$10 RUBBER BRIDGE - Get today's HIT sound - EASY Acoustic Guitar conversion

[@RByrne]

Just a tip for sources of rubber: -stamp pads from craft stores -fan belts for furnaces from a hardware store. This worked perfect for me, and the shape looked nice and finished. -old sneaker soles -tires If there's a gasket or rubber hose, etc, manufacturer or supplier near you, they'll be able to give e you off cuts and probably won't charge you. Thanks for the video!

[@RobertCassard]

Cool 💡 ideas!! Thanks for those suggestions. Many paths up the mountain!🏔️

[@johnclark1000]

Jewelers block definitely gives it what it needed, a little more clarity yet all of the tone required for that vintage sound.

[@RobertCassard]

That's exactly what I think, John. I'm happy to have gone through the exercise, and I'm happy to have a semi-permanent "rubber bridger" that sounds like this!

[@catbutler1343]

I used a hockey puck.

[@dukeofearl4117]

I agree, Jewelers block with effects sounds best. I found 3 old Kays on line. 2 of them will need a tail piece and one already has one.

[@aidenn0de0evil01]

@@catbutler1343 lol that's the most Canadian thing ever!!!!

[@WotanSkyFather]

Honestly that sponge has some really interesting top end harmonics through the pickup!

[@RobertCassard]

Lots of people voting for the sponge!

[@LindseyKyle]

Great stuff Robert! I just tried this and used a hockey puck.

[@RobertCassard]

That makes sense, Lindsey. How well did it work? Any chance you can post a video?

[@0713mas]

I just use my old foam banjo mute between the top and the strings next to the bridge. Seems to do the trick. Slap back delay on the mic and maybe a bit of plate reverb on the instrument, seems to help add to that vintage recording sound. Cool DIY

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for sharing that. Whatever works!

[@dandean2345]

Excellent, thanks Robert

[@RobertCassard]

Very welcome, Dan. It's really working for me. But so is the simple rubber tubing approach I show3ed in the previous video. Check out my cover of John Lennon's beautiful ballad "Julia," where I play two rubber muted acoustics as the main guitars. Here's the whole song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZSVYq2deNOhorM I also made a video showing how I arranged and recorded it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rl7UeqtjnNKgitk

[@dandean2345]

@@RobertCassard that's a lovely version of Julia bravo

[@RobertCassard]

@@dandean2345 Thanks! I liked it enough to release it on Spotify and Apple Music, along with my world music cover of Across the Universe: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpWpdoCqmaaVeqM

[@JonNewquist]

Well executed Robert! Adding compression was an interesting choice, as it restored just a touch of sustain, but the result is a really good tone. I dig it.

[@RobertCassard]

Totally right, Jon. You can hear the converted guitar without compression in the driveway scene, and it does sound significantly more dead. That said, I notice that most of the producers and artists using rubber bridge guitars do use compression. It makes for an interesting controlled attack/quick decay/subtle sustain that still leaves lots of room for vocals and other instruments.

[@MerlotEmbargo]

jeweler's block is definitely my preference! THanks for the great comparison. I've messed around with mutes lately on my parlor, but for a $10 at amazon, I think the jeweler's block is definitely worth a try. Question is, can I make it work on a standard acoustic bridge without a tailpiece. We will see!

[@RobertCassard]

Is your bridge the type that has a hard white plastic, synthetic or bone saddle? I’m curious to know if a piece of rubber from a jeweler’s block would be strong enough to take its place. If not, and if your strings go straight over the current saddle, you could make a slightly lower hard saddle and put a half-round piece of latex tubing over the hard saddle. I using half-round latex on an electric guitar bridge and it worked perfectly

[@MerlotEmbargo]

​@@RobertCassard Yeah, yours and all the pics I've seen have pretty wide bridges; I assume for the mechanical support. Mines a regular old acoustic synthetic white saddle in a wooden bridge; no flying tailpiece unfortunately. I was thinking I might be able to fashion a saddle that's wider than the slot in the bridge, we'll see how I feel about that when the rubber gets here! (My only real floating bridge guitar is my archtop and use that often enough that I don't really want to mess with it too much.)

