What is this foam thing?

[Rich Gags]

Hey y'all I was watching a Youtube and saw the foam thingy on the strings. What is it called? and is it used to cut down on the ringing? Thank you.

 

[StayLow]

Foam-tone block.

Yes, it cuts down ringing and highs / clank / finger noise.

Basically gives a flats / thumpy / Motown vibe, or is used to hide terrible technique.

Some old basses or reissues come with spring-loaded bits of foam that can be fine-tuned for varying degrees of muting. See the new classic/whatever Stingray reissue. Old Jazz and P basses had foam hidden under tje bridge “ashtray” covers.

Try it. Just be aware some foams may cause a bit of damage to certain types of thin finishes.

 

[fourstringbliss]

Maybe this would work for you? I might end up getting one myself!

Gruv Gear Fump Bridge-Side Dampener For 4 or 5 String Bass

 

[fourstringbliss]

Maybe this would work for you? I might end up getting one myself!

Gruv Gear Fump Bridge-Side Dampener For 4 or 5 String Bass

View attachment 5281544

I looked at some reviews of this thingy, and people didn't seem to like it - more like a choke than a mute.

 

[Sharko]

Lol, that is a sponge

 

[jd56hawk]

Hey y'all I was watching a Youtube and saw the foam thingy on the strings. What is it called? and is it used to cut down on the ringing? Thank you.

View attachment 5281413

You can find some mutes on the internet if you don't mind spending $20/$30 but it only costs a few dollars to make your own.

As for the Fump, you're right, $20 and it only works right with a bass that has a neck with a flat-radius fretboard...other than that, it strangles the sound.

 

[Killing Floor]

Mute. If you want your bass tone similar to Motown or older pop, for example, foam or a proper mute or cloth under the strings will get there.

 

[chris_b]

Cut an ordinary kitchen sponge to size, so that the strings are muted, a little or a lot, to a level that you like.

 

[CryingBass]

I agree with staylow above, watch the finish. Otherwise, as long as you don't use a wet fish, you're good.

 

[Gervais Cote]

You can also use a Nordymute : easy to put on and off and won’t damage anything.

 

[Turnaround]

Foam-tone block.

Yes, it cuts down ringing and highs / clank / finger noise.

Basically gives a flats / thumpy / Motown vibe, or is used to hide terrible technique.

Some old basses or reissues come with spring-loaded bits of foam that can be fine-tuned for varying degrees of muting. See the new classic/whatever Stingray reissue. Old Jazz and P basses had foam hidden under tje bridge “ashtray” covers.

Try it. Just be aware some foams may cause a bit of damage to certain types of thin finishes.

And just be aware that it will substantially affect intonation.

 

[JimmyM]

Maybe this would work for you? I might end up getting one myself!

Gruv Gear Fump Bridge-Side Dampener For 4 or 5 String Bass

View attachment 5281544

I like Gruv Gear and own one of their gig bags, but the Fump is not good.

 

[JimmyM]

And just be aware that it will substantially affect intonation.

I never thought it did when I’ve done it. I think it could if you put way too much foam under the strings, but unless you want no sustain whatsoever, it shouldn’t have a practical effect on intonation.

 

[Pop C]

You can also use a Nordymute : easy to put on and off and won’t damage anything.

I love mine! Easy to use and somewhat adjustable by raising or lowering one side or the other.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

I never thought it did when I’ve done it. I think it could if you put way too much foam under the strings, but unless you want no sustain whatsoever, it shouldn’t have a practical effect on intonation.

Very true. The "Nordy" style mute that goes over the strings doesn't have intonation issues like the under-the-strings mute does. I made a cheap faux-Nordy with a piece of micro-fiber sponge glued to a short piece of wood (a shim). Pre-cut slits for the strings. You can vary the effect depending on thickness of the sponge. This one is a mild effect that lets the note sustain a bit without an instant thud.

 

[Discount Bassy]

And just be aware that it will substantially affect intonation.

Thanks for mentioning that part. It tends to be unspoken. If the foam is too stiff, it can act as bridge and effectively shorten the scale length. If you have good ears, you will notice.

 

[jd56hawk]

I use colored felt on top of window-insulation foam, black felt on the bottom when I make my mutes so it won't harm the finish.
It's like a fashion accessory!
Of course, you can always go this way.

 

[KellyC]

More than simple muting, the chunk-o-foam creates the decay that you hear at the end of the notes of all the classsic Jamerson bass lines.

 

[john_g]

Dont listen to these people! Its clearly an interference device designed to block government tracking. Its either that or where you wipe your fingers after eating KFC.

 

[Daniel Cameron]

I just bought a good old dish sponge and cut a piece off. Had to retune the bass afterwards but liked the sound. Get a sponge and save for all your guitars, or give a piece to a bass buddy.