Don Lappin: string dampeners heaven or hell?

Don Lappin posted a new track "Forward I ride" on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/donlappin

Don Lappin & The Ernie Ball Music Man Silhouette Guitar


There is always a constant debate on the use of String Dampeners by guitar players... you either one of two camps... I says you are not a real man unless you use you hands to dampen the string, the other says,who cares it's the music that counts... Well this is the view of Don Lappin:

String Damper Response
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This is in response to some negative comments posted on a recent YouTube video about my use of a string damper. I placed it here because there is a 500 word maximum on YouTube text comments.

Hi all, Don Lappin here. If you don't mind I think I will chime in on this. Make no mistake folks, my use of a damper IS NOT a substitute for poor technique or is it used as a "crutch" in any way. You have to understand that just as there are many types of picking techniques, fingerstyle techniques, sweeping techniques, ect... there are also many different tapping techniques. Eddie Van Halen's is one. TJ Helmerich (who's system doesn't require a damper) is another, Jennifer Batten is still another (who uses or used to use a damping device that is bolted onto her headstock). How about Guthrie Govan or Stanley ....Jordan....? Guthrie sometimes uses a damper. ....Stanley.... does not... Greg Howe? He's one of my favorites! Is he cheating? Haha, I don't think so. The truth is they are all fantastic players with unique tapping styles and comparing one to another is like comparing apples to oranges. Some require a damper, some do not. They are ALL great players and create amazing music.
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My particular system is based on a two and two system (two left hand fingers/two right hand fingers) that I've developed and practiced for close to 27 years (I've played for 35). It is also what I teach at Berklee College of Music. My particular technique involves a complete reorganization of the fretboard in terms of scales, triad arpeggios, 7th chord arpeggios, and pentatonics. Much of what I do depends largely on pulling off from one right-hand finger to another right-hand finger. In fact, roughly 75% of my notes are played with my right hand, not my left. Because of this, my right hand isn't in a position where I can effectively mute or dampen unused strings as in traditional playing or some other tapping techniques; especially the A string. Although I can play effectively with or without a damper, I choose to use one. Much of what I play would be very difficult if not impossible to do without the use of one.
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Comment's such as "it's poor technique", "it's cheating" or "it's a lazy approach to playing" is based largely on ignorance of the facts. Do some players use them as a crutch? Yes. However, they are often a necessary tool with some of today's playing. Personally, I prefer to listen to what is being created musically rather than focusing on an issue like this. That's it for me; thanks for listening.
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Don Lappin
Assistant Professor
Guitar Department
Berklee College of Music

I'm really happy to have really well reasoned supporting or counter arguments... let me know what you think... PS comment like n00b and suck will be ignored ;)