I have a cello mute that I used for years to quiet my drone strings. It's a piece of rubber that attaches to the bridge and, I believe, just deadens the responsiveness of the bridge with its mass. It was pretty easy to put on or take off and did make a noticeable difference. Are there similar things that could be used for chanters?
Anna -------------- Original message ---------------------- From: Roy Trotter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > --- Augusto de Ornellas Abreu <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > Hello, > > > > I wonder if any of the makers around has ever fiddled with a design > > for a > > mute for the gurdy, much like the ones violin / viola / cello players > > have? > > I mean, some sort of device that would dampen and lower the volume of > > the > > sound enough for making practice a little more tolerable on those > > around > > you? Because that would certainly help most of us! > > I have found that a couple of spring clamp on the main bridge brings > the volume down to near-saxophone levels. Then you need another on the > Drone Bridge and another on the dog house. The smaller bridges don't > really seem to take the clamps very well and act more like a > launch-rail. I have been advised to try clothes pins (you might find > them at an antique store) or just play better.... Since I live alone > now (no, that's not why!) I'm not really motivated to test much, > anymore. On the bright side I can slouch to my heart's content. > > Later, Roy >
