory foam matress.
Watch out, any foam is too thick or hard it pushes the strings out of intonation

 

[rtav]

Gruvgear fretwraps - used them for a couple of years. I just slide it into position when needed (which isn't often), and either push it back to the nut or near the nut (for a slight dampening) when I want. They're cheap and work great. I don't know how well they work as an always on mute, but they're great when I need it (mostly for soloing stuff/tapping when I have to keep unplayed strings quiet).

YMMV.

 

[jasper383]

Microfiber car wash sponge you can get at Lowes or Home Depot. Easy to cut, firm enough but won't push strings out of tune.

Plus, one sponge is enough to make 25 mutes, easy.

http://feverinthefunkhouse.wordpress.com/2011/02/24/electric-bass-mute-101-m/

 

[drummer5359]

It's interesting that there is not a mass produced, more attractive version of a sponge for muting.

 

[Matt O]

Weather stripping for an in ashtray mute works pretty well. sticks and stays.

 

[StevieMac]

It's interesting that there is not a mass produced, more attractive version of a sponge for muting.

Indeed, we REALLY need a boutique sponge maker to step up to the plate with some real quality tone foam and a sweet looking top foam

 

[Grissle]

I cut it so its thicker on the lower strings to even out the dampening effect. I made more than a few till I got it just right for me. I also keep the bridge cover on so I have a little above and a little below the strings.

 

[Febs]

I've used a strip of foam intended to insulate around an air conditioner. I've also used my nephew's dirty sock.

 

[gln1955]

It's interesting that there is not a mass produced, more attractive version of a sponge for muting.

I guess us bass players are not spongeworthy (Seinfeld reference)

 

[drummer5359]

Yeah, it's a goofy idea. But I was thinking more along the lines of a sponge with a microfiber cover sewn around it, maybe try to find cloth in popular bass colors.

 

[MD]

I use electronic packaging foam. I slice it so it fits over the strings, and it's dark grey so it doesn't stand out too much.

 

[ptleftybass]

Stupid question.
In the pictures that i see, am i to believe that it makes the entire 1st fret of your bass unplayable?

Not if you place above the nut and slide it down when you need it. If you go to the link I posted check out the Norm Stockton video. There are also other videos showing use. Hope that helps.

 

[Frankjohnson]

Yeah, it's a goofy idea. But I was thinking more along the lines of a sponge with a microfiber cover sewn around it, maybe try to find cloth in popular bass colors.

I think I just heard a noise.......
was that ALL the old school bass guys from days long gone rolling in their graves?