[@RobertCassard]

@@MerlotEmbargo yes! I think you could make the rubber insert L-shaped when viewed from the side. One part of the L would insert into the saddle slot and the other part would rest on the lower part of the bridge, aiming toward the bottom of the guitar. The goal is to have the strings break free of the new rubber saddle at the same distance from the nut as they do from the stock bridge. Keep me posted whatever you concoct!

[@MerlotEmbargo]

@@RobertCassard will do - I was also thinking i could maybe get some sandpaper and sand the rubber down so it fits nicely on the bridge, kinda the same way luthiers do it with archtop bridges. we'll see!

[@RobertCassard]

@@MerlotEmbargo I'm eager to hear how it works for you! Make a video and I'll send people to your channel to watch it! I'm hoping to explore rubber bridges for electric guitars sometime soon.

[@davidhallowell3457]

very cool. Well done and well explained. Only nit…I think you meant Gerry Rigged…as gerrymandered has a different sense. Great stuff, I’ll be watching more of your content. Cheers

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks David. Yes, gerry rigged, not gerrymandered! Making a rubber bridge isn't a political act! LOL. I'm happy you found my channel.

[@peteranthonyofthefamilybir18]

YES what a GREAT SOUND ❤

[@RobertCassard]

❤I agree. Thanks for watching and leaving your + feedback!

[@rbrock00]

The different block materials are all very close sounding, but the jeweler's block bridge is audibly the best. IMHO

[@RobertCassard]

It’s my favorite overall. The block bridge tames the transients AND causes the notes to decay quickly.

[@georgescannelli3814]

Rubber bridge? Your kidding me- wow!! I never heard of this- I Can see how It would absorb the sound. I need to do that on my stella. It’s great you are showing how to do it-great tip about the jewelers block ( thank you Avalon!). I need to catch up on the other earlier videos regarding the rubber bridge. I notice a huge difference in dampening the sound. Very unique. You always come up with great lessons/tips! Keep them coming. ! Try it through a tremolo. Crimson and clover- I bet it will sound great with the picking. Good show ! Thank you Sir!

[@RobertCassard]

I’m glad you enjoyed this, George. If you want to test getting a rubber bridge tone on any of your guitars, watch my previous video showing the 3 cheap non-invasive options. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIGVY4VsnNSBqNE. The one before that is about the sound and the history…

[@MarkHeaps]

That's really cool! Well done on your daughter knowing about the jeweler's block!

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks, Mark. I'll pass along your compliment!

[@chadromney]

Unplugged, I like the weatherseal best. With effects I feel like I want to spilt the difference between the weatherseal and the true rubber bridge. It all sounds really cool though.

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for listening with a critical ear, Chad. The differences are obvious but the overall effect is similar…

[@michelefrogan7150]

Great video!! Thanks for clarify

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks Michele! Here's the companion video where I used non-invasive techniques to emulate the rubber bridge sound: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIGVY4VsnNSBqNE

[@iuriatanasov]

You kill all sustain Bro!

[@RobertCassard]

That’s the whole 💡 idea! What's the BIG DEAL about RUBBER BRIDGE guitars?! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6e6eqOtob16pqM

[@coffeedudeguy]

Rubber bridge really sounds harp-like, well done to your kids for the suggestions! Could sound interesting when picking the strings with a coin or the back of a textured grip nylon pick. On the opposite end of the audio spectrum, I’ve seen Annie Clark of St Vincent hang a paper clip through the strings to give it a zingy pizzicato type sound.

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks Coffee Dude. Harp-like is a great description of the rubber bridge. As for other experiments in weird and wonderful tones, during that same original trip I took to the hardware store, I bought a small suction cup and a short length of pull-chain intended for a lamp. I plan to mess around with letting the chain hang from the suction cup and across the strings. I expect to get some interesting sitar-like sounds, but who knows? Hadn't thought of paper clips, but kudos to anyone like Annie Clark who's willing to throw away the box in pursuit of never-before-heard sounds.

[@coffeedudeguy]

Thanks to you, I’ll have to figure out a way I can mod my Taylor GS Mini without changing much. Rubber tube will be the first test

[@terryenglish7132]

Harp. Yes, that's the tone.

[@skullheadwater9839]

IDK, never used one but can't you just palm mute and get 90% there and then still be able to play normally?

