How to make an electric bass sound like an upright in under a minute

Nothing beats a walking bass line with a double bass. Unfortunately, double basses cost ALOT of money. This will convert an electric bass (without hurting it, removable, etc..) to an upright bass (as far as sound goes). It is free too!

Step 1 What you need

You need:
A pair of boxers or other thin fabric
An electric bass

Comments

[Mr.alexc992]

I do the same thing with my acoustic guitar when my room-mate gets annoyed with my playing.....

[tontdoch]

Me again - the position of the sponge determines the tone and damping without losing the tuning.

I know because I just tried it out, lol

[tontdoch]

I think this comment might qualify as an Instructable.

For a single/split pick-up bass all you need to do is to cut a section of sponge to the width of the strings at the bridge and just the right amount of the action.

For the bass to sound acoustic - place the sponge to just after the bridge and pluck at the fret-board.

Using the sponge has the advantage of not affecting the tuning and the bass will not become pregnant.

[bennyb1]

I've been doing this for years with a small piece of soft foam. You can move it closer to, or farther from, the bridge for different damping effect. Works on my jazz, precision, but get a Great wood sound from the electric-acoustic. Try different thicknesses for different damping. Thump on, dude.

[bigredlevy]

For a permanent mod, you could make something like this:
http://www.boxvox.net/images/2008/01/27/compositevolt_2.jpg
The blue pad mutes the strings, and it's mounted so that it can be moved with the lever.

[bassmonkey]

nice idea, but really unattractive, I would use kleen x's or one of those rectangular nail polishers

[buggybunch]

You can always ask your fans for panties. LOL

[JuCo]

i do this sorta thing with my guitar. (of course, smaller strings means i can just use a rubber band)

[bassdale]

packing foam will work and has a better stage presence.

[heyzuphowsitgoin]

True, but I didn't have any of that lying around. Ever seen a simple instructable and not had the right simple things lying around that day to do it? And it did not mean enough to you to do it another day? I wrote this for people who have boxers lying around... Also, depends on what "stage presence" you're going for ;).