How to turn down the volume of a GJ guitar

Nejc

So, this week I moved back to my apartment since the university lectures started, and I am having a slight issue (well my neighbors have it). I spend all my day in the library and I get home at about 10-11 PM, and then I usually spend a bit of time playing the guitar. The thing is that if i use a pick the neighbors can hear me and because everyone is sleeping I need to find a way to mute the guitar. Also it really started my nerves since I spend more time thinking if I am being too loud instead of enjoying the playing.

pickitjohn

@Nejc

You could try a piece of Foam pipe insulation just in front of the bridge.
It won't sound the same however it will QUIET THINGS DOWN.

Nejc

seems like a good idea. I was thinking of putting something under the bridge to decrease the amount of vibration (like a violin mute). anyone tried anything like that?

Jazzaferri

A thin slice of soft silicone rubber maybe 1 mm thick should mute it somewhat

Alternatively, make a bridge out of a harder silicone rubber, or other sound dampening material. That will really dampen things down.

Nejc

Gonna try to do that once I have some spare time. I have tried to put some paddding under the bridge (the kind of used under the tailpiece). Now its about 20% more silent, but its still too loud when I play rhythm.

Nejc

I guess I will have to sell a kidney and then buy some acoustic foam.

Jazzaferri

The silicone rubber used in making oven mitts is pretty soft and about 1mm

Dont try and trim it close leave a cm or so all round.

Buco

Try putting some tape over the bridge like that, sucks the sound right out.

anthon_74

I bought a hollow body semi acoustic electric guitar so I could play late at night. Hitting the strings hard is part of the fun of playing gypsy jazz IMHO.

Nejc

Tried the tape thing and it worked perfectly!
Yeah but first I need to get the feel for la pompe since I didnt practice it that much. Still an advice I am gonna try to follow.
Well sadly I sold my electric guitar so I could buy a GJ guitar. At least now with the tape trick I can go hard on the strings!

DragonPL

Putting a sock in it (literlally) works too, underneath the bridge, that is. Used to do that in hotel rooms when practicing for traveling performances, especially in countries that take their siesta at 15:00 seriously ..