Damping Foam at the Bridge...

[Telenator]

Many of you may already know this but, as a new bass player, I have found what may be the best damping foam around.

I was at the hardware store and saw a package of "window air conditioner foam" on the shelf for $5.00

It's 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" x 42" long. A lifetime supply! Just cut to length and then cut it too height for the desired damping effect.

I even cut mine at an angle to reduce the amount of damping on the D and G strings. Works the treat!

 

[SPUDCASTER]

Going after that Jamerson sound? Not a bad option if you are.

 

[Vegetable Man]

Nordymutes are overpriced, but a nice alternative.

19mm fits a P or J bass.

 

[Telenator]

Nordymutes are overpriced, but a nice alternative.

19mm fits a P or J bass.

I'll have look.
There are so many tunes that require thumping an open E or A, and a little damping on the D and G makes them sound better for open string riffs.

 

[Peegoo]

The best stuff I've found is Ethafoam. This is closed-cell polyethylene, and is the white or black foam that electronics/printer/TV cartons are cushioned with. It holds its shape forever, does not dry out and break down, won't react with nitro, and weighs practically nothing. You can slice it to size with a large chef's knife.

It's also fantastic for direct-mounting pickups in a body. Way better than the Rubatex or Neoprene foam many guitar makers use.

 

[Telenator]

I tried pipe insulation but the thickness is so critical to getting the right amount of damping, I gave up on it. Just a little too hard.
I'll bet urethane foam, in the right durometer would work well and last a long time but, here I go. Down the rabbit hole again.