[@RobertCassard]

You might think so, but I'd say you only get about 60% of the way there, since the rubber preserves more transients than your palm would. The whole idea is that it becomes a whole different type of guitar sound - like a unique instrument. My suggestion is to try one of the inexpensive, non-invasive "rubberizing" techniques I showed in my earlier video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIGVY4VsnNSBqNE It only makes sense to swap out a bridge or buy/make an actual rubber-bridge guitar if you love the tone and it inspires you. I think songwriting inspiration is why so many indie folk artists are hooked on these.

[@donaldnelson8347]

is this nylon stringed?

[@RobertCassard]

Hi Donald. No - steel strings. Flatwound electric strings, as I show at 7:08.

[@dmyers9230]

Excellent for the short sustain, that’s just basically a nylon string guitar sound?

[@RobertCassard]

Similar pizzicato type of attack, but even faster decay than nylon.

[@kimseniorb]

just ordered a similar block and thought the material is a bit too hard, almost no give to the touch. might not deaden the strings at all but I’ll try cutting deeper slots as you suggested

[@RobertCassard]

Yeah, give that a try and please tell me how it works.

[@emodro]

If you're wondering. no a real Old style guitar is not made like this. but this sounds pretty close!

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks! Do you know how the Old Style guitars are made? Please tell us!

[@BenCDaugherty]

I know! It’s a wooden shim that he covers the top and sides with weatherseal or a plumbing rubber seal. It’s basically the same kind of rubber you used but in a thin sheet instead of a block. They sound and function pretty much the same

[@MashaT22]

Really cool! Isn’t there a device made by GruvGear called the Fump Bridge Dampener? I wonder how that would stack up against your solutions. I think it costs $20 if you don’t catch a sale. GruvGear makes several dampening products with different goals. The Fump is supposed to make the types of tones you’re re-creating in the videos you made. Maybe you’d be willing to test the Fump vs. the things you tried? It’s really sold for 4-5 string basses, but I think that’s because the “Fump” sound originated on basses several decades ago and it’s bass players who would typically be interested in that staccato Fumping sound. I’ve heard people say that they use it on their guitars too, but I’ve never seen a video. I would think it should fit a guitar just fine - especially when fretwraps for 4-5 string bass is the same size you’d buy for guitar. I mean, bass strings have a thicker gauge than guitar strings, but I’m fairly sure the Fump is likely super tight to fit thick bass strings near the bridge snugly. I have a feeling it would be tight enough to work on guitar strings - or if it is a tad loose, maybe just a few pieces of tape wrapped around the Fump at the ends and in the middle and/or adding a little more foam or thin, flat rubber piece inside would resolve it. Maybe FretWraps would be willing to send you a sample or sponsor the video, if you want to reach out to them. Either way, I hope you’ll try to make a video because it’s cool to see the different materials and devices that can be used to create similar dampening effects - and how the tones differ. 😉 👍🏻

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for turning me on to the Fump, Masha. Very interesting, and I have no idea how it might work on guitar instead of bass. As part of my wide-ranging rubber bridge explorations and discoveries, I'd love to try one. My approach is always to buy instead of requesting a sponsorship. I never want a freebie to color the honesty of my reviews, unless it's a gift I didn't request...

[@RobertCassard]

Hey Masha. Thought I'd check in again about the GruvGear items I just bought. I got both the FastWrap string muter and the Fump bridge mute. Neither of them works well on acoustic guitar. The FastWrap is designed to tame overtones, but not give a rubber bridge tone. I haven't tested on electric guitar yet, but a number of their endorsees seem to like it for that use. The Fump is designed for bass only. It uses Velcro-like surfaces to mute the strings and they're too far apart from each other to effectively mute guitar strings the way a rubber bridge (or equivalent) does. These will be awesome for my bass though!

[@markbraxton1289]

Try foam rubber in the same way ..nice sound as well

[@RobertCassard]

Pretty much the same as the foam grouting sponge you can hear at 9:08.

[@markbraxton1289]

Yeah I play with bass guitar strings E and A with my 6 guitar strings so 8 string ..and use foam to mute the bass strings a bit like a double bass sound ..muted and slightly staccato...

[@toddmurphy390]

I dont need the rubber bridge i misfinger enough notes and muffle strings inadvertently that it sounds like rubber anyway. Now all i have to do is start plucking the correct string.

[@RobertCassard]

The uniquely muffled sounds of Rubber Todd!

[@icebob8555]

What about a piece of recycle tire?

[@RobertCassard]

Why not?! as long as it's thick enough...

