/ Register

Hair tie looking thing..?

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by jblmusic1994, Jul 13, 2013.

  1. Jul 13, 2013 #1
    jblmusic1994

    jblmusic1994

    May 15, 2013
    Jackson, Ohio
    What are these hairtie-esque things that I see on some basses? They are usually at the very top of the neck near the nut, and a good percentage of the time, they are on 5 or 6 stinger basses.

    My only guess is that they are there to kill any unnecessary overtones on the low strings.

    Can anyone enlighten me?
     
  2. Jul 13, 2013 #2
    Fat_Joe

    Fat_Joe

    Apr 2, 2013
    Knoxville, TN
    Do you have a picture? I have no idea, but someone might recognize them if they see them.
     
  3. Jul 13, 2013 #3
    Rockin Mike

    Rockin Mike

    May 27, 2011
    Yes they are there to dampen unwanted open string resonations, especially when tapping.
     
  4. Jul 13, 2013 #4
    ArtechnikA

    ArtechnikA I endorsed a check once...

    Feb 24, 2013
    SEPA
    You can pay $20 for an o-fficial string damper.
    Or you can buy a bag of scrunchies at any grocery for $1.

    I learned this from watching a Victor Wooten interview, and it works for me...

    I'd probably buy the gauzey terrycloth style if I had a choice, but the day I went shopping, all I could find were lacey frilly ones. Mneh. They work fine...
     
  5. Jul 13, 2013 #5
    Rockin Mike

    Rockin Mike

    May 27, 2011
    I find a wrist sweatband works well. Sometimes I have to sew them up a bit to get them tight enough.
     
  6. Jul 13, 2013 #6
    hrodbert696

    hrodbert696 Moderator Staff Member Gold Supporting Member

    Jan 15, 2010
    Like old Hampshire, but New
    +1. Used as a damper when slapping or tapping.
     
  7. Jul 14, 2013 #7
    Slade N

    Slade N Supporting Member

    May 28, 2005
    portland, or
    tapping is for kegs and a$$e$....really tho, its a great simple fix
     
  8. Jul 14, 2013 #8
    mark beem

    mark beem Wait, how does this song start again?? Supporting Member

    Jul 20, 2001
    Alabama, USA
    Back when I still played 7 & 8 string basses I found the rubber, no-skid shelf mat material worked better for me than the hair ties. Just cut a small slice and run it under the strings at the nut.
     

    Attached Files:

  9. Jul 14, 2013 #9
    jlepre

    jlepre

    Nov 12, 2007
    Cedar Knolls, NJ
  10. Jul 16, 2013 #10
    jblmusic1994

    jblmusic1994

    May 15, 2013
    Jackson, Ohio
    Thanks, guys. :)