Double Bass Mute Recommendations?

[SevenSeas]

Hey, can anyone recommend a good double bass mute?

I need it to bring down the volume (obviously) from the sound of my double bass playing both pizzicato and arco, has anyone got any good recommendations? (I want something reliable, strong) not cheap or tacky.

Cheers,

[ChrisF]

Blimey... you must be the only DB player that actually wants to make it quieter.

I assume you don't have to play with a drummer that thinks he is Animal from the Muppets

[Rabbie]

I believe the performance of some classical stuff require a 'con sordino' approach, in which case you'd nee a mute preferably made of ebony. I have never seen it really. The thing is: performance mutes soften the sound of the bass, but they are not designed to reduce the volume by too much. In the real world of gigging in every style there ain't a lot if use for a mute, even if dont play with animal the drummer. You may want a rubber one for home practice if you live in a flat, but for all the rest I prefer teaching my fingers some dynamics. That's my take on it anyway.

[MandShef]

It depends on what kind of mute you're after. I've got one of these types:

[url="http://www.thestringzone.co.uk/tourte-pattern-double-bass-mute"]http://www.thestringzone.co.uk/tourte-pattern-double-bass-mute[/url] But this is for classical playing when you're required to play 'con sordini'. It softens the sound, but doesn't make it radicallly quieter.

You can also get practice mutes ([url="http://www.thestringzone.co.uk/ultra-double-bass-practice-mute"]http://www.thestringzone.co.uk/ultra-double-bass-practice-mute[/url]) but I've never tried one, so can't vouch for whether they're any good.

Hope this helps.

[mtroun]

Is this because of neighbours complaining? I'd go and talk to them and agree a time when you can practice, then they know. You may find having your practice time restricted makes your practice a lot more focused. When you're practicing you should be building up your sound, so I don't think using a mute is going to do your tone production any favours.

[ubassman]

I have a Tourte type mute for 'con sardine' and it softens the whole sound - perfect for some types of music ( I have both an old fashioned Ebony and the modern rubber version - not much difference and they both wedge on the D and A strings in the after length between the bridge and tailpiece ).

The practice type mute http://www.thestringzone.co.uk/ultra-double-bass-practice-mute (which Mand has linked to above) is a whole different ball game. It is a damper that fits onto the bridge and stops it vibrating as much so the volume goes down. Although Ive got one I rarely use it but it does the job just fine and for around £10 you can't go wrong really ! The advantage of using the mute is that you can practice your pressure and speed bowing at what would be [i]FF[/i] but only get a [i]mF sound ...can see [/i]the advantages. If its a boom ply wood bass that needs taming then a mute might not achieve what you are after ...whats your reason for a mute in the first place?

[ubassman]

Loving the spell check that for 'con sordini' has corrected it to 'con sardine' !!

[SevenSeas]

Hey everyone,
It for keeping volume down due to complaints (mainly family members) so will probably invest in the practice mute.

[ubassman]

You can also weave cloth into the strings - otherwise buy them some plugs and stand your ground ! Good luck and don't let anyone stop you from playing when you are famous they will love you for it !

[Owencf]

[quote name='ubassman' timestamp='1373817212' post='2141893']
You can also weave cloth into the strings - otherwise buy them some plugs and stand your ground !

[/quote]
[quote name='mtroun' timestamp='1373710406' post='2140786']
Is this because of neighbours complaining? I'd go and talk to them and agree a time when you can practice, then they know. You may find having your practice time restricted makes your practice a lot more focused.
[/quote]

I live in a block of flats and i have arranged a time with the other tenants during the week from 1600-1900 and anytime during the day on weekends.
it does focus my practice sessions although when you want to practice at 0400 you cant which really irritates me sometimes.
Stand fast dont back down from practice because of anyone saying its too loud, just tell them to get some culture and enjoy the thumpin sound of a daddy bass.

[geoffbassist]

I use a practice mute and it works to a point. I dont really like the way it makes the bass respond, but you get used to it. They dont really do enough to mute it and I dont really know what to advice to keep the volume down other than buying an EUB. It's been a big problem for me over the years, but you have to just get on with it otherwise you will never practice.

[ubassman]

[quote name='geoffbassist' timestamp='1373995596' post='2144051']
I dont really know what to advice to keep the volume down other than buying an EUB.
[/quote]

If you invested in one you could plug it into a [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TASCAM-MP-BT1-MPBT1-PORTABLE-MP3-BASS-TRAINER-/390627258328?pt=US_Other_Pro_Audio&hash=item5af332efd8"]tascam bass trainer[/url] and play silently through headphones at full volume ?

[geoffbassist]

[quote name='ubassman' timestamp='1374008557' post='2144260']


If you invested in one you could plug it into a [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TASCAM-MP-BT1-MPBT1-PORTABLE-MP3-BASS-TRAINER-/390627258328?pt=US_Other_Pro_Audio&hash=item5af332efd8"]tascam bass trainer[/url] and play silently through headphones at full volume ?
[/quote]
I have owned two EUBs and found the acoustic volume was fine. For me it's all about trying to not disturb others. I can't wait to finally live somewhere with a great practice room.