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Minimizing string to string vibration transmission

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dancrocker

May 18, 2009
198
0
#1
It seems like my P-bass transmits a lot of vibration between strings. This is problematic as my muting technique isn't all that great (still working on getting better). I was curious if there are any basses that are designed to minimize this transmission. Does anyone have any idea is a P-bass is considered good or bad in this regard?

A related question:
Is it true that this transmission occurs through the bridge? If so, it seems like bridge design would have the biggest impact.
 
#5
pbd said:
Work on your muting techinques, both you figuring hand and picking hand and you can help yourself out a lot.

Todd :)
Click to expand...

I agree and am always working on this.
FYI, I went to the local shop this past weekend and played a number of different basses. Some definitely exhibited less of this transmission than mine. Oddly enough, the behavior didn't seem to be tied to particular brands/models.
 
#7
lupien said:
Maybe you want to try putting one of those hair elastic things around your neck. I have one on my bass for when I slap. It dampens any overtones so maybe it could help in your case too. And it cost $1.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=335298

But even if it does work don't stop working on that muting.
Click to expand...

When I first read this, I thought it was a joke. Apparently not :). I never saw this before. I play fingerstyle exclusively so I don't expect this would be a good idea for me. Although, it might be fun to see what it sounds like. I've spent more than a $1 on less useful things before ;)
 
#8
It won't sound any different at all but it does prevent the string from creating unwanted overtones. In your case if vibrations are transmited to other string it might be just enough to stop them from vibrating. Just make sure its not too tight to make your open strings sound bad or lose sustain. You don't want it to mute the strings. Just barely sitting on the strings to dampen the vibrations a little.

The pic of Victor Wooten shows the elastic on the first fret. But I usually just leave it right next to the nut (on the fretted side of course). The if you don't want it on you just pull it over the nut and it won't affect anything.
 
#9
lupien said:
It won't sound any different at all but it does prevent the string from creating unwanted overtones. In your case if vibrations are transmited to other string it might be just enough to stop them from vibrating. Just make sure its not too tight to make your open strings sound bad or lose sustain. You don't want it to mute the strings. Just barely sitting on the strings to dampen the vibrations a little.

The pic of Victor Wooten shows the elastic on the first fret. But I usually just leave it right next to the nut (on the fretted side of course). The if you don't want it on you just pull it over the nut and it won't affect anything.
Click to expand...

Hmmm...interesting. I would have expected it to mute the open strings noticeably. It sounds like it's worth playing with though.

Thanks!
 

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