Unplugged EUB volume

[Dorisandjess]

Hello
I was fortunate to buy a Cetus EUB from forum member Eubassix (who was remarkably helpful and friendly) I have little experience with this kind of instrument, that said I suspect that I will be hard pushed to find a significantly better quality bass in this niche. Unfortunately I am finding that the unplugged volume is restricting my capacity for home practice. Is this a result of the semi hollow Carbon fibre body, or is it an unavoidable consequence of exciting such substantial strings?
I have considered an NS bass as an alternative, but unless it is significantly quieter I would rather stick with the Cetus as it looks so unbelievably bad ass. Thoughts, hints and tips would be greatly appreciated.
Steve

[yorks5stringer]

Can't comment on a Cetus, but I had a Stagg which had a headphone socket otherwise I would have had to plug into an amp. If your amp has a headphone socket you could go that route but I'd doubt any EUB is designed to be loud enough to practice acoustically based on my Stagg experience (unless you are in a quiet room!)

[JPJ]

I think the issue here is that the Cetus is actually a semi-acoustic instrument meaning it's too loud to be played comfortably for late night practice whilst the rest of the household sleeps.

I had a Stagg EUB and that was virtually silent when unplugged (or as near to silent as you are going to get) whereas the KK Baby Bass is loud enough to be heard throughout the house in the dead of night.

[Dorisandjess]

Thanks for the replies. If this is the case then I think I should seriously consider a solid body alternative. The American NS EUB seems popular. It's a long shot but does anyone have have any experience with bowing this and the CETUS?

[Beedster]

Have you tried muting the bridge and covering the f-holes, makes a big difference?

[Beedster]

... and a kids cuddly toy under the tailpiece can help also, once played a festival with my three old's toy rabbit there in an attempt to reduce feedback

[Dorisandjess]

There are no fholes it's a sealed enclosure. I am not sure how to mute a bridge, an explanation would be apriciated. That said I have a gut feeling that a bear would be more effective than a rabbit

[Beedster]

It was a. very big rabbit!

Google 'double bass mute'; they're cheap and effective. The heavier/bigger the better. That and a bear/rabbit could save you a few quid on a new EUB

[TheRev]

Definitely try stuffing some foam/pillow/soft toy between the fingerboard and body and tailpiece and body. It'll kill off the bass resonance which is what carries through the house when it's quiet.

[Dorisandjess]

Thanks for all of the information this should provide hours of fiddling.
Googling the mute I found this
http://www.thedoublebass.com/ultra_practice_mute.htm
Should I expect a major reduction in volume or will it still be as loud as a TV in a retirement village?

[Beedster]

That's what I use, works well on a wood 4/4, always difficult to speak for composite instruments. I bet you could find one dirt cheap on eBay to give it a go

[Dorisandjess]

There is an access panel on the rear, would it be sacrilege to use this to fill the hollow core? Any suggestions of what to fill it with. I was thinking a good single malt with a straw emerging from the headstock.

[Beedster]

Perfect, I occasionally do that with my Chadwick.

As long as you can get it all out again of course!