4001/4003 String Mute

rob · Post by **rob** » Tue Sep 24, 2002 8:10 am

Are these a usefull function, or are these for show? I was thinking of replacing the mute pad on my 4001. (It was gone when I bought it.) I thought it might sound interesting. Comments? Should I or not?

rick12dr · Post by **rick12dr** » Tue Sep 24, 2002 9:04 am

They were not originally for show.If you don't have the mute, replace it only because then the bass will be stock, with all the parts it came with.You know, resale later, dadada.Having it or not won't make it sound any different, unless you use it, which, I'd bet, you won't.

jblakey · Post by **jblakey** » Tue Sep 24, 2002 9:32 am

one interesting effect you can get with it is a sitar effect.. especially on the G and D strings. Raise it up just enough for the strings to buzz a little when plucked and fretted. If there were a Flick-O-The-Wrist switch to go from this position to regular.. now THAT would be useful. Unfortunately it takes a bit of adjusting to get it right. But you can amaze your jamming buddies! See strange expressions! Just tell them it's in your technique.. they'll never know!

iamthebassman · Post by **iamthebassman** » Tue Sep 24, 2002 9:53 am

McCartney used the mute on his 4001S on a few Beatles tunes. As I play in a Beatles tribute band, I use the mute nightly.

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Tue Sep 24, 2002 10:10 am

From my experience mutes tend to mess up intonation. I use foam mutes on my 60's F****r basses. As for my Ricks, I never use their mutes. I'm inclined to agree with Don: if the mute on your 4001 is gone, replace it just so that your instrument is totally stock.

weemac · Post by **weemac** » Tue Sep 24, 2002 6:24 pm

The fretless sitar effect can sound pretty cool, but if you don't use the mute you could also fit the Bartolini 6xv pickup in the mute position.....

levykev · Post by **levykev** » Wed Sep 25, 2002 4:20 am

I agree with keeping it stock, but do you folks have a problem with the mute 'knobs' coming loose over time? If so, how do you deal with it?

markthemd · Post by **markthemd** » Wed Sep 25, 2002 4:47 am

Teflon tape works well , wrap around the threads .

I also use clear nail polish to 'glue' them . With heat or just a good twist , the bolt can come loose . It remains stock in appearance

fireglo · Post by **fireglo** » Wed Sep 25, 2002 8:20 am

"McCartney used the mute on his 4001S on a few Beatles tunes."

On which Beatles tunes did he use the mute?

admin · Post by **admin** » Wed Sep 25, 2002 8:53 am

I'm not completely sure I guess I'll need "A Little Help From My Friends" for starters.

robj · Post by **robj** » Wed Sep 25, 2002 12:37 pm

Sir Paul was known to use a makeshift foam mute on his Hofner at times. I don't know of any specific songs however. I think you can see it on the Revolution video but if it was used during the recording of that song is anyone's guess I suppose. Maybe he used his 4001S on that track? Paul has said people identify him with the violin bass so he used that one more in public, though not necessarily in the studio.

eddier · Post by **eddier** » Wed Sep 25, 2002 4:28 pm

There are pictures of Sir Paul with the foam mute & a capo on the Hofner from around the Revolver sessions. Sorry I don't have them to post. They may appear in the Lewinsohn (spelling?) book "The Beatles in the Recording Studio".

I once read a quote once that said Sir Paul used the Ric w/mute on Paperback Writer & All you Need is Love. IMHO Paperback Writer doesn't sound muted.

And to further "clarify" this topic, George Martin once said that Paul muted the strings with his palm. Glad that is sorted

gpatt5762 · Post by **gpatt5762** » Thu Sep 26, 2002 4:56 pm

So what is the main objection you either
1) experince with the mute, or…
2) hear other players raise?

The main issue I would put out might surprise you- it makes A and D string notes go sharp! Any less force and it doesn't mute the E or G strings at all.

Anyone else have a different take on this?

Garry