Why did basses stop coming with mutes?

[fourstringdrums]

I hate mechanical mutes. Palm muting is so much better.

I don't understand why people always say this. Yes palm muting is better depending on what you're playing because you can vary the amount of muting on each string. But if you're trying to play some Jamerson licks for example you can't do that with palm muting. There are times when you need to be able to use your fingers and apply a generous amount of attack but still have the mute, and you can't do that with palm muting.

 

[Righteous Thunderer]

Yay for multiple basses for various purposes. If you want a mute, install one. Otherwise, rock your palm. Most people simply don't desire one. I bought a MIM Fender P that someone had made "retro" by installing an old school pup and an ashtray with foam mute. I immediately pulled the mute out. Having it in there completely hampered any versatility that the bass had.

 

[Shakin-Slim]

I have one bass with a mute and one without. If I want to mute the one without I palm mute.

 

[Tupac]

What options are those?

I dunno, ask Wooten

Let's face it, muting is an art! Basses are very difficult to keep quiet in busy lines. I wasn't referring to their thump, but their, well, muting aspect. Like the Rays with mutes Flea got in the early 90s to quiet things down. Why make it harder to play? Like Billy Sheehan said, when you're playing live and the amp is blasting, you gotta hold on to those strings for dear life!

 

[Ric5]

I don't understand why people always say this. Yes palm muting is better depending on what you're playing because you can vary the amount of muting on each string. But if you're trying to play some Jamerson licks for example you can't do that with palm muting. There are times when you need to be able to use your fingers and apply a generous amount of attack but still have the mute, and you can't do that with palm muting.

Yes you can palm mute Jamerson ... expand your technique ... You can palm mute and pick, palm mute and thumb pluck, and palm mute and use Geddy's flamenco style.

Also if someone wants a fixed mute for the whole song then just put in some foam rubber under the strings.

For years I have played Rickenbackers with the mechanical mutes. It takes forever to crank them into place and then it mutes unevenly, and it also throws off the intonation. Also with the Rickenbacker the mechanical mute gets in the way of palm muting ... bummer.

 

[curbowkid]

I saw a newer music man with built in adjustable mutes on the bridge. Stock

 

[Ric5]

You know ... can anybody name a famous bassist who uses a mechanical mute?

 

[elgecko]

I dunno, ask Wooten

Let's face it, muting is an art! Basses are very difficult to keep quiet in busy lines. I wasn't referring to their thump, but their, well, muting aspect. Like the Rays with mutes Flea got in the early 90s to quiet things down. Why make it harder to play? Like Billy Sheehan said, when you're playing live and the amp is blasting, you gotta hold on to those strings for dear life!

Have Wooten and Sheehan started using mutes?

You're advocating mutes not for the tone they provide but to compensate for technical shortcomings? That's what the wood shed is for.

 

[sevdog]

You know ... can anybody name a famous bassist who uses a mechanical mute?

Just about anybody that used a P bass in the 60's. They came with them when they were new.

 

[JumboJack]

No, It would be Music Man basses. The name isn't multiple but the basses are.

Check out the big brain on hdracer...

 

[96tbird]

He's kinda right but I think it would be "Music Mans" because its a trademark brand name, much like Fenders. That's if the word "basses" is left out. Check out my big gray jello blob

 

[Shadi]

I use carrots for a mute...

 

[wraub]

Why did basses stop coming with mutes?

Because players stopped using them.

wraub

 

[darkstorm]

The vast majority of bass players started preferring the sound and sustain of bass without foam mutes on strings. The mutes kinda went the way of tug bar thing below strings.

 

[Yango]

If you want a bass with mutes, check out the Ernie Ball Musicman Classic series. They've reissued the pre EB Stingray 4 string, and added in a 5 string model along with the Sterling 4 and 5 string basses—they all come with mutes. They're beautiful instruments.

http://www.music-man.com/instruments/basses/classic-stingray-4.html

 

[Ric5]

Just about anybody that used a P bass in the 60's. They came with them when they were new.

I am talking about the 21st century ...

 

[paganjack]

I use a piece of foam down at the bridge on my p bass. It's not crazy stiff but I love what it does. I still have room to palm mute and play with my thumb if I need to, but it tames some more highs and removes some sustain.

I fully realize I am in the minority on this issue. I'm playing with a very 50s/60s oriented band, and honestly if I wasn't I probably wouldn't be as into it. I am just dedicated to making my playing and sound as period correct as possible.

 

[mr13ump]

You know ... can anybody name a famous bassist who uses a mechanical mute?

I am fairly certain Sir Paul used the Rick's mutes. I know whenever I play "Hey Bulldog" I cannot get the same muted tone and attack on the strings that Paul did without using the mutes. Then again, I am no Paul McCartney..........

 

[Ric5]

Stock Rickenbackers are hard to palm mute. The mechanical mute gets in the way.

 

[tbirdsp]

You know ... can anybody name a famous bassist who uses a mechanical mute?

I don't know about "famous bassist" but this is a currently popular song. "Hold On" by Alabama Shakes. P with a big chunk of foam under the strings.