[@terryenglish7132]

That's what I m thinking . I've seen truck treads that fell off in the gutter. Next time I'll bring one home.

[@jimoverly5386]

I have a harmony sovereign, really don't want to destroy any collector value. The strings pass through, from the rear, of the bridge, so, it would need to be removed. Good video, though

[@RobertCassard]

I would NOT put a rubber bridge on your Sovereign. But you could have fun with one of the non-invasive "rubberizations" I explored in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIGVY4VsnNSBqNEsi=8DpOlYyCF-Tv7I6I

[@jimoverly5386]

@@RobertCassard i started with a sovereign, about 1958, shortly after moved to a stratotone. Presently, have 3 harmony acoustics, inc. a h1260, 3 rockets, h48 stratotone ( which tips the scale, at 3.9 lb ). Fantastic instruments. For playing, i use teles, amp is a 20 watt traynor with celestion neo creamback. Btw, what city do you live in, i'm in winnipeg, canada

[@RobertCassard]

Sounds like a great guitar collection@@jimoverly5386 I'm in San Francisco's East Bay. I also have a video marketing software business - I had a long-term client in Winnipeg called Telexperts.

[@randallhaney7909]

Some "Old School Techniques for dead strings .."Look up a live video recording of "Herman's Hermits" "Mrs. Brown You've got a lovely daughter" & The Stampeders" "Sweet City Woman" Never liked the sound myself. But when I had to cover these songs? I faked it; and Just rolled the tone knob off to 0 and palm muted. Haha I have one of those same Stella guitars a too.. But no rubber bridge in her future though LOL

[@RobertCassard]

Ya do whatcha gotta do!

[@randallhaney7909]

@@RobertCassard Yup.

[@terryenglish7132]

That's not a four or sjx string banjo on Hermits ?

[@stoneyhudson]

thank you!!!

[@RobertCassard]

My pleasure. I'm having fun with it every day!

[@AndyMangele]

Even though I fail to see the point in making a guitar sound like a piece of cardboard I found this video highly interesting. 😉

[@RobertCassard]

Glad you enjoyed it, Andy. "Cardboard" is an interesting way to describe the sound. I think you're right! As a songwriter and vocalist, I totally get why these bridges have become a phenomenon. It's like playing a whole different instrument, and the space the fast-decaying notes leave for vocals is like a melody writing "tool." As for instrumentalists, check out Ariel Posen playing a baritone rubber bridge on this clip: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGSmood5nN-gZ80 Or watch this guy's enthusiasm after buying a "new" rubber bridge guitar. After a year in the doldrums, he gets psyched about playing guitar again: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enO7cnxubpWcabM

[@CatGPT_]

so good

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, pandatommy.

[@crisslastname9417]

Rubber bridge! 👍

[@RobertCassard]

Yes sir! Have you tried one, Criss?

[@crisslastname9417]

@@RobertCassard No, I have not.

[@RobertCassard]

@@crisslastname9417 last week’s video showed 3 ways to try it on any guitar. “Get RUBBER BRIDGE tone for $3!” kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIGVY4VsnNSBqNE

[@joseph2832]

Magical? That’s one way to describe it…

[@RobertCassard]

It is for me. But the rubber bridge sound seems quite polarizing...

[@tressel2489]

just file down the existing bridge a bit then glue a piece of bicycle inner tube to it. done

[@RobertCassard]

Seems like it would be that easy, BUT that didn’t work on this floating bridge guitar. Because of the trapeze tailpiece being narrower than the bridge, the low and high E string ball ends aren’t in alignment with their place along the fretboard. With rubber tube over the bridge, there’s too much inward pressure for those strings to stay in the right place.

[@tressel2489]

@@RobertCassard interesting, didn't think of that problem! Never played a floating bridge, but tried the rubber it on an old classical. Thanks for the comment and video

[@tuskedbeast]

I think you meant "jury rigged" when you said "gerrymandered".

[@RobertCassard]

Indeed I did. Although I think of gerrymandering as “messing with” things in hopes of gaining an advantage… not a technically correct definition I’m sure…

[@terryenglish7132]

Its odd how by making a bad sounding guitar worse , it makes it better sounding. The harmonics must be giving away the fact that the guitar sucks , and the rubber masks them. It would seem some ridiculously soft wood like Balsa might work too. Or Paulownia which lacks strong upper harmonics, but sounds good.

