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New Mute System?

PolkaHero

PolkaHero

Supporting Member
Jan 5, 2002
2,641
3,296
Michigan
#1
I got an Ebay alert to this no modification mute system I've never seen before:

Mute System

Anyone use of these yet? Seems good in theory but not sure how much you would have to drop your bridge saddles to compensate for the plate underneath and how fast you can adjust it between songs. Also wondering if having the plate between the bridge and body would affect the sustain.
 
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#3
It’s clever enough. Your bridge will need to match some version of the Fender screw pattern unless they sell other versions, I didn’t read the description. Unless I’m missing something also not quick adjust. The tune-o-matic adjusters get turned up or down to adjust the mute. Definitely not the end of the world but not as fast as flipping a lever.
 
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#6
It says no mods, but clearly, in one of those photos, the plate that comes with it it is clearly held down by two screws, it appears. Also, so this is an under the strings mute, intonation might be a tad off when not in use.
 
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#8
To me, the Nordy Mute makes a lot more sense and is far far easier to use and not use. This is similar to NASA spending millions to develop a pen that would write upside down in space and the Russians just using a pencil.
nordstrandaudio.com

NordyMute for 4 String Bass

The NordyMutes are a combo of sponge mute with a wood covering. They provide players with dark, staccato articulation, for a nostalgic vintage subtlety.
nordstrandaudio.com nordstrandaudio.com
 
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#9
Don't drop your saddles. Angle your neck more (it should already be angled some anyhow).

Sustain is about setup, technique, and electronics and their settings. Besides, sustain is one of the last things needed for most electric bass parts.

This thing basically works like a Rickenbacker mute...and those suck.
 
#10
jnewmark said:
It says no mods, but clearly, in one of those photos, the plate that comes with it it is clearly held down by two screws, it appears. Also, so this is an under the strings mute, intonation might be a tad off when not in use.
Click to expand...
The mute gets attached to those 2 screws.

Essentially the plate acts as a bridge riser and mount for the mute.

Vibramate makes something similar for bigsbys on guitars. I have one on a Yamaha.

When its not in use, it shouldn't be making any contact with the strings, so I don't think intonation would be an issue.
 
#11
mdogs said:
To me, the Nordy Mute makes a lot more sense and is far far easier to use and not use. This is similar to NASA spending millions to develop a pen that would write upside down in space and the Russians just using a pencil.
nordstrandaudio.com

NordyMute for 4 String Bass

The NordyMutes are a combo of sponge mute with a wood covering. They provide players with dark, staccato articulation, for a nostalgic vintage subtlety.
nordstrandaudio.com nordstrandaudio.com
Click to expand...
Not that it really matters, but that NASA pencil story is a bit of a myth Fact or Fiction?: NASA Spent Millions to Develop a Pen that Would Write in Space, whereas the Soviet Cosmonauts Used a Pencil .

Agreed though, would rather invest in a Nordy Mute. I do think the idea of this mod is cool though.
 
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#12
It looks like it takes more time to set this up than grabbing a piece of foam and sticking it under the strings.

I don't know why Sean Hurley's Jaguar style mute isn't more popular, as it provides a quick and reliable way to turn the mute on or off as needed.

1763673885589.png
 
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#15
seems way overpriced for what it is. The lever action mute seems a lot eaiser to use. Does remind me of the Ric mute system, which does indeed kinda suck. Honestly, just quicker (and a whole lot cheaper) to stuff a piece of foam weatherstripping under the strings, and yank it out when you are done, that's basically what this is, with screws.
 
#19
stevensivak said:
What is this lever action mute that is being referred to here? I know Fender makes one for the Sean Hurley bass but it is not available as far as I know...
Click to expand...
The SH bass mute is a Jaguar guitar mute and available from parts vendors. I did a write up of how to install one, which takes a small amount of woodworking (drilling a few holes in the right spot).
They a fiddley and kind of crude, but always available which is handy. My daughter has a Bassmute, it is a much better mechanism.
wallybass.wordpress.com

Installing a Jaguar Mute on a P-Bass

I was inspired by this post on talkbass.com where some bassists discussed the installation of a bass sting mute mechanism on an electric bass. Early Fender basses had a piece of rubber foam on the…
wallybass.wordpress.com wallybass.wordpress.com
 

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