The Bass Mute (Ellio Martina)

[garfoid]

I am interested in the Bass Mute but the website seems to be down and I can't find this anywhere. Are these no longer made?
I'm not interested on anything else nor opinions about "why not using sponge" or other type of mute; just this one in particular!!!

 

[Daveypoo]

I would reach out to Elliot directly via email. A number of years ago when I bought mine he was having difficulty finding places to machine his parts, and he was very responsive to my messages. Took him 10 months or so to get rolling after my first email but I love mine and it was worth the wait.

 

[LowWay]

I'd love a couple of these, but the fact that the web site is in the shape its in makes me worry I will never get replacement pads for it when they wear out.

Gonna watch this thread in case of any developments.

 

[Daveypoo]

I'd love a couple of these, but the fact that the web site is in the shape its in makes me worry I will never get replacement pads for it when they wear out.

Gonna watch this thread in case of any developments.

They come with a spare set of pads, and honestly I don't forsee the originals having an issue any time soon. I've had my bassmute for 10 years and never had any issues.

BTW it bothers me that my first reply above auto-corrected Ellio to Elliot...

 

[adje]

Ellio Martina passed away just over a year ago.

 

[LowWay]

This is sad news. I'd really love at least 2 of these.

 

[LowWay]

Anybody have one of these (preferably 4 string model)? I'd love to hand craft my own. I'd be happy to buy it or borrow/rent it with a deposit.

 

[1String]

You could print yourself one

Bass guitar muter - 3D print | 3D Print Model

 

[stevensivak]

Does anyone here have access to a 3-d printer in order to make these??????

 

[1String]

Many public libraries offer 3D printing services at cost. You supply the STL file and pay for the material used. Something like this would cost a few dollars in PLA. Just one reason why you pay your taxes.

 

[LowWay]

Well, I ordered the plans. If my library is easy to print at I'll let people know, and print off a few of them.

 

[Daveypoo]

Ellio Martina passed away just over a year ago.

That's sad to hear. When I spoke to him last he was having health issues...

These are fantastic pieces of kit. I hope that someone else can recreate this or improve upon it - bring able to switch it on and off mid-song is just excellent.

 

[stevensivak]

Well, I ordered the plans. If my library is easy to print at I'll let people know, and print off a few of them.

So you have access to right kind of printer? I noticed he gave spec for the material.... it was $30 for a "roll"
Please let me know if you are able to make more than 1- thanks

 

[LowWay]

I'm not sure about anything, but several libraries have 3d printing facilities near me, and I'll be looking into it as soon as my big project at work calms down next week. Also, there is a private maker space near me that requires a membership that I am considering joining as well. I'll see what I can do, and I'll leet people here know.

 

[stevensivak]

When I look at the 3-d drawings that are linked to above, it seems pretty easy to simply draw the parts in CAAD. Making it out of
melted plastic might be quick, especially for a prototype, but ultimately, I doubt anyone, given the choice would mount that on their bass.
Seems to me that other than the vertical post piece with the T-slot base and the lollipop horizontal piece, that a nice hardwood would be fine.
The hardwood can be be drilled and tapped just like the plastic...
Your thoughts?

 

[LowWay]

I'd love a machines version of one of these, but I'm definitely willing to use a plastic one as a prototype type, and possibly as the tonal version. You can print some pretty strong materials these days.

 

[stevensivak]

its not the strength that is an issue, its the quality of the final product....

 

[LowWay]

Sure, it would be nice to have the parts hand carved from exotic hardwoods. Even machined from aluminum and annodized to match the bridge finish. But these are devices that are stuck to the basses with double sided tape, and it seems every bit as good or better than a nordy mute, a piece of sponge, or the carol kaye velcro mute.

I'm looking forwrd to the function, and don't have the time or the skills to build a "nice" one.

 

[eeyorebass]

I think the looks of the printed one could be vastly improve by just printing it in something other than white.

 

[1String]

My own version I made up in FreeCAD over a year ago. Like most projects the ideas are trivial. The real challenges involve making it "fit". It's actually quite small.