Best way to mute?

[bassinplace]

Hello,

I want to put a mute on my CV P bass. It has a bridge cover which I don't want to get rid of. What's the best method? Thanks!

 

[unclekebm]

Not to sound like a smart a$$ .. tuner pedal is the best way to mute

 

[bassinplace]

Not to sound like a smart a$$ .. tuner pedal is the best way to mute

No, I mean for overtones, foam muting and such.

 

[daveman50]

Glue or tape a strip of foam (i.e., weatherstripping) into the underside of the bridge cover. Google "fender bass foam mute cover" for photos & you'll see how they used to do it.

 

[Slowgypsy]

Actually, I think keeping all options open is the best way to go. Putting a piece of foam under the strings by the bridge, as opposed to gluing anything to the bridge cover, gives you the option of instantly using or not using the foam mute. Lots of threads on everyones preference of foam material.

 

[bassinplace]

Did a google as suggested and I've got a spare mousepad I'm gonna tinker with tonight. Thanks all!

 

[dmaki]

Just jam a piece of foam under the strings near the bridge. Doesn't matter what kind it is. The taller it is, or longer it is longitudinally, the more pronounced the effect will be. Too much? Tear some off. Not enough? Get a bigger piece of foam.

 

[walterw]

don't make it too thick or out of too dense a foam, or it will push the strings sharp.

mousepad/wetsuit type foam is probably too thin and too dense.

 

[unclekebm]

No, I mean for overtones, foam muting and such.

my bad

 

[BawanaRik]

Take a look at Bob Babbits P Bass. He had some cool thing right near the bridge that was a mute.

If it was cool enough for him it's cool enough for anyone.

 

[JLS]

<P>
<P><a href="http://s294.photobucket.com/albums/mm91/yundev/?action=view&amp;current=mutes.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm91/yundev/mutes.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><P>

 

[Mrdak]

I know you said you wanna keep your bridge cover, but you might want to see this. The one and only Bobby Vega

Using both hands to mute, with and without a pick... No covers, because they get in the way.

my 2 cents

 

[unclekebm]

When I wanna go for a muted tone, I use my palm or blade of my right hand to mute
while thumping with the side of my thumb - very effective

 

[bassinplace]

<P>
<P><a href="http://s294.photobucket.com/albums/mm91/yundev/?action=view&amp;current=mutes.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm91/yundev/mutes.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><P>

Very slick. Looks like you used mousepad, yes? I'm gonna give this a whirl.

I know you said you wanna keep your bridge cover, but you might want to see this. The one and only Bobby Vega

Using both hands to mute, with and without a pick... No covers, because they get in the way.

my 2 cents

Impressive. As if.... Never heard of this guy before. Thanks.

 

[JLS]

Very slick. Looks like you used mousepad, yes? I'm gonna give this a whirl.

This is some 1/4" silicone rubber sheet that I've had around for awhile...over 10 years, in fact, I remember that I got it at Shapiro Surplus, back when I lived in St. Louis.

My original thought was to try pieces bent into a backwards, "C",
but this has worked perfectly for overtone taming.

 

[bassballs_dk]

as Carol Kaye says, foam on top of the strings if you use a pick, and under if you play finger style.

 

[bassinplace]

as Carol Kaye says, foam on top of the strings if you use a pick, and under if you play finger style.

I read this too, but she didn't go on to explain the reasoning behind it. Does anyone know?

 

[Biggbass]

JLS has the right idea. I cut one from some foam packing that came with a computer part. A One piece foam mute works well if you plan to use it and remove it - depending on songs in the set, for instance. Mine just slides in front of the bridge saddles. You can size if for thickness and muting as needed.

 

[PlungerModerno]

Actually, I think keeping all options open is the best way to go. Putting a piece of foam under the strings by the bridge, as opposed to gluing anything to the bridge cover, gives you the option of instantly using or not using the foam mute. Lots of threads on everyones preference of foam material.

This.

I use a strip of regular kitchen sponge/scrubber stuffed under the strings behind the bridge. Try to get the softer type of foam, and only cut it a little bigger than needs be (like 125 - 150% not 400%, as too much foam will alter tuning & intonation (i.e. creating a kind of 'foam bridge' in front of the real chap)).

If you use a piece that's rectangular in section you can have a mild mute - then flip it and have a far more noticeable effect as that side is thicker. How 'bout the rest of ya'll?

 

[JLS]

I read this too, but she didn't go on to explain the reasoning behind it. Does anyone know?

Actually, she tapes some felt on top of the strings.