Feedback buster alternatives...

[Armistice]

Hi there...

Live performance / acoustic guitar question here.

Playing a gig tonight (like in about 8 hours time) in a completely unfamiliar venue with a completely unfamiliar PA and my partner in crime has lost his specially fitted feedback buster for one of his acoustics and can't obtain a replacement in time. Normal ones don't work as the hole is either too big or too small, I can't remember which...

Any suggestions on alternatives to eliminate acoustic howl? The PA guy has specifically mentioned that he'll need a buster, so I'm assuming we'll be playing at reasonable volume...

Thanks

... and if you're in Sydney, Orstraya, @Newtown, tonight from 8..

 

[muttley600]

Dig around in the cupboard under the sink or out in the car wash bucket. Grab a big wash sponge (dry). Shove that right in the sound hole and secure with a little double sided tape if required. Cheaper easier and just as effective.

Oh and tell the sound guy that you decide what gear you use and how you want to use it.

 

[Paulie Jay]

Some people like to stuff cotton wool into the body. I've never done it, so I can't vouch for the effectiveness of this technique.

 

[Armistice]

I think I have such a sponge... thanks for the tip Yoda!

Alternatively I could incorporate the howl (assuming it's in A) into each and every song as a sort of a counterpoint thing...

"This next song was inspired by John Cale's 8 minute viola feedback solo in Sister Ray from the Velvet's live recording of 1969" - given where we're playing this might actually work...

Or I could just tell the sound guy to kill the channel completely so that my playing is highlighted... hmmm - many options..

 

[LDS]

I've used a Nerf ball in a pinch. Real similar to the sponge idea.