The dBomb™ Mute features the Slip-on™ Mute connection. The harmonica slips onto your middle or ring finger using an integrated adjustable band. Once adjusted, the custom fit needs no further attention. The Slip-on™ Mute feature puts your hand in position for a perfect combined grip on the mute and harmonica.This grip keeps your free hand available for working the open end of the dBomb™ Mute.
The dBomb™ is a Reversible 4-Way™ Mute. It can be played through the body in a neck forward or sphere forward position. The dBomb™ Mute can also be fitted to the thumb of the hand which also holds the harmonica. In this position the free hand can be used to completely cover the forward end, while the free fingers of the holding hand control the mute airway, Jive™ style. This reverse mute method is most effective for producing sub-woofer tones when paired with low or LL harmonicas. Similarly, the dBomb™ can be use Jive™ style by covering the neck opening while playing and working at the sphere opening. Each method of use produces a variety of tones.
Original dBomb™ Mute vs Jive™
The original dBomb™ mute is played with two hands, whereas the Jive™ uses just one. The Original dBomb™ has a wider and deeper range than any one specific Jive™ mute. It can also be used as a sub-woofer when played Jive™ style with low harps. The Jive™ comes in a number of different sizes to cover the full range of harmonica keys. The Original dBomb™ responds best with harp keys C and lower.
The following response guide was developed by producing distinct effects at holes 1-6 using the listed harmonica keys (Richter). Naturally, each mute will produce some level effect with any harmonica. Consider the following as the designer’s recommendation.
- dBomb™
- Harp keys LLF-C
- The mute effect becomes increasingly limited to lower holes when higher keys are used
- Jive™
- Hand: All keys *The Jive Hand responds similar to standard hand techniques but only require one hand.
- Treb: C-F
- Mid: A-C
- Bass: LF-A
- Woofer: LLF-G
- Lower key harps respond well with higher Jive™ designs, but sound more hollow using the recommended model.
- When higher key harps are combined with lower Jive™ designs the mute effect becomes increasingly limited to lower holes.
- Jive™ Chromatic
- Chromatic harps G-C
- Lucky 13™ all keys
- Accommodates larger size of the Lucky 13™ and its extra low end notes
- The range and tone of the Jive™ Chromatic is comparable to the Jive™ Bass. Richter harps will respond at holes 1-6 in the key of A and lower.
- The opening of the Jive™ Chromatic is wider (more oblong) than other Jive™ models.
