What are these things?

[Ostie]

I'm wondering what these things are that I've seen on some basses. They look like some kind of a Velcro strap wrapped around the neck up by the headstock. Is it some kind of a stringer dampener?

 

[Linnin]

I'm wondering what these things are that I've seen on some basses. They look like some kind of a Velcro strap wrapped around the neck up by the headstock. Is it some kind of a stringer dampener?

They are, and they're called 'Fret Wraps' by Groove Gear. I bought one a few years ago to see what the fuss was about. I don't use it much. Gruv Gear FretWraps Single Pack - Large Black

 

[mmbongo]

Yup. It helps dampen the strings when you're doing one-handed bass solos or lots of tapping. Seriously.