String Dampeners

[TheAngusBurger]

Wasn't quite sure where to put this, it would fit equally well under gear I suppose. Just curious about everybody's view on using string dampeners? (IE tying cloth around the neck or using a hairband to mute strings) I've started using one a bit, getting into 7 and 8 finger tapping, I find it helps a lot to clean things up.

However, I can't help but feel I'm cheating a little, but that said, if the tools are at my disposal, why shouldn't I use them?

Opinions? This seems to be quite a touchy subject.

[Jack Gardiner]

I asked Andy James about the hair band at Music Live this year. All he said was 'I don't give a **** what people think. I'll use it.'
I get people saying it all the time, that it's a 'cheat', but as Daniele said in an interview (http://www.metallized.it/articolo.php?id=690), it's impossible to dampen efficiently when playing 8 finger arpeggios with distortion.
I think if it's there, use it
I doubt people would say that Greg Howe, Guthrie or Andy James are 'cheats' for using the bobble!

If it makes it sound and feel better, then use it man

[Rick Graham]

Totally agree with Jack and Andy, if you want to use it, use it! Forget about what other people think.

[Jad Diab]

+1

[rubislaw]

I absolutely agree with all of this, but I did notice that when Herman Li announced the winners of the Strings on Fire Competition a few months back he said that he was not in favour of people using them, and so did not vote as highly for these people... Just another angle I suppose

[TheAngusBurger]

I think I value the opinions of Rick, Guthrie, Greg Howe, Alex Hutchings, Damjan Pejcinoski etc. over Herman Li!

[rubislaw]

Oh absolutely!

[Steve Hubbard]

I don't use mine any more, for the most part.. Mainly because I don't do much tapping, especially in a contemp. christian rock band! Hah.. I personally believe that there is no 'cheating' in music, as long as you're expressing what's within..

[Jack Gardiner]

I had a chat with Herman Li at NAMM and he called Damjan Pejcinoski a cheat and that was the reason he wouldn't give him 1st place ;|

[Conor4049]

Seriously? That's pathetic...
I wouldn't like to know what kind of things (or "cheats" as Herman would probably call them) he and Sam Totman get up to when recording in the studio...You only have to look at a few old performances to realise something wasn't quite right.
His opinion i suppose.

Props to them for cleaning up their live act now though - Big improvements!