Who uses the damper?

[Axtman]

Does anyone use the damper on their bass tailpiece/bridge?

[jps]

I have occasionally.

[ram]

I have. Not too often but I have used it. The old cloth under the strings just didn't seem to do it, especially if you want to pick/pluck the strings behind the pickup cover area.

[rickinroma]

I did, until I realised that I could stick together several layers of the adhesive sponge displayed in the link below, until reaching the desired height.
Then you can apply it and take it away in 2 seconds, as needed
https://www.leroymerlin.it/guide-alla-s ... porte.html

I apply it under the strings right before the tailpiece/bridge, and it works better than the RIC damper.

[sloop_john_b]

I did, until I realised that I could stick together several layers of the adhesive sponge displayed in the link below, until reaching the desired height.
Then you can apply it and take it away in 2 seconds, as needed
https://www.leroymerlin.it/guide-alla-s ... porte.html

I apply it under the strings right before the tailpiece/bridge, and it works better than the RIC damper.

This has been my experience too - I like the mute in theory, but it never did the job as well as using an actual piece of foam (which is also easier to add and remove). I had the same experience with a Stingray bass that had dial-up mutes.

[corduroyboy]

Yes, often, especially experimenting with recording; good for 'double bass' or fretless effect as well as note muting.
Live sometimes just on the E and strings - raises the action though, and tuning obviously.
I replaced the rubber mute with a felt one on my current Rick, below- much better.

[jdogric12]

I love using it on my 2020 4003S Plumglo. Sounds as close as possible to an upright. I was playing bass for a local country artist for a little while and used it on a couple of songs.

[Kiddwad57]

It was handy on the fretted, but unnecessary on the fretless.