Hardware Effect: Bass Mutes

[bass_muter]

Hello fellow bassists (and guitarists in bassist clothing!). I am doing some market research about Bass Mutes as I am looking at making a more efficient mute that slides under the strings without altering the tuning, fits any bass guitar, is as cheap as possible and can be fitted within 5 seconds.

I have created a survey that allows me to see if this is something other musicians are interested in, and I would love it if any of you would take the time to fill it in.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I am looking forward to hearing your views on the subject! I personally believe a decent mute should be in every bass players arsenal, especially when tackling a Motown set!

Thanks in advance,
Ryan

 

[newbold]

it's called a piece of foam.

If you can make a great package that people will buy to support the manufacture of more and a profit to yourself then I say all the power to you...

...but all you need is a piece of foam. put it under your strings and adjust it and in about 5 seconds you're set.

I mute with my palm but have really liked playing with foam.

 

[atheos]

I've just cut myself a piece of plastic foam which I can pretty easily slide under the strings. Works like a charm and costs nothing. Goes in the same category than rubber washers as strap locks; they cost next to nothing and work perfectly.

 

[halfjackson]

Done.

 

[FretNoMore]

I have one of these: BassMute
Bought it a long time ago, don't even know if they are still made.

 

[bass_muter]

Thanks for all the responses!
I understand its a piece of foam, but what I am looking to create is something that isn't fiddly to place on the bass, in the dark, between songs without the singer needing to fumble through a joke so that the bassist has a chance to tune before busting into a Motown number.

I have looked at the BassMute before too, but they seem to be VERY expensive and have to be fitted to the bass (although not a permanent fixture, but can't be placed between songs). They are very good though because they even have a 5 string model that allows you to only mute the low B string to stop any unwanted resonance.

Thanks again guys, and ill see you in the forums!

 

[halfjackson]

I have one of these: BassMute
Bought it a long time ago, don't even know if they are still made.

They've never returned any of my emails, but I don't think it'd fit with the oval bridge on a Lakland.