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Reverse Amplification, of sorts

Discussion in 'Amps, Mics & Pickups [DB]' started by flyingmarcel, Dec 1, 2005.

  1. Dec 1, 2005 #1
    flyingmarcel

    flyingmarcel

    Aug 9, 2003
    Buffalo, NY
    Hello All,

    I've checked old threads via the search with minimal success, so I thought I would start a new thread with my question regarding the use of bass mutes for practice in situations where full acoustics won't be tolerated (like, at my landlord's house!).

    I have tried several rubber mutes, but none seem to dampen the huge boomy sound of my bass. I'd love to hear what any of you are using to help with this problem.

    Any help would be much appreciated, as I refuse to lessen my practice schedule, but would rather not be practicing outside when I get evicted for excess noise!

    Thanks,

    fm
     
  2. Dec 1, 2005 #2
    Francois Blais

    Francois Blais

    Dec 11, 1999
    Québec, Canada
    Did you try ebony mutes?
     
  3. Dec 1, 2005 #3
    flyingmarcel

    flyingmarcel

    Aug 9, 2003
    Buffalo, NY
    No, I haven't actually. I have a metal one on order, as I was told this would be a good bet if rubber didn't work. Have you had good success with Ebony? If so, it might be worth the investment, as I'm not sure what kind of luck I would have with the metal one and at least I would know that the ebony has worked for somebody, versus the zero knowledge I have about the metal mutes.

    Thanks,

    fm
     
  4. Dec 1, 2005 #4
    Ben Rose

    Ben Rose Supporting Member

    Jan 12, 2004
    Oakland
    Are you above or below your landlord?
     
  5. Dec 1, 2005 #5
    hdiddy

    hdiddy Official Forum Flunkee Supporting Member

    Mar 16, 2004
    Richmond, CA
    Check out this thread: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211318

    I get the same results with my rubber mute. Just eliminates some of the sound but not enough. You might try going to a craft store and buying a bunch of foam to plug the F-holes. I'm going to try that myself. I used to lower the endpin and put the bass on top of a phone book but that was so so. There's also the idea of weaving something between the strings, like a rag. My solution was to get a practice studio. :)

    Has anybody tried strapping something around the bass's midsection to dampen the table? I'm curious.

    Also, are the metal/ebony mutes that much better than rubber?
     
  6. Dec 1, 2005 #6
    ToneRanger

    ToneRanger

    Nov 2, 2004
    Brisbane, Australia
    BB King used to fill his guitar with socks, but I guess a double bass would need more than the average sock drawer....
     
  7. Dec 2, 2005 #7
    flyingmarcel

    flyingmarcel

    Aug 9, 2003
    Buffalo, NY
    Hi Again,

    I am below my landlord, but the sound seems to travel upwards like crazy! Even when I practice quitely, it seems to be a problem. I like the idea of foam in the F-holes, but would still rather have the flexibility of just popping something on and off, you know? As I said before, I have a metal mute on order, but given the results I got with the rubber one, I'm not holding my breath on this one.

    Has anyone tried the foam in the F-holes routine? I'd love to hear other creative ways of dampening the sound, although, I constantly struggle with why anyone WOULDN'T want to hear the sound of my bass - maybe it just doesn't sound as good as I think it does!!!

    cheers,

    fm