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Rock+foam mutes?

#3
I have 3 Rickenbackers. None of tham have the foam mute. I used to own 4001 and 4003 basses that have the mechanical mute. I tried the mute. It takses forever to move it into position and then move it back. It is a gimmick. Not really practical. Also it makes the bass intonate incorrectly. I prefer palm muting.
 
#8
Properly fitted and used, a mute will help create a more dynamic note shape from attack to decay, reduce unwanted overtones, and stop unplayed strings from ringing out sympathetically. It allows the player more plucking options than palm muting does (muting with palm limits where and how you can pluck strings). Personally, I use wads of blu-tack to mute my strings when I want to mute them.
 
#9
I installed a neoprene strip of weatherstripping as close to my bridge as I could get on a VM-Jazz and it really bumped the 'thump' to new levels.

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I have palm-muted in the past and found it very acceptable and the capability to adjust it as needed for each note was a good thing and worked out well for me, but this foam mute is even better.

First - it damps the note as fast as you can get it to thump so there's no 'over-ring' and no need to left hand mute any offending notes.

It also clears the transition to the next note with no chance of clashing with the previous note or key. Resolves are easier to get without worrying about my need to kill any errant oddball harmonics going off at the wrong time.

If you install the weatherstripping like I did, you might need to bring another bass to a gig when you don't have the time to pull the strip out and play the next song - that's what I do.

100_7453.png


Another thing: the brightest of strings will tame-down with a mute added and they can get downright funky and just get that rhythm going when you lock with the drummer.

I use Elixir Nanos on most of my basses since I am not into the shrill, tooth shattering tones of a bass - that's what guitars are for.

100_7470.png
 
#11
I have used a strip of foam pad against the bridge of my acoustic/elect. since day one with it. Helps get the thump I like from a bass when played with other acoustic instruments.
I`ve seen photos of Paul McCartney with an entire sponge stuck under the strings mid way between bridge & pickups of his Hofner when working in the studio. Take care. Bob
 
#15
bThumper38 said:
throw on some foam, and play Ramble On. I'd swear John Paul Jones had the foam on his bass when he recorded those tracks. That or he got some ol' strings of jamerson's bass.
Click to expand...

Actually thats just very good control over his left had for short sticatto notes. It's obvious he didn't use a mute with the line he plays during the verse, the high notes ring out to clear and long.
 
#19
m0ranwad said:
Your video was the first I came across while trying to figure it out :)

Just wondering though, reading through Carol Kaye's tips, I thought she mentioned that the foam should only be underneath if you are playing finger style...?

I'll have to go back and read it...
Click to expand...

It's just an opinion that Carol has, and the thing is of course the situation. I say if you like the sound a foam mute creates, whether with fingers or pick, if it is up at the bridge, in the middle, or by the neck...it is a personal preference....if it sounds good to you, then who ever says it does not is just offering an opinion. :)

Here is the man I mention in the video, Mr Keenan Shaw, check out the mute positions.

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http://youtu.be/gwskX49Qxf8
 

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