Using foam to dampen strings near the bridge

[Craig Williams]

Was watching a video on who they used to get the old Mowtown sound and looked like most of the session musos used foam under their strings near the bridge I guess to dampen the overtones. I believe the ashtray cover near the bridge on a Jazz bass was designed for this very thing, or maybe it was just a good place to put the foam.
Not sure if used only for recording or guys do this live.

I really like the thump thump sound, no overtones. Are any of you guys using this method? What do you use?

 

[MobileHolmes]

I Don't use it often, but the round core (some times sold as caulk saver) weather stripping stuff works great, is cheap, and you can easily remove or add from song to song. I think the stuff I have is the 3/4 inch.

 

[TheDirtyLowDown]

I've used foam for a recording session, but have not tried it live. I do covet one of these nifty mutes from Nordstrand:

NordyMute for 4 String Bass

 

[Craig Williams]

I put some foam under my strings bridge before. Wow made a huge difference, sound I like anyway. Only had a fairly chunky piece of foam which took some getting under, fair bit of tension on the strings and I thought would deaden too much but it's perfect

 

[Ghastly]

Yes, I love it too. I use my chrome cover with the foam strip inside on my '73 p bass. Sounds extra great with flats too!

 

[Craig Williams]

Yes, I love it too. I use my chrome cover with the foam strip inside on my '73 p bass. Sounds extra great with flats too!

Way ahead of you Got flats on my Italia and G&L. Smooth as cat shet on a linoleum floor

 

[thabassmon]

I have used it and it works great.
Now for those sort of sounds.
I use palm muting (thumb or finger plucks) or flats or both.
I sometimes use a fretting technique where I use the next finger on the fretting hand provides the mute.
Like fret a c with your index finger and have your middle finger positioned just touching the string, closer the fingers are the more note you get.
It isn't efficient but it works as long as the line isn't too complex.
But foam, mutes and muting techniques will all get you into that zone.