MUTES
Standard Mutes
The use of a mute (con sordino) is standard practice and as such, most bass players will be in possession of a mute. The standard types of mute are threaded through the after-length strings and rest on the tailpiece when not in use; these are typically of the Tourte (1) or Wire (2) design. When in use, the mute clips onto the bridge and reduces the vibration pattern of the bridge and restricts the overtone series of the vibrating string producing a thinner, reedier sound with a reduction in volume. Such mutes are easy to use as the simply unclip and slide back to the tailpiece when not in use. |
Mute Comparison (Standard (tourte), heavy ebony, practice)
Standard 'Tourte' mute: off/on
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Heavy Ebony Mute: off/on
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Non Standard Mutes
- There are also mutes that are made of leather which reduce the volume and overtone series less than even the standard mute however, these are very infrequently seen and difficult to obtain. There have also been mutes of a similar design to the ebony mute shown above but constructed from materials such as Brass which are also not readily available.
- It is possible to mute the bridge with any device that functions as a clip, such as standard household pegs. The heavier the object, the more dramatic the reduction in tonal quality. Household pegs are particularly effective as they can be used to effectively mute a single string by careful placement in proximity to the string. If also slightly touching the string, they will produce a slight, continuous wood buzz whenever that string is activated.