One of the problems with tapping is stopping unintended string vibrations. The tapped string will vibrate on both sides of the fret where it is stopped. Typically this isn't audible. What is often audible is that open strings will sound when the tapped string is hit. On dedicated touch instruments such as the Chapman Stick this is often handled by built in dampers that sit
between the nut and the first fret. But what if you are tapping on an axe built for plucking/picking/strumming?The Batten String Damper attaches to the guitar head and mutes strings not stopped at the first fret or higher. A felt pad is attached to a light-weight acrylic head. The head's reach past the nut is adjusted with a nylon thumb-screw. It's tension (pressure on strings) is adjusted with an included hex key. Models exist for 3 X 3 heads and 6-in-line heads. Both models weigh in at a mere 1 oz.
Although the two models are named for specific head configurations they work with most stringed instruments with 1 3/4" or less string spread at the nut. This includes basses and double-strung instruments. In the absence of uneven string height, dramatic neck radiusing or a very wide neck this gadget should work wherever you can find room for it.
2 comments:
Ms. Batten's string damper is attached to the guitar's headstock with a pair of screws. For those who do not want to drill two screws into their headstock, Michael Angelo Batio sells a similar device that attaches without this irreversible damage; no guitar modification at all is required. It's a little more expensive, but is absolutely worth it.
Thanks for the tip. I have never used either product but I can't blame anybody who doesn't want to drill into their headstock. On a guitar I was already modifying I don't think it would bother me but I also own instruments I would not want to do that to.
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