[@RobertCassard]

Yes, Terry...ironies abound in the world of rubber bridges. I love how the cheap birch bodies of the old Stellas respond. Even with the standard wood bridge, they have a certain "honk" that sounds retro and bluesy.

[@Frankinsteinguitar]

There's a use for all three variations.....talk about customization.

[@RobertCassard]

The subtle differences are really cool, right? I think they offer a broader tone palette for acoustic guitars that's normally reserved for electric players.

[@jreagle58]

Who needs palm muting!

[@RobertCassard]

Yep, this is "always-on Done-For-You" palm muting. LOL

[@burnwash8174]

Once a fad starts, it's like the floodgates open - stupid idea, my guitars will remain unchanged.

[@RobertCassard]

Rubber bridges have certainly caught on, Burnwash. You may not like them personally, but it's not fair to call them a "stupid" idea, any more that it is to call ANY specific guitar tone or effect stupid. Rubber bridges serve a unique purpose to those who use them, either as a songwriting tool or as an ear-catching sonic element in a production. I use mine sparingly, but the rubber sound is a vibe none of my other guitars achieves. You can hear it at 6:20 in this video, loosely emulating the sound of raindrops: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZa3nKWundGVnKc

[@CyberneticArgumentCreator]

Just leave strings on for a year, same deal. Dead strings are the new hotness apparently.

[@RobertCassard]

Yep, a rubber bridge sounds similar to EXTREMELY dead strings. But by the time they're close to this dead, they'll probably be rusty and breaking. LOL Any kind of rubber bridge or mute gives you instant gratification!

[@terryenglish7132]

? The whole purpose of Stainless Steel is NOT to corrode. If they're corroding, they're not Stainless

[@RobertCassard]

Logic would say you're correct. But certainly dirt and skin cells will dampen them, and I think acidic sweat can do some damage, too.

[@soundssimple1]

the actual rubber bridge ( the block ) is still transferring too much vibration to the guitar top and decaying sound is still coming out the sound hole. I reckon the rubber is too hard and still acting as a 'solid' bridge. maybe something softer to completely deaden the sound ? or maybe there is a whole new industry out there of rubber 'density' options for different end sounds ? soft , medium and hard rubber for differing levels of deadness ? Ultimately I think you should contact JHS pedals and have Josh come up with a pedal and stop screwing around with guitars ! I'll be watching, if a pedal comes out I expect a cut ! idea trademarked and copyrighted right here. July 30th 2023. Go for it Robert !!!!

[@RobertCassard]

I don’t doubt that a “rubber bridge pedal” is already in the works, whether you TM’ed the idea here or not. LOL. As for me, I’m very happy with the jeweler’s block as a bridge. I think the compression in my video’s audio makes it seem like the sustain is longer than it is. That said, I can go as dead as a I want by doubling up on my hardware store mutes! Cheers and thanks for watching and chiming in.

[@fartwrangler]

LOL. This is too funny. Start with a cheesy, cheap plywood guitar, and then add rubber bridge to make it sound even shittier. Next, maybe put a few Willie Nelson style holes in the top, and see if you can find an old rusty set of strings. And if the braces aren't buzzing already, you can toss a handful of bottle caps inside, too.

[@RobertCassard]

That's the spirit, fartwrangler! You, too, can top the charts, but only if your guitar sounds "bad" enough. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6e6eqOtob16pqM

[@RobertCassard]

@@carsoncito03 If you're referring to @fartwrangler, that may be true. As for me, I got my first fuzz box in 1971 - an early Electro-Harmonix Muff Fuzz. It wasn't even a pedal. It plugged straight into the guitar's jack! Sounded awesome...

[@demej00]

Hate the sound, reminds me of a cheap plastic ukulele.

[@RobertCassard]

Rubber bridges are a turn-off to certain people and they’re like a muse to others. What's the BIG DEAL about RUBBER BRIDGE guitars?! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6e6eqOtob16pqM

[@stonkpuppets6393]

Trump 24

[@RobertCassard]

RFK, Jr.🎉

[@joewoodrum5160]

Sorry don't care for that sound, I'll not be converting any of my Guitars.

[@RobertCassard]

Thankfully, no one will force you, Joe! Thanks for watching.

[@SMAWA9]

Oh no.