If you’re a guitarist, you’ve probably heard of fret wraps. But what do they do? Fret wraps, also known as string dampeners, are adjustable straps that wrap around the neck of your guitar to dampen or mute the strings. They are designed to help you play cleaner by reducing unwanted string noise and ringing.
Fret wraps are particularly useful when playing fast and complex passages that require lots of string skipping or tapping. They can also be used for live recording when you want to keep undesirable noise or ringing at bay. Many guitarists use fret wraps to enhance their playing and achieve a more professional sound.
Understanding Fret Wraps
Fret wraps are typically made of a soft, stretchy material that wraps around the neck of your electric or acoustic guitars. They come in different sizes to fit different neck widths and usually have an adjustable strap to fit snugly without any special guitar modification. When you place a fret wrap on your guitar, it presses down on the strings, muting them slightly. This can help reduce string vibrations or ringing, especially if you’re playing with high gain or distortion.
Guitarists use fret wraps for a variety of reasons. Some use them to eliminate excessive string noise when playing more complex chords or tapping. Others use them to reduce feedback when playing at high volumes. Fret wraps can also be useful when recording, as they can help isolate individual strings and prevent bleed from other instruments.
Overall, a fret wrap is a simple but effective tool that can help you achieve a cleaner, more focused sound on your electric and acoustic guitars. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced guitarist, it’s worth considering adding one to your collection of guitar accessories.
How Do Fret Wraps Work?
Fret wraps are particularly useful when playing with high gain, distortion, or effects that can cause sympathetic resonance and feedback.
When you play your guitar or bass, the strings vibrate and produce sound waves that travel through the air. If you don’t control the vibration of the strings, they can produce unwanted overtones, and feedback. Fret wraps work by applying pressure on the strings, reducing their vibration and controlling the sound.
Fret wraps are easy to use – No complex installation or tools required. Simply wrap them around the neck of your guitar or bass, slide it into position at the first fret, and adjust the pressure to your liking.
Fret wraps are particularly useful when playing open strings, as they can dampen string noise that doesn’t contribute to a clean chord.
Fret wraps come in different sizes and materials, and you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Some fret wraps have padding to provide extra dampening of the strings, while others are made of elastic materials that can fit any guitar or bass. Some popular brands of fret wraps include Gruv Gear, MAB String Dampener, and Gator Cases Fret Mutes.
Benefits of Using Fret Wraps
If you are a guitar player who wants to achieve a clean tone and eliminate pesky string noise or ringing during live performance or studio recordings, then a string dampener muting accessory should be considered. Here are some of the benefits of using fret wraps:
Clean Up Your Tapping and Sweep Picking
Fret wraps are excellent for enhancing your two-hand tapping and sweep picking techniques. They enable you to mute the strings not in use, acting like an extra muting hand for a tapping aficionado.
This prevents unwanted noise, allowing you to concentrate on playing your notes with precision and accuracy. With fret wraps, you can achieve a cleaner sound and eliminate concerns about extraneous noise, ensuring a more focused and enjoyable playing experience.
Improve Your Studio Recordings
Fret wraps are one of the best accessories for recording guitars and bass. They help to produce less string noise and a clean sound that’s ideal for studio recordings. With fret wraps, you can achieve a professional sound that is free of unwanted noise and interference which results in less editing of your tracks to clean them up.
Add Clarity to Your Live Performances
Fret wraps can also add clarity to your live performances. They allow you to play your notes with precision and accuracy, without worrying about unwanted noise. With fret wraps, you can achieve a clean, clear sound that is perfect for live performance.
Convenient and Stylish
Fret wraps are not only functional, but they are also convenient and stylish. They are easy to use and can be quickly adjusted to fit your playing style. Additionally, they come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can choose one that matches your personality and style.
In summary, fret wraps are a useful accessory for guitar players who want to achieve a clean tone and eliminate unwanted noise during live performances or studio recordings. They can improve your tapping and sweep picking, improve your studio recordings, add clarity to your live performances, and are convenient and stylish.
Fret Wrap Brands and Installation
Installation of a fret wrap is a fairly simple process as there’s no tools required. Most designs use either Velcro or an adjustable strap to attach to the guitar neck.
To install, simply wrap the fret wrap loosely around the neck, making sure it covers the strings between the nut and the bridge. Then, fasten the Velcro or adjust the strap until the fret wrap is snug.
It’s important to note that the fret wrap should not be too tight, as this can affect the sound of the guitar. Professional musicians such as Guthrie Govan often use fret wraps for recording and live performances, as they can help reduce unwanted string noise and ringing.
Overall, choosing a wrap comes down to personal preference and specific needs. Consider factors such as design, material, and installation method when selecting a fret wrap that works best for you. With the right fret wrap, you can enhance your playing and achieve a cleaner sound.
Common Concerns and Misconceptions
When it comes to using fret wraps, there are a few common concerns and misconceptions that some guitarists may have. In this section, we’ll address some of these issues and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not to use a fret wrap.
Expensive and Cheating
One common misconception about fret wraps is that they are expensive and that using them is “cheating.” While it’s true that some fret wraps can be pricey, there are also many affordable options available on the market. Additionally, using a fret wrap is not cheating – it’s simply a tool that can help you achieve a cleaner, more controlled sound.
Lead Parts and Cloth
Another concern that some guitarists have is that using a fret wrap will negatively impact their lead playing or that it will damage the finish on their guitar. However, fret wraps are designed to be gentle on your instrument, and they can be easily removed when not in use. Additionally, many guitarists find that using a cloth or other material to mute their strings can be more damaging to their guitar than using a fret wrap.
Poor Technique and Hair Ties
Some guitarists may worry that using a fret wrap is a crutch for poor technique, or that they can achieve the same effect by using a hair tie or other similar item. While it’s true that proper technique is important for achieving a clean sound, there’s nothing wrong with using a fret wrap to help you get there. Additionally, hair ties and other items may not be as effective as a dedicated fret wrap, and they can also cause damage to your strings over time.
Practice and Appearance
Finally, some guitarists may worry that using a fret wrap will make them look like a beginner or that it will hinder their ability to practice effectively. However, many professional guitarists use fret wraps regularly, and they can be a valuable tool for both practicing and performing. Additionally, fret wraps come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can choose one that matches your personal aesthetic.
In conclusion, there are many misconceptions and concerns surrounding the use of fret wraps. However, when used properly, a fret wrap can be an amazingly effective tool for achieving a cleaner, more controlled sound on your guitar. Don’t be afraid to try one out for yourself and see how it can improve your playing!
Fret Wraps in Live Performances and Recordings
In live performances, fret wraps can help you achieve a cleaner sound because they effectively cut overtones and sympathetic resonance during recording. This is particularly important when playing in front of an audience, as it can be distracting and take away from the overall quality of your performance. With fret wraps, you can fine-tune the pressure and dampening of the strings to achieve the desired level of muting.
In recordings, fret wraps are a must-have accessory for studio recording. They can effectively cut overtones and sympathetic resonance during recording, which can help you achieve a cleaner take without the unwanted string noise or ringing. Fret wraps are especially useful for studio sessions, where every take counts and you want to achieve the best possible sound quality.
Fret wraps can also be used during guitar lessons, as they can help students achieve a cleaner sound and focus on their technique. By reducing the unwanted string noise, students can hear their playing more clearly and improve their overall sound.
Overall, fret wraps are an essential accessory for guitarists who want to achieve the best possible sound quality in their live performances, recordings, and lessons. By reducing unwanted string noise and sympathetic resonance, fret wraps can help you achieve a cleaner sound and improve your overall playing experience.
