String damper thingy.

[RonD]

Hi gang,
Sorry if this has been discussed elsewhere, but I'm wondering about the device I've seen on a number of jazz boxes. I'm presuming it's a damper for the open strings?
If so, does it help with feedback or something?
Are they available?
Oh, and what are they actually called?
Here's one on Herb Ellis' guitar.


Cheers, Ron

[cjm]

It's a George Van Eps string damper. It dampens open strings and can reduce feedback...but obviously they never became popular.

Sort of a great idea that most people don't need.

[RonD]

Originally Posted by cjm

It's a George Van Eps string damper.

Thanks cjm.

[rabbit]

I think Jennifer Batten (sp?) markets one of these now.

[Stackabones]

Originally Posted by rabbit

I think Jennifer Batten (sp?) markets one of these now.

I just had to google that. Pretty cool!

Jennifer Batten Official Homepage - String Damper Evolution

[oldane]

They were popular among some jazz guitarists of the 1950s - like Herb ellis and Jim Hall, but I haven't seem them on photos since.

I have a hard time seeing the need for such a bulky device, as a strip of fabric (or anything else that is soft for that matter) between the strings and the fretboard at the first fret has the same effect. I see more use for it on acoustic gitars, because the length of string between the fretting finger an the nut will vibrate sympathetically, and it may be desirable to dampen it. You won't hear that on an electric guitar.