In a message dated 28/05/03 10:23:31 AM, charter1400@charter.net writes: << If it were easy to mute just individual strings, would you start with no braid, and just try to identify the individual "zingers"? I'm wondering if this would result in more sustain, or a fuller tone, than with braiding entire sections. >> and <<Adding mass could have more side effects (damping soundboard motion); what about snap-on sleeves of some kind?>> Cy; Back when I was in a particuarly anal retentative phase I tried using some small bean bag type thingees in the shop....(velour filed with sand actually) I used various sizes such as one note, three note and six note lengths. So reducing back length noise was simple and easy to move around. The sound, as Ron has said was changed and was a tad fuller overall. Worth the effort?? I am ambivalent but remain open minded on the subject..I hope! :-) String braid does not truly dampen 'all' vibration in the back scale, rather it reduces it by shortening the cycle???....this while still leaving the flexibilty for the board/bridge to work with???? If a particular thingee doesn't need braid then it is 'perhaps' better to leave it out......but doing this should be a well considered and deliberate decision..... My view. Jim Bryant (FL)
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