I made my own bridge side string dampener

[CPR4LIFE]

I know a lot of people put foam under the strings but I've never been able to get that quite right no matter how many times I tried. So I went looking for a device to do this and I found the Fump dampener, but the reviews weren't the greatest. I don't need to go into that in detail...the reviews are online for anyone who wishes to see them.

Anyway, I started thinking that there had to be a better way to do this and inspiration struck me in the kitchen of all places! I was putting a clip on a bag of almonds when it hit me that the clip, lined with foam, might just be what I was looking for! So I gave it a shot and this is what I came up with. I have to trim the foam down a little because it really deadens the strings as is, but I knew that would be the case. Let me know what you think.

First I "gutted" the red clip, as you can seen in comparison to the green one:

Next I cut the foam to length:

Glued the foam into place:

At the top of the clip I had to add a small plastic piece from the trimmings since the foam distorted the clip and wouldn't allow it to stay closed:

Close up:

And the final product, crude as it may appear, installed:

So there's your Pampered Chef string dampener...not counting time for the glue and JB Weld to dry, it took all of about 30 minutes to make. They sell these types of clips at Walmart in bags for like $3. If anyone else gives it a shot I'd love to hear how it works for you!

 

[BunchyMutt]

Wow! Pretty cool! You could put your initial on it and sell it for $40

 

[CPR4LIFE]

Wow! Pretty cool! You could put your initial on it and sell it for $40

Ha! Thanks!

 

[sears]

you know what, the Ikea Bevara is similar though maybe a bit big for a 4-string

 

[BossOnBass]

This is a nice invention. Thanks for sharing your idea. How does the muting sound compare to having the foam wedged against a fixed surface... like if it was between the body & strings or between the bridge cover & strings?

 

[CPR4LIFE]

This is a nice invention. Thanks for sharing your idea. How does the muting sound compare to having the foam wedged against a fixed surface... like if it was between the body & strings or between the bridge cover & strings?

Right now the strings are pretty muted because I don't have the foam trimmed down yet. I'm taking that slow. I don't want to trim too much!

 

[CPR4LIFE]

I've tried a few different densities & thicknesses of foam but it just doesn't seem to be working. When I thin the foam so the strings aren't so dead there's a buzzing sound I just can't seem to get rid of. So I guess for now this is a failure....

 

[BunchyMutt]

Thanks for keeping us updated. I don't think it's a failure at all. You've learned something, we've learned something, you've certainly made my tinkering brain turn with possibilities

 

[CPR4LIFE]

Thanks for keeping us updated. I don't think it's a failure at all. You've learned something, we've learned something, you've certainly made my tinkering brain turn with possibilities

You're welcome, thank you, and if you come up with anything please be sure to share!

 

[BunchyMutt]

You're welcome, thank you, and if you come up with anything please be sure to share!

will do! did you try adding foam between the plastic and the bridge?

 

[BunchyMutt]

I'm also wondering if the entire thing is pushing down on the middle strings since there's a curvature and causing fret buzz

 

[CPR4LIFE]

will do! did you try adding foam between the plastic and the bridge?

Yeah, I cut some foam strips that were wider so the foam would stick out on both sides. No luck.

 

[two fingers]

I've tried a few different densities & thicknesses of foam but it just doesn't seem to be working. When I thin the foam so the strings aren't so dead there's a buzzing sound I just can't seem to get rid of. So I guess for now this is a failure....

When asked if his 10,000 failed attempts to make a lasting light bulb were a waste of time, Thomas Edison replied....

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

 

[CPR4LIFE]

When asked if his 10,000 failed attempts to make a lasting light bulb were a waste of time, Thomas Edison replied....

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

I know that's why I said for now...I'll keep experimenting when I can!

 

[Garret Graves]

similar to gruv gear fump

 

[CPR4LIFE]

similar to gruv gear fump

Yeah, I was trying to do something cheaper on my own and also improve upon it. Much of the feedback is that it buzzes or rattles. So far mine does too :/

 

[funkinbottom]

Nice Idea.

similar to gruv gear fump

I dont care for the fump. I feel it way over mutes. I haven't figured out a way to tame it a bit. I think that @CPR4LIFE is more on the right track.

 

[CPR4LIFE]

Nice Idea.



I dont care for the fump. I feel it way over mutes. I haven't figured out a way to tame it a bit. I think that @CPR4LIFE is more on the right track.

Thanks! Just wish I could get it dialed in....

 

[funkinbottom]

Thanks! Just wish I could get it dialed in....

You'll get it. Keep trimming until you achieve the proper tension. Maybe different densities of foam?

 

[CPR4LIFE]

You'll get it. Keep trimming until you achieve the proper tension. Maybe different densities of foam?

I've been trying that...hoping I'll eventually find something that mutes but doesn't buzz...there's a delicate balance in there somewhere!!!