String mutes helpful?

[Mill road barn]

Hi, I'm a beginner and I was thinking about adding string mute pads to my 2022 Music Man Stingray Special 4. Do they make a big difference? And how do I know if I need a kit or can just buy the pads?

I like the sound I get when I mute the strings with my right hand but the way I have to keep my hand on the strings makes it hard to play fast sometimes. I'm so bad at left hand muting. I'm trying to learn how to play like Gary Willis and Pino Palladino if that helps.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Hi, I'm a beginner and I was thinking about adding string mute pads to my 2022 Music Man Stingray Special 4. Do they make a big difference? And how do I know if I need a kit or can just buy the pads?

I like the sound I get when I mute the strings with my right hand but the way I have to keep my hand on the strings makes it hard to play fast sometimes. I'm so bad at left hand muting. I'm trying to learn how to play like Gary Willis and Pino Palladino if that helps.

.
The mutes can make a difference but I've never really used them. The EBMM mute set can't be added to an SR4 Special bridge so you may have to go for an aftermarket kit. I'm not sure what's available but whatever you get will most probably involve drilling holes in the body.

 

[DrKev]

There is a device called "The Bass Mute" which fixes to the body with tape, and it's said to be quite good. The Nordymute and the fump fit on the strings on the strings just in front of the bridge. I homemade my own nordymute-style thing from popsicle sticks and leftover foam from a camera case. It works fine.

 

[danny-79]

A bit of sponge should get you started cheaply and hassle free. ive personally never used mutes, the closest I come is a fret wrap (that’s also something worth considering if your not familiar)

 

[Grugenhagen]

A bit of sponge should get you started cheaply and hassle free.

Yep. It works for Carol Kaye.