Double Bass Needing more punch/less overtones

[M Ramsey]

Allen Mills (of The Lost & Found ) has used a tennis ball, between his tailpiece and the lower bout of the bass, to help cut off overtones. I've also seen him use a small block of dense foam in the same manner.

It might not be the most appealing to the eye, but it's the result you're probably after.

In the studio, a fairly thick cloth covered pillow, underneath the tailpiece, will do the same. Killer results.

YMMV

 

[moles]

When I was experimenting with muting ideas, so I could play later in the day in my old apartment, I discovered that those heavy rubber practice mutes really brought out the low end thump in my hybrid Eastman. It became a useful tool when I had to play bluegrass on my "jazz" bass - even if it was pretty much useless at quieting things down for the neighbors.

 

[mattwallace]

So far I have woven a peice of foam through the after-length of the strings. Also put on a set of Zyex's I had laying around the house.....It has helped tremendously! Love this bass!

 

[mattwallace]

Mike, I always use foam under the tailpiece in the studio. and usually a piece under the fingerboard also. Looks terrible but it is an audio recording....thank goodness.