(Not sure if this belongs here of in freehands...it's not really specifically part of freehands, just a general thing -- please move if miscategorized)

So another thing I'm playing with as I just break it back down and make sounds (I'm not even worried about music right now) is exploring basic fretting just to see what kind of different sounds I can pull out of the instrument.

I'm lifting a technique from gamba : with a gamba gamba you actually finger ON the fret, not behind. I'm finding with the stick it changes the sound quite a bit (obviously) since the finger dampens the sound. I'm finding I lose a lot (not all) of the attack "clank" from the initial fretting and the sutain, of course, drops so it's a bit..banjolike maybe

anyone play around with this technique?? ever actually integrate it into practical use?

Absolutely!

Whenever I want a muted sound I play on the fret. It's like palm muting on a guitar.

I think JRJ wrote a whole song (or a part of a song) using that technique.

Another tool in the toolbox. I wouldn't make a style out of it tho. I like the "clank". I prefer to call it the "twank" except when playing in the high register - then it's the "twink". Or the lowest register - the "thunk".

I used to play this way on my good old Rosewood Grand with Rods, but now it's more difficult with my Rails equipped Grand, I have to be more precise on fingerings. But it's still doable with some work, and it sounds awesome.

Yep, the "mute" technique; I love it... mix with speed and a bit of gain with some scaley runs and you have instant shred 'o' rama... Lots